Dana Point Boaters Association breaks silence on revitalization matters at Dana Point Harbor

DANA POINT—Dana Point Boaters Association (DPBA) has broken the silence on the layoffs that took place at Dana Point Harbor when the new landlords, Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP), combined marina management of the east and west basins.

In a newsletter released by DPBA on Thursday, March 14, the combination of the marinas was discussed among many other topics concerning the harbor revitalization.

The introduction to the newsletter reads, “We owe you updates on several hot topics – some old news, some breaking news, some forecasts for the future.”

DPBA, which had previously given the boating community routine news updates about the revitalization project, has noticeably cut back on reporting news elements since the lease between County of Orange and DPHP was signed in October.

In an aim to explain the silence, the newsletter continues, “Also, our apologies for not responding to all of your queries. As you might imagine, we have heard from so many of you over the past few months, so many that we couldn’t reply to everyone. We hope this newsletter and tonight’s forum answer any remaining unanswered questions.”

The forum referred to in the comment is an open house meeting at Dana Point Yacht Club held by DPBA. While the forum will be held after this article goes to press, any important information detailed from it will be updated online or included in an article printed at a later date.

While the transition phrase has been rocky to say the least, DPBA’s tone stayed optimistic in spite of the referenced public outcry.

 

Marina Consolidation

The Log reported on the east and west marinas consolidating in the March 8 issue. This had been hinted at leading up to the consolidation, but there was no official confirmation on behalf of DPHP at the time.

DPBA’s newsletter reads, “The East and West Marinas are now one – The Marina at Dana Point. Your DPBA has been pushing for combining the two marinas for years. This move eliminates costly redundancy, improves efficiency through shared resources, and ensures consistency in operations on both sides of the bridge. The previous operating agreements with Dana Point Marina Company and TBW have been terminated and DPHP now directly operated The Marina at Dana Point.”

The management office for The Marina at Dana Point will be operating from the east office, which formerly housed Dana Point Marina Company. Phone numbers for any queries will be the same, according to DPBA.

 

New Marina Design, Slip Number & Slip Rates   

California Coastal Commission decreed Dana Point’s new marina would have no more than 2,254 slips, measuring up to 32 feet, each.

DPBA’s newsletter states, “Today we have 2,409 slips averaging 29 feet. We also have vacancies under 30 feet, and demand exceeding a 10-year wait in some larger categories. How do we build a marina with no fewer than 2,254 slips, averaging no more than 32 feet, while making adjustments to serve the demand? It’s a 2,254-piece puzzle.”

Another subject that had boaters in Dana Point clamoring was slip rates. Last summer, the county of Orange raised slip rates in an annual increase. DPBA has asked for DPHP to put a moratorium on any further slip rate increases this year.

The newsletter states, “This is a big ask from a developer preparing to spend nine figures on marina improvements. But we believe it’s due and appropriate. We are about to experience the upheaval of major construction. So, we have made the request … and they haven’t said no. They haven’t said yes, but we are getting positive signs that may agree to this very important gesture to our harbor community. We will keep you posted.”

Allegedly DPHP are working behind the scenes to begin construction on a parking structure, which will serve the area when the project is completed. The revitalization, which will include updated marina, commercial and hotel facilities, is currently slated for completion around 2028.

For more information or to read the full newsletter mentioned in this article, visit the website at danapointboaters.org.