Riverfront Controversy Comes to a Compromise

A petition to save Hannibal's Marina falls short, but the ripple effect produces compromise. 

The petition to keep the marina in its current location lacked sufficient numbers to be valid, according to City Clerk Angel Zerbonia.  The numbers were revealed at Tuesday's Hannibal City Council meeting.  Zerbonia says the Save the Marina group submitted a petition containing 1,242 signatures, of which 932 registered voters were verified.  A minimum of 1179 valid signatures was required.

Parks and Recreation Director Andy Dorian updated the council on the revised plan, which would see a marina constructed at the south end of Nipper Park.  Dorian says a recent meeting with the citizens group "Save Hannibal's Marina"  was productive.

Alan Bowen was on hand representing the group.  He feels the compromise is acceptable to many of the group's members.  The original plan approved by the council called for eliminating the marina entirely.

Andy Dorian told the council the city will continue to seek input from the "Save Hannibal's Marina" group and other interested citizens as the riverfront plans are implemented.  The renovations will provide additional docking space for large riverboats as well as many aesthetic improvements.