The Harbor Report: Continuing our spin around the harbor
Join me now as we continue around the harbor in preparation for the Harbor Commission’s special meeting set for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 15.
In my last column, I began a list of the questions I plan to ask at different stops along the commission’s harbor tour. We stopped with RGP 54, regarding dredging and eelgrass mitigation permits, which will be discussed just as we approach the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
As the ferry continues up the Balboa Peninsula, the next waypoint is the Cheyenne (ex PlayStation). This vessel is intended to be support for a deep-sea submarine.
Our next topic will be jet packs, and this is all but decided with the Harbor Commission recommendation to prohibit them in the bay. The City Council will discuss the water-propelled vessels Jan. 13 or 27. And you will have a chance to meet our newest harbor commissioner, Bill “Skip” Kenny, who, I feel, will turn out to be very productive.
Next up is Marina Park, and I assume Harbor Resource Manager Chris Miller will lead this discussion. My question will be: Is there room for a marine recycling center at this location? I will also try to understand if dry storage will be available for mooring permit holders and other harbor users.
As we work our way toward the Rhine Channel, the next two waypoints will be the 19th Street Pier and the Newport Bay Marina. The 19th Street Pier has a new public restroom, and I just wonder how often the local residents might complain about late-night guests at the public docks. I will need to check in with a couple of my friends who live on their boats in the surrounding moorings for their input.
The Newport Bay Marina has been working hard to complete this project, and we will just need to wait and see if all of the requirements that the city made are being followed.
As we do a 180-degree turn, it might be a good time to ask Harbor Patrol Officer Sean Scoles about noise complaints in this area of the harbor, make note that there are two public docks in the Rhine and ask if we have enough commercial working space at the end of the Rhine for the future.
Our cruise will now head under the Lido Bridge, and the next two topics will be alternative anchorages and Lido Marina Village. I have good friends on both sides of the debate about whether to make the North West Lido Channel into an alternative anchorage area.
This is the exact spot where I asked my wife to marry me some 24 years ago, and I have to say I really like the idea of installing day moorings in Big Corona as an alternative anchorage. Commissioner Brad Avery will lead this discussion.
As for the Lido Marina Village, two thoughts come to mind: That is a lot of big-boat slips that could support more large charter boats than we already have, and the developer has promised that’s not the intention. Make sure you note the proposed public pier alongside the sea wall just northwest of the Elks Lodge. It’s a perfect spot for a new public pier.
Next, we will travel east down Mariners Mile, and our waypoint is to discuss Vessel Overhang. This will be a difficult topic to cover while on the ferry.
As we proceed past the Orange Coast College Sailing Base, it might be a good time to ask if there is another public dock that very few harbor users are aware of nearby.
Next, we will round Bayshores and head toward the PCH bridge. The next big waypoint is the Lower Castaways. Commissioner David Girling is chairing this for the commission and doing an outstanding job.
I have to wonder how this area’s plan might change now with the new City Council. I have always felt this area is best served as a marine industry launching point, but very few people have agreed with me. It’s a huge topic, so pay close attention to Girling on this one.
As we head back east down Balboa Island, note all the shore moorings’ derelict boats on the beach. Good time to ask about the state’s VTIP program.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for you the harbor user. I hope you can make it.
Sea ya.
LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.