Byram Marina to Improve ADA Accessibility Ahead of Boating Season

The town of Greenwich is completing ADA upgrades at Byram Marina in time for the start of boating season on April 15.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:38am

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The town of Greenwich is working to make the Byram Marina ADA-compliant ahead of the upcoming boating season, which begins on April 15. The project, which is being carried out by Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman Inc., includes installing a longer gangway, wider docks in select areas, and minor layout adjustments. The work is expected to be completed before the marina reopens in the spring, and the town is committed to ensuring the facility is accessible to all residents.

Why it matters

The ADA upgrades at Byram Marina are in response to a 2018 complaint filed with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) alleging the town's failure to provide an ADA-compliant boat slip. The town has since worked with the U.S. Department of Justice to increase accessibility at the marina, demonstrating its commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and providing equal access to public recreational facilities.

The details

The ADA project at Byram Marina went through the town's capital improvements process, with Request for Bid #7891 issued in early January 2025 and a response deadline of February 13, 2025. Addendum 2 of the RFB clarified questions about liquidated damages related to the project's substantial completion dates in March 2026. The vendor selected for the work is Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman Inc.

  • The ADA project at Byram Marina is scheduled to be completed before the start of boating season on April 15, 2026.
  • Work on the ADA upgrades began after November 15, 2025, when the regular boating season ended.
  • The town posted on Facebook on October 15, 2025, announcing the upcoming construction work at Byram Marina to install ADA-accessible slips.

The players

Byram Marina

A public marina operated by the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, with approximately 170 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 26 feet in length.

Paul Cappiali Senior

A Greenwich resident who filed a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) in 2018, alleging the town's failure to provide an ADA-compliant boat slip at Byram Marina.

Paul Cappiali Junior

The current harbormaster of Greenwich, who did not respond to a request for comment regarding the 2018 complaint.

Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman Inc.

The vendor selected to carry out the ADA upgrades at Byram Marina.

Vanessa Avery

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut who announced the town's agreement to increase accessibility at Byram Marina in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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What they’re saying

“Among the most important protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act are those ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to public services, including recreational activities such as boating.”

— Vanessa Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut

“You have my assurance.”

— Alan Barry, Former Commissioner of Human Services

What’s next

The town of Greenwich is committed to ensuring the ADA upgrades at Byram Marina are completed before the start of the 2026 boating season on April 15.

The takeaway

The town of Greenwich's efforts to improve accessibility at Byram Marina demonstrate its commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and providing equal access to public recreational facilities for all residents, regardless of their physical abilities.