Nahant Life Saving Station debate ends without resolution

NAHANT – Short Beach neighborhood residents called for alternative rental ideas for the Nahant Life Saving Station at a public forum Thursday night.The meeting at Town Hall was to provide “a conversation” so the town could find common ground on the issue of how to use the station to generate enough income to preserve the historical building, said Mike Manning, Chairman of the Board of Selectman. The Nahant Preservation Trust, charged by the town with the upkeep of the station, put operational costs at $18,000 a year.?It became clear that there was a lot of contentious arguments being advanced about why a particular opinion ought to prevail,” said Manning. “There are friends and neighbors of ours who are arguing amongst themselves.”Neighbors like Paula Kohler argued that the attendees at the large functions held at the station were leaving trash, parking in the neighborhood, urinating in public and keeping neighbors up at night.?Why must we have such large events that impact the neighborhood?” asked Christine Johnson, who suggested “reasonable” family events only at the station.Neighbors said criteria on the rental agreement that allowed for only 40 parking spaces and events that ended at 10 p.m. were in violation of the agreement.?I like seeing activity there but at the same time I?m conflicted,” said Laurie Giardella. “I hear the bass when I?m trying to put my son to sleep. Even if it?s 10 p.m., it?s still annoying when that?s what you have to hear. Let?s look at what the various options are ? so people don?t feel like it?s forced on them, especially when they live so close to the station.”Preservation Trust member Roz Puleo called on the neighbors to make a positive contribution instead of complaining by suggesting alternatives. “We have to build up an income, and the only way we can do it is by functions. If you can suggest any other way to keep it off the tax payers, then go for it.”Some residents threw out suggestions. Nancy Peters suggested forming a club and making use of the garage next to the station where members could pay dues to use it.?It?s really legitimate to consider smaller groups,” said member Emily Potts. She suggested the station should be used for more yoga classes. “They don?t drink and their music is really soft,” she added.Other suggestions for using the space were for a writer?s or artist?s retreat and a youth center.There was no final agreement or decision made at the forum as Manning promised, but there will be a similar meeting held next month.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].