When will Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey see a revitalization?

MARINA DEL REY—Waterfront developments are a dime a dozen these days – there is seemingly always a project in the works to improve or update infrastructure. The process of pinning down permits and negotiating can take a long time. Harbor revitalization plans in Dana Point, for instance, has been in the planning stages for more than 20 years and still appears to be a distant dream. Another slow burning development is Marina del Rey’s Fisherman’s Village, which is slated to be a part of the many planned revitalizations in that area of SoCal.

Various news sources, back in 2013, were advertising a complete overhaul of Fisherman’s Village. The Argonaut, for instance, wrote: “The operators of Fisherman’s Village are contemplating a near-total rebuild of the venerable tourist attraction as Los Angeles County officials prepare a new vision for the harbor likely to involve a larger retail footprint, transportation upgrades and more dock space for recreational boaters and kayakers.”

A Small Harbor Commission meeting held in February featured an agenda item to update commissioners and local boaters on the Fisherman’s Village project. Staff for Department of Beaches & Harbors, however, reported there were no new updates at this time. Updates do not appear to be on the agenda for the upcoming April commission meeting. The Log reached out to Nicole Mooradian, Public Information Office for the Department of Beaches & Harbors, but there was no response by press time. In the incident any further information becomes available, it will be updated online.

Marina del Rey has had some controversial projects lately, including the Wayfarer Marina project, which has caused some confusion among boaters in particular. Another project planned is the redevelopment for Pier 44, where allegedly a “dock-and-shop” Trader’s Joe will, at some point, be a reality. The Trader Joe’s project was on the table for several years before it was confirmed by a spokesperson in December 2018 that the store was planning to open; Marina del Rey’s Trader Joe is scheduled to open on Fri., April 12 at 9 a.m. Most locals, however, have had mostly positive responses to the specialty grocery store setting up shop in Marina del Rey.

Will the public have the same response when and if Fisherman’s Village does get off the ground? How much longer will it take for a viable update?

Visit the website visitmarinadelrey.com/venue/fishermans-village to learn more about Fisherman’s Village.