Stonington PZC approval aids restoration of racing yacht Doris
Stonington — The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a permit that will allow Snediker Yacht Restoration LLC of Pawcatuck to expand to a 9,460-square-foot building at 35 Campground Road in Old Mystic.
The commission’s unanimous approval of a change in use for assembly wood working will provide the space the firm needs to continue its restoration of the 78-foot-long racing yacht Doris, a vessel recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 111-year-old yacht is the largest surviving wooden boat from the Rhode Island-based Herrershoff Manufacturing Co.
Taylor & Snediker Yacht Restoration currently is located at 22 Mechanic St., Pawcatuck, and the new location doubles its size.
“The Doris is one of the most important boats of its era,” First Selectman Rob Simmons said, “and it is great to see that the restoration work will continue here in Stonington. Snediker Yacht is an important local maritime business and we value the work they do, and the jobs they provide.”
The commission had amended the zoning regulations earlier this year, paving the way for the proposal.
“The commission’s charge is to make sure projects like this do not have adverse impacts, especially to groundwater resources,” said John Prue, commission chairman. “The applicant did an excellent job outlining the best management practices that they will use and the spill prevention planning that they presently have, and will have, in place.”
At the commission’s Aug. 16 meeting, members asked questions about safety practices, waste removal and spill management before approving the zoning permit.
There will be no change to the site and only minor alterations are planned for the building.
The badly deteriorated Doris arrived in Pawcatuck last September after being saved from demolition by a new owner that wishes to remain anonymous.
Past restorations of the boat had failed.
Crocker’s Boatyard of New London, where the ship was kept for years, and Mystic Seaport are credited with putting together the opportunity for the new owner to buy the historic vessel.
Snediker Yacht Restoration principal David Snediker, who could not be reached for comment, has said the project means his firm will increase the number of its employees from eight to 12 or so, and probably as many as nine of them will be working full time for the next five years on Doris.
The firm also is expected to employ dozens of subcontractors, such as metal fabricators and cabinetmakers.
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