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Residents Voice Duck Boat Concerns

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia's managing director got an earful last night when he met with residents about a plan that could put Duck Boats in the Schuylkill.

"The presumption of granting this concession is ridiculous."

"Ridiculous" was one of the kinder appraisals as residents lined up to voice their displeasure over the city's request for proposals for amphibious vehicle tours of the Lower Schuylkill.

"They are very loud, very noisy, they are very polluting."

"I hate the noise, I think it's obnoxious"

"I think the boats themselves are dangerous."

The request for proposals went out because, after last summer's tragic accident on the Delaware, the city talked with duck boats about moving to the Schuylkill and officials decided to open up the process to see if they could get competitive bids.

Managing director Richard Negrin says he wants residents to understand that doesn't mean the deal is done.

"We're going to make sure we don't impact the experience down there in any way. If the proposals that we get don't fulfill that obligation they won't be approved, I would hope," he said.

Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio

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