MARBLEHEAD — After waiting since 1968, advocates finally got a thumbs-up from Town Meeting on a pier into Salem Harbor off Stramski Way.
It's not quite a done deal, town officials said.
"They have to go to the Conservation Commission," Selectmen Jim Nye said. "There are a few hurdles yet."
Nevertheless, Tuesday's Town Meeting vote in favor of the project was substantial, despite concerns over increased traffic and a negative impact on the nearby Gerry playground.
The proposed public pier is slated to be 200 feet long with two floats, 40 feet by 10 feet.
"The pier is something for everyone to enjoy," said Gary Gregory of the Harbors and Waters Board. The cost of the project — $220,000 — will be paid out and maintained by Harbors and Waters, which obtains its funds through mooring fees.
The pier, Gregory added, will give easier access to Salem Harbor waters for boaters. But not everyone was happy about that.
"That dirt road (Stramski Way) cannot handle more cars," said resident Murray Goodman, who lives on the road. "Harbors and Waters solution — pave paradise and put up a parking lot."
Walter Haug of the Conservation Commission described the area as "a peaceful oasis." He urged consideration for the environment, giving the example of endangered right whales before adding that a pier "is for our comfort and convenience. It's not a necessity."
But proponents saw a class conflict.
"What you're saying," said resident Pam Derringer, "unless you join a yacht club, boating is not for you."
"I promise no right whales will be hurt by what I'm going to say," said Jay Michaud of the Harbors Board. He insisted that all Marbleheaders should be able to take advantage of the town's storybook harbor. "I think anybody that lives on Humphrey Street ought to be able to use their boat."
The plan to build the pier passed overwhelmingly.
In other Town Meeting business:
r A proposal to put a second floor of offices on the retail stores on Humphrey Street known as Beach Bluff got a thumbs-down for the second consecutive year. Worries about traffic and parking were cited.
r More than $1 million for storm drains, sewers and water construction was quickly approved.
r The plan to buy the Angenica property on Longview Drive was rejected for the third time.
r More than $750,000 was appropriated for new equipment like police vehicles and highway trucks.
r Regulations requiring the fire chief to be a resident were rescinded — many current members of the department live outside Marblehead, often for financial reasons.
r An article calling for the purchase of the former WESX radio property on Naugus Avenue was indefinitely postponed.
r Winning easy approval were two school articles: one calling for $400,000 to plan the upgrade or replacement of Glover School, and one devoting nearly $22 million to renovate Village School, including its heating system. The state will very likely lower these bills by contributing 40 percent of the cost. Both will be on the ballot this spring as temporary overrides.
