dcsculler
evenevan
The Anacostia Marina site is being transformed. According to other boathouse mates, it would seem that this week the unmistakable blue building, a landmark on the Anacostia, is finally coming down. Along with the pilings being pulled up, this will mark the end of a somewhat storied history for the the blue building and the Anacostia Marina. Originally opened in 1972 and known as Tommy’s for owner Thomas C. Long the marina was a destination for some of the biggest yachts on the Potomac, especially when in need of repair. The facility served as a boatyard having the facilities to haul out vessels up to 65 feet in length. In 2000, the facility was shuttered after Long plead guilt to violating the Clean Water Act. Apparently, Long had been dumping oil and other solvents in the already unhealthy river for some time. Long has also turned the site into a junk yard of sorts for old boats, refrigerators, boat parts, and other trash. Some boats were allowed to sink causing oil spills. When the City had the river bottom mapped in 2007-08 timeframe, several sunken boats were found in the area. The National Park Service attempted to reopen the facility in 2006 under concessionaire Guest Services Inc. For a time the facility looked alive with a good bit of activity going on, but the facility never reached capacity, nor was it improved. Eventually the land conveyed to the District of Columbia under a larger Federal land transfer deal that concluded in 2008. Soon after conveyance, the City terminated the lease with the concessionaire.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | anacostia marina, anacostia river, Boathouse, DC, Federal Land Transfer, Thomas C. Long, Tommy's
