Fisherman’s Wharf Plan Gets OK to Move Forward
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| By: Catherine French | Thursday, May 29, 2008 2:23:00 PM |
| Last updated: Thursday, May 29, 2008 2:23:00 PM |
Channel Islands Harbor revitalization proposal advances to EIR stage.
CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR — The plan to redevelop Fisherman’s Wharf from the ground up received the go-ahead from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors at a regular session May 20.
 | | | Photo by: Catherine French photo | | Redevelopment Ahead — Plans to revamp Channel Islands Harbor’s Fisherman’s Wharf include adding restaurants, shops, walking promenades and apartments. If the envonmental impact report is approved, construction could begin in one to two years. | | |
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Last summer, EMC Development, owned by Los Angeles developer Ed Czuker, was granted a five-year lease with an option to extend up to 65 years for the revitalization of the 11.4-acre parcel on the harbor’s east side. This once-bustling destination for residents and visitors alike has been in decline for years.
EMC expects to spend upward of $150 million to rebuild the 143,000-square-foot space. Plans include a pedestrian-oriented village with restaurants, shops, live/work spaces and open-air galleries; 800 apartment units; subterranean parking; walking promenades; and easy access for boaters. The new complex would be known as Waterfront Channel Islands Harbor.
California state law requires the completion of an environmental impact report (EIR) before such a project can begin construction. The EIR is designed to study and analyze potential effects on traffic, air and water quality, bird habitats, view corridors and more.
The last time the plans were revealed to the Board of Supervisors, members requested that EMC conduct further public presentations, to ensure an open and transparent process before moving forward with the project. On May 20, supervisors deemed that EMC had kept its obligation to inform the public and gave approval to hire a consultant to perform the EIR.
Typically, an EIR report is the first time plans are revealed in a public setting. Supervisors said it was necessary for EMC to conduct meetings with the public up front, gain input and revise plans accordingly before going to the EIR stage of development.
The developer held meetings with local Chamber of Commerce groups, homeowners’ associations and other organizations, and held a large public session in March that drew about 200 people.
Supervisor Kathy Long commended EMC for getting the word out to the public, saying, “The more the better. As we move forward, (we’ll) be sure to include not only residents close in to the project, but reach out to the east county, as well.”
Commenting on the public review so far, Supervisor Steve Bennett stated, “In March, we asked you to go out and get more feedback. We were more concerned with the process than the progress. This public process ensures a sense of openness.”
Often at odds with the rest of the board on harbor issues, Supervisor John Flynn agreed with the vote to begin the EIR phase of the project and commended the board for opening this project up to the public. “We have learned a lesson not to go forward without including public review and comment,” Flynn said. “I think this will ensure a better project that the entire public can benefit from and enjoy.”
Only Supervisor Linda Parks stated a concern about the building plans, noting that she wasn’t certain that including so many residential units is a good idea. She also noted concern over the planned building heights, but complimented EMC for responding to requests for more open space at the corner of Victoria and near the water.
Czuker explained that the project needed the residential component to keep the shops and restaurants operating.
Harbor redevelopment manager Marilyn Miller, pleased with the outcome, stated, “The developer (EMC) has been very responsive. They have listened to public concerns and have incorporated changes in response. They want to do a good job and build a good project.”
The next step, according to Miller, is to hire a consultant (to be approved by the board) to complete the EIR. She hopes the consultant will be in place by July 2008. Following that, the Board of Supervisors, the city of Oxnard and the California Coastal Commission must approve the EIR. Groundbreaking could be one to two years away.
This article first appeared in the May 2008 issue of The Log Newspaper. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
