Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc.

Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc.

The clinic represents Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc., a start-up not-for-profit organization. As CDBI's start-up counsel, the clinic drafted and finalized organizational documents for its successful 501(c)(3) application.

CDBI hopes to operate a boathouse, located on the New Haven waterfront in an area known as Long Wharf. As in many cities across the country, mid-20th century highway construction disrupted the connection between the City of New Haven and its waterfront. In the words of former Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., "For over five decades-since the construction of Interstate 95 along New Haven's harbor-our city has been cut off from one of its greatest natural resources, the New Haven Harbor. The construction of the Boathouse at Canal Dock takes steps to remedy that and will provide residents and visitors to New Haven the opportunity to enjoy the harbor and water recreation." CDBI endeavors to provide a waterfront promenade, boat storage, transient slips, and a handicap accessible ramp for canoes and kayaks, as well as a welcoming gathering place in New Haven's diverse urban environment. Community members who usually lack access to water sports and activities, from local youth to disabled veterans, will have access to the resources, services and programming that CDBI hopes to offer.

In addition to serving as start-up counsel, the clinic represents CDBI in connection with a complex long-term lease, through which CDBI plans to rent the boathouse from the City of New Haven, which is constructing the boathouse and the platform on which it sits. In addition, the clinic represents CDBI in connection with a sublease to the University of New Haven, which will use a portion of the boathouse to house its maritime sciences program and to provide educational programming related to the New England waterfront and Long Island Sound.