Local News

Marina Facility Still Closed After Fire

(New Buffalo, MI) - The transient marina office run by the City of New Buffalo is closed indefinitely because of a fire.  The August 28 fire, believed electrical in nature, did not cause any damage to the outside of the building.  However, there was quite a bit of damage to the electrical system, insulation and other materials in the attic, said New Buffalo Police Chief Rich Killips.  Killips said electrical service to the over 20 boat slips in the marina has since been restored.

 

When the building will reopen is not known right now.  “It’s closed at the moment while they determine the damage and what needs to be repaired,” said New Buffalo City Manager Dave Richards.  Killips said the source of the fire was a ventilation fan overheating above the ceiling in one of the bathrooms.  He credited a quick response by firefighters from the City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Township for keeping the flames from spreading further after receiving the call about 10 a.m.

 

Richards said the building provides restrooms, showers along with a washer and dryer for boaters docked in the transient marina for short stays in the community.  Two portable restrooms were placed on the west side of the building for use by boaters until the facility reopens.    The building erected in 1994 also houses an office the city uses for doing

things like Issuing slip rental permits.  Killips said people can still obtain slip rental permits from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

 

Cost of repairs was still being tallied but estimated the fix at well over $10,000.  “The city engineers are working with the city’s insurance company to assess the damage and come up with a plan moving forward for the building,” Killips said.

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