Continued from page C36

boats. “Today, personal watercraft numbering in the thousands — including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, swimmers — make up the majority of water traffic. What would be the cost of saving just one [person from] drowning?” Both Silva and Singer also argue that the bill could hurt property values.

“Imposing a charge for docks would be akin to paying another mortgage,” Singer said. “A home’s value is a function of how much a monthly payment one can afford. By essentially doubling the monthly carrying cost of homes affected by S.B. 152 can only reduce how much one can afford to pay.”

Singer’s concern is the bill could allow the State Lands Commission to charge the $4.50 per square foot it charges for the cantilever decks for the docks, many of which extend out to the water 60 feet. He believes the State Lands Commission could charge up to $16,000 a year for some homes.

Pavley’s office noted that the State Lands Commission will base the rent on property values, and that the benchmark for Huntington Harbour will be only about $400 a year, even for the most expensive of the multimillion-dollar houses that line the water.

According to Pavley’s office, the bill will raise about $2.25 million over 10 years for the state. As it’s currently written, the bill doesn’t allow the state to interrupt existing leases. Any leases in effect as of July 1 cannot be charged rent until the lease runs out, or for those who submitted an application to build a dock by March 31, until that lease expires in 10 years, Pavley’s aides said.

Curtis Fossum, executive director of the State Lands Commission, which has sponsored the bill, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Got a real estate story to tell? Email DON JERGLER at djergler@gmail.com.