Balboa Yacht Clubs earns Coastal Commission backing for marina project
October 2, 2015
ARCATA — A request by Balboa Yacht Club to upgrade docks was granted by the California Coastal Commission at its Sept. 9 meeting on the Humboldt State University campus in Arcata.
A plan to remove almost 20,000 square feet of wooden docks at Balboa YC’s Marina and replace them with new timber decking is expected to go forward after Coastal Commissioners approve Irvine Company’s formal application to upgrade the private dock system.
Balboa YC plans to remove and replace 19,790 square feet of deteriorating wood decking. The new deck is expected to be configured in the same location as the current deck and include upgraded bumpers, dock boxes, fasteners and power centers.
The yacht club’s marina is home to 64 slips; the number of slips available will not change once the new docks are installed. Most slips accommodate boats between 35 and 40 feet, though any vessel between 30 and 90 feet can dock at Balboa YC.
“The proposed Private Institutions land use designation is intended to accommodate private facilities that serve the public, including yacht clubs,” commission staff said.
Coastal Commission staff stated Balboa YC does not offer public access to its property and limits use of marina to its members.
“Because there is no public access to or along the subject site, the project will not impact public access. However, the public does have access within the waters of Newport Bay surrounding the dock system/marina,” Coastal Commission staff said in a report to commissioners. “No bottom disturbing activities are proposed or will occur. No work will occur on the existing piles or gangways, which will remain in place.”
