July 4th set for showcase of changes
By JAMES CRAVE
Norwich, Conn – Gary Joyal, the new owner of the Marina at American Wharf, has big plans for his latest acquisition, including a block party on July 4, 2012.
We have some good things planned, Joyal said Tuesday by phone from his office in Plymouth, Mass. The biggest thing is to get the marina back to where Ron (Aliano) left it off.
One of the first changes Joyal will put in place is to restore the fuel facilities at the marina’s docks. Also on the agenda is cable service for boat owners, repaving the grounds and landscaping that will bring it back to its original appearance.
We’re looking at plans to winterize the restaurant so it can stay open year round, he said. My focus will be to showcase the property next Fourth of July for the community.
The Marina at American Wharf was the dream of city developer Ron Aliano, who first broached the idea of a state-of-the-art marina in the mid-1980s. He entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the Hollyhock Island property at the mouth of the Yantic River. Aliano, who died in 2009, also started and built American Ambulance Service, the parent company of the marina. The acquisition of the property was finalized Monday, the second anniversary of Aliano’s death. As part of the closing, the Aliano family presented the new owner with a gift, the floating boathouse built by Aliano at the marina.
Working with the city officials and the members of the Aliano family was a pleasure, Joyal said. It was kind of like doing business the old-fashioned way.
Joyal, who also runs a charitable organization aimed at helping children, said he wants to involve Norwich children in that process as well. The organization, $100 for 100, provides help to children in need.
This year I will financially assist more than 5,000 children in 20 states, he said. I want to tie the city of Norwich in so that any additional money raised for the Fourth of July kickoff can also be used for Norwich children nominated for help.
Mayor Peter Nystrom Monday, said that, since Joyal Capital Management owns the Marina Towers property, they now will have a unified control of the entire property.
We’re very happy that the transaction is complete, Nystrom said. Joyal assumed the original lease held by Aliano.
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