Len LaCara

@LenLaCara

Irondequoit Supervisor David Seeley has changed his mind about Pokémon Go players at the Sea Breeze boat launch.

In a statement posted to an Irondequoit Facebook group Monday, Seeley said he no longer opposes "PokeStops" at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park.

On Friday, Seeley said the crowds that flocked to the park looking for rare game creatures had become an issue and that he would ask the game's designer to remove the three PokeStops from the boat launch.

Monday, he wrote that after discussions with Police Chief Richard Tantalo, nearby businesses and players, he is "confident that we can manage this extraordinary influx of visitors at the site for the duration of the summer. For that reason, I have rescinded my request to the game manufacturer that the site by the boat launch be removed."

"It's not the most ideal spot but we will manage it and make sure people are safe," Seeley said in a phone interview.

Seeley said he was not bombarded with complaints but said he did hear from people explaining why they like the game and why they enjoy going to the park to play it. He said he has played Pokémon Go himself, though not often and not well.

Here is the full text of the post:

The normally busy summer months at the Sea Breeze corridor in Irondequoit have seen an additional influx of visitors to the area, particularly brought on by the popularity of Pokémon Go. While we welcome the additional visitors to our gem that is the bay, this has presented challenges with regards to both parking and ensuring that public roadways are clear and safe for both pedestrians and motorists.

The area where players are congregating is not your typical park. Rather, it is the dead end of Culver Road that is adjacent to the busy boat launch parking lot. To me, it’s not a question of whether people should play the game in the area (of course they have a right to); rather, it is whether or not this congested location is the most appropriate spot.

It was never, however, my intention to suggest that we don’t want people visiting the park and surrounding area, and I regret if that is the impression that some were left with. I believe this game is a fun, intriguing tool to help individuals, young and old, socialize and connect with one another. I have discussed the matter with Police Chief Tantalo, neighboring business owners, as well as players of the game at the bay outlet, and am confident that we can manage this extraordinary influx of visitors at the site for the duration of the summer. For that reason, I have rescinded my request to the game manufacturer that the site by the boat launch be removed.

Public safety must always be paramount in guiding our efforts. The lack of public parking continues to be an issue, and one that we will look to address as we work with the state to enhance the Bay Marine Park. The Irondequoit Police Department will continue working with the sherriff’s office to enforce parking regulations and keep the area as safe as possible.

I thank all visitors in advance for their ongoing cooperation and encourage them all to patron the many great businesses in the area.

LLACARA@Gannett.com