Petition fails to extend Lynn Ferry

LYNN – Boston Harbor Cruises representatives are flattered by the loyal ridership the Lynn Ferry has gained in its inaugural season, but the company has informed riders that it cannot further extend its first-season service.”Unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to make any additional extensions and the service will end for the season on September 26th,” wrote Alison Nolan, a principal with the cruise company, in a letter to riders.In August, more than 200 ferry riders signed a petition asking BHC and the Lynn Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, which partner on the ferry project, to extend service at least into October.”We definitely can’t do it this year,” said EDIC Executive Director James Cowdell.Like Nolan, Cowdell said he has been thrilled with the response to the ferry but said the season’s deadline has already been extended once and that is all that is possible this year.Launched in May, the ferry is a two-year pilot program being funded by the state. Initially it was to end for the season on Sept. 12, but that date was extended to Sept. 26.Sheila Ercolini helped spearhead the petition drive.”While the whale watching runs through Oct. 12, those cruises are often cancelled by weather, rough seas or lack of interest,” Ercolini said. “I am disappointed.”Cowdell said while it’s not going to happen this year, making the ferry a year-round proposition “is our ultimate goal.”In her letter, Nolan said she appreciated the “kudos and suggestions” that riders sent her way throughout the season, including the petition.”The petition is so well done and your efforts provide strong evidence that the service is working, needed and, as many of you put it, ?Loved!’ and from BHC’s point of view, that certainly makes us smile,” she wrote.She also encouraged riders to make their support of the ferry known not only in Lynn but in their own communities as well.Ercolini, a Revere resident, has said that she tells everyone they need to take advantage of the ferry, and when the Cetacea sets sail again in May, she said she will be there, “on the dock for the first sailing ? come H or high water.”