Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that demolition of the former Beverly’s restaurant at the Bantam Lake State Boat Launch in Morris will begin next week. The boat launch and parking lot will be closed beginning Monday April 29, and will reopen once the project is complete. It was previously announced the boat launch would reopen on May 3rd but that date may now have to be extended. In addition to the demolition work, DEEP staff will be installing new marina docks and an improved anchoring system.

“We realize the special place that Beverly’s occupies in the town of Morris and surrounding communities,” said Matt Fritz, Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. “Unfortunately, time has taken its toll on the building and the cost to restore it is simply too high. Our primary purpose in purchasing this property has always been providing access to this beautiful lake and that emphasis has not changed.”

In preparation for the work, booms will be placed in the water this week as a precaution and heavy equipment will arrive as early as Friday. Once work begins, workers will make every effort to salvage – and reuse – as much of the building as possible. An announcement will be made once the demolition work is complete and the boat launch and parking lot reopened.

Background

DEEP purchased the Beverly’s Marina property in November 2011 for approximately $1.9 million. The purpose of the purchase was to secure public access to the state’s largest natural lake and to work closely with other stakeholders to manage the lake’s natural and recreational resources.

Following the purchase, DEEP formed the Bantam Lake Advisory Committee in order to work closely with the surrounding communities to better manage the lake. The committee consists of:

• DEEP staff
• Bantam Lake Patrol
• Bantam Lake Protective Association
• Morris First Selectman
• Litchfield First Selectman
• DEER Island Association
• White Memorial Foundation
• One member at large

Logo courtesy Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection