In response to the complaints of some property owners along a stretch of the Lake Ontario shoreline, the Irondequoit Town Board has passed an ordinance restricting boating activities in the area. The image shows the area that has been restricted.

No vessel may be anchored, moored, or joined together with any other vessel not “underway” as defined in this local law within the following described area of Lake Ontario:
The area of Lake Ontario bordered by the west side of the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier three hundred feet (300 ft.) from the shoreline, the entire shoreline running west from the west side of the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier continuously along the shoreline to the east property boundary of number 186 Lake Bluff Rd., from the point at the east property boundary of 186 Lake Bluff Road 300 feet north into the navigable water of Lake Ontario and then directly east across the open navigable water to the point on the west side of the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier three hundred feet (300 ft.) from the shoreline.

The Democrat & Chronicle reveals that some of the boaters that use the area trespass on the shore. The parties and noise also interfere with the property owners use of their cottages and beaches. Both Town Supervisor Mary Joyce D’Aurizio and the Irondequoit police department have not responded to our requests for an interview.

The town police have no boat patrol. They can only enforce the law as necessary on the shore. The Sheriff’s boat patrol would be responsible for enforcing the restrictions on the lake.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard, Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Jorgansen, told us that they would have no enforcement authority in the area. They have looked at the zone and concluded that it is not part of a restricted area where they would have responsibilities. Such areas would include a navigable channel or a security zone offshore of a nuclear power plant.

As worded and punctuated, the ordinance prevents property owners from anchoring their own boats offshore of their property. It also prevents those same property owners from tying their boats up to docks on their property.