by
Rosemary L. Sieve
There’s
change in the air. Dana Point Harbor is going to have a well-needed
face-lift and by the 
year
2007 the harbor as we know it will no longer be the sleepy beach
haven we’ve all grown to love.
In
1997 a group of people, including 5th District Supervisor Tom
Wilson, got together to see how best they could rejuvenate the
Dana Point Harbor area. Many meetings of outreach with merchants,
boat owners, residents and other community members have occurred
and all feedback and ideas have been closely looked at. And,
the general consensus has been that the building of a successful
harbor of tomorrow will yield a legacy of enjoyment for generations
to come.
According
to the DPH newsletter the ‘draft concept plan’ states
that the Harbor will retain its family friendly environment
for future generations, ensuring that it remains the best small-boat
harbor on the West Coast. Plan priorities include keeping the
Harbor’s character and ambience but with improved public
access – this is considered the primary goal. No commercialization
on the Island will happen thereby protecting the future of the
Yacht Clubs. To satisfy parking demands, erection of ‘parking
decks’ built level with Dana Point Harbor Drive will occur
and efforts will be made to keep the existing parklands, beach
and landscape as is. To enhance the general area there will
be an ‘Event’s Plaza’ where concerts and other
entertainment can be held. And, to the delight of the merchants,
especially those currently at the rear of the harbor, all businesses
will have harbor views and some will relocate to the new proposed
waterfront promenade. This pathway will be up to 40 feet wide
allowing room for pedestrians to meander and sit on benches
where they can admire the ever-changing beauty of the Harbor
or watch the sun sink behind Catalina Island. A three-rack-high
dry storage unit for 550 vessels will be located in a secured
area under roof and for this privilege there is already a waiting
list. (Contrary to rumor, there is no plan to move any of the
smaller boats from their current slips in the harbor, except
when slip renovation is undertaken, – much to the relief
of all concerned boaters.)
Getting
Started
Construction is scheduled to begin
late 2004 under the auspices of the highly regarded architectural
firm A.C. Martin, and it is anticipated that all improvements
will continue through 2010. Changes will be made using a phased-in
approach to minimize disruption and downtime for Harbor businesses
– a huge consideration. For not only will owners have
to deal with the added costs of moving and tenant improvement,
but added to the stress is also a fear that customers will stay
away if the revitalization causes too much disruption.
Jim
Miller, long time owner of Coffee Importers, admits he and the
majority of other merchants are cautiously optimistic about
the proposed changes. “This area is now considered a destination
due to many fine hotels that have been built close by. Consequently,
we need to keep up with the times and 
improve
the area to encourage the tourists to stay here and spend their
money locally rather than disappearing north to Newport Beach.”
Miller continued. “Right now 75% of my customer base consists
of locals during the off-season. Hopefully, tourists will constitute
a larger percentage when the redevelopment is completed.”
Local
people are very interested in the future of the Harbor. Maurine
Lacher remembers moving to Dana Point before there was a harbor.
“We enjoyed it back then and my sons had loads of fun
surfing here. However, I love the idea of more people taking
pleasure in this area – I just hope that there won’t
be too many of them and trust the area doesn’t become
too commercialized.” A desire voiced by the majority of
residents in Dana Point.
What’s
the cost and where will the money come from?
Paul
Lawrence, Manager of Dana Point Harbor Leasing and Revitalization
of Harbors, Beaches and Parks in the County of Orange assures
us that by law, all revenue generated in the Harbor must remain
in the Harbor and will pay the majority of the expense. The
County of Orange is planning to finance the cost of the proposed
long-term improvements through low-interest loans and the sale
of bonds. These will be repaid, again, with revenue generated
from the Harbor. The County will also be applying for grant
funding. No general funds, or new taxes, will be used to pay
for the improvements.
This
then is the future of our beloved Dana Point Harbor. The development
is considered a partnership between the residents, merchants,
boaters, the City of Dana Point and the County of Orange. Let’s
all pull this dream together and make sure that all whom love
the Harbor will not be disappointed in what is generally known
as ‘progress’. Make sure your voice is heard. Get
involved and ensure our legacy will indeed yield enjoyment for
our descendants – and not yield one of disappointment.
For more information check out www.DPHplan.com
Tom Wilson:
thomas.wilson@ocgov.com
Paul Lawrence:
paul.lawrence@pfrd.ocgov.co
