New marina coming to Pontoosuc Lake

PITTSFIELD – A new attraction will be opening up on Pontoosuc Lake this spring.

Pittsfield contractor Scott Graves has purchased the YMCA’s old Ponterril Marina building on North Street, which he is currently in the process of renovating into a marina and private boat club.

“I’ve always wanted to have a place on the lake,” said Mr. Graves in comments to The Beacon, describing the project as a dream of his.

The owner of Scott Graves Construction, Mr. Graves purchased the building from the YMCA last summer for $10,000.

“The building needed significant repairs to it, and we just didn’t have the financial means to do that,” said Randy Kinnas, CEO and executive director of the Pittsfield Family YMCA, when asked by The Beacon why the YMCA had sold the building.

The Ponterril Marina has been closed down since the early 2000s.

“I was very fortunate and lucky to be the one they decided to pick to sell it to,” said Mr. Graves, adding he’d spent two years calling the Y about the building before they agreed to the sale.

Mr. Graves has ambitious ideas for the former Y facility. Planning to call the marina and boat club he’s setting up there The Rusty Anchor, Mr. Graves expects to offer a variety of services and entertainment options to its members.

“There’ll be year-round fun,” he said.

The new facility will feature approximately 500 feet of aluminum docks and will provide 45 moorings for sail boats and 20 spaces for motorboats. Mr. Graves, however, doesn’t intend for the club to be solely aimed at boat owners.

“You can have a boat or you don’t have to have a boat,” he said. “There’s a fee for the building and a fee for docking boats.”

In terms of the amenities he plans to offer, Mr. Graves said the second floor will feature a banquet hall members will be able to use free of charge. Jet skis, snowmobiles, paddleboats, canoes, ice augurs and gas grills will be available for rental. The building will also feature a juice and soda bar and video game machines, as well as pre-made grinders.

“The club won’t be serving alcohol, but you can bring your own,” said Mr. Graves, although he said they might consider getting a liquor license down the road.

The Rusty Anchor will be Mr. Graves’ first foray into the marina business, but he believes the knowledge he’s gained from running his own construction company, as well as his experience as a boater, will make The Rusty Anchor a success.

“I will probably do it 100 percent myself until I’m comfortable [with the business’ performance],” he said.

Mr. Graves expects The Rusty Anchor to open its doors around May 15.

“If you’re at all interested in joining the club, sooner is better,” he said.

The club is aiming to offer 50-60 family of four memberships. Those interested should contact Mr. Graves at (413) 446-9300.

Posted by Bera B. Dunau on March 7, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry