The weeknight absence of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen in downtown Annapolis is being felt by the businesses.
“It?s noticeable, like losing a few regulars, but it?s not something that will close the doors,” said Fintan Galway, general manager of Galway Bay Irish Pub and Restaurant on Maryland Avenue, about three blocks from the academy.
Two months have passed since Superintendent Vice Adm.Jeffrey Fowler instituted new policies that have midshipmen on campus studying and eating their meals instead of perusing the city.
Business owners and leaders groaned when the policies were first announced, but many have dealt with the change.
“We got used to seeing a lot of [midshipmen] on Fridays around 6 p.m., and now we don?t see as many,” said Mark Colberg, general manager of Ram?s Head Tavern on West Street.
“We?d like to see their business, but it?s something we?ll have to make do without.”
Various other businesses said the absence of midshipmen has meant fewer customers, but they were not the bulk of their livelihood.
U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., raised concerns about the economic impact to Annapolis during last month?s Board of Visitor?s meeting.
The academy?s job is to train future Naval and Marine Corps leaders, and that required more time studying and less distraction, said Fowler during the meeting.
While businesses have objected to the change, there has been some restraint as leaders try to balance the needs of the economy versus the needs of the nation?s defense.
“The Naval Academy is an important partner to the city and the county,” said Bob Burdon, president of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce.
“We?re going to see an impact. But can we as citizens make judgments if the superintendent is making the right decision? We can?t. We don?t know what he?s dealing with.”
