8 • Feb. 26 - Mar. 10, 2016 • The Log
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Newport Beach Harbor Commission looks ahead to future projects
By Parimal M. Rohit
NEWPORT BEACH — Rounding up interest in dredging projects, possibly funding a public pier with private money, and bringing back an anchor- age were among the topics broached at the Newport Beach Harbor Commission meeting on Feb. 10.
Temporary Anchorage
Commissioners hope to drum up additional support for a temporary anchorage, which could return in time for summer, at the Turning Basin. Newport Beach most recently tested
a temporary public anchorage in the same area last summer. Harbor com- missioners discussed the possibility of a temporary public anchorage in time for the upcoming summer season, with hopes it would be used by more customers. “The harbor is a benefit for all user
groups,” said Commissioner Brad Avery. “Boats are free to transit in and out of the area at any given time. Very rarely are their accidents of any kind. It’s one of the last great freedoms of the west.” Avery said two to four boaters visit-
ed the previous temporary public anchorage daily and the city received no complaints. One resident said the public
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anchorage is not aesthetically pleasing. He added there were some who want- ed to complain about the previous temporary public anchorage but they had no idea where to file a complaint. Commissioners will revisit the tem-
porary public anchorage topic at its next meeting; part of the discussion could include whether the commission should enact a size restriction for the anchorage.
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The Harbor Commission drafted a letter to send to the California Coastal Commission requesting a coastal development permit application filed by Newport Harbor Yacht Club be approved. Newport Harbor YC is seeking to
renovate its clubhouse and would fund the construction of the planned Central Avenue Public Pier. Approving the application, harbor commissioners stated, would allow the yacht club to renovate its clubhouse and fulfill the Coastal Commission’s coastal access requirement. The yacht club’s funding of the public pier con- struction as part of its clubhouse reno- vations plans would help Newport Harbor YC provide additional public access to the city’s waterfront. “The [Harbor] Commission under- stands there are opportunities associ- ated with the application to improve public access within Newport Harbor,” the official letter, signed by
Commission Chair David Girling, said. “The [Harbor] Commission strongly supports the construction of a new public pier and float at Central Avenue as the most effective way to provide additional public access to Newport Harbor.” In 2012 the Harbor Commission set a goal to facilitate visitor access to the harbor area’s businesses and ameni- ties, either by improved existing piers or finding opportunities to build new ones. “Our research identified Lido
Marina Village as the most under- served area in Newport Harbor, lacking availability of a public pier,” the letter stated. The Harbor Commission letter
added Central Avenue is an ideal loca- tion for a new public pier for several reasons, such as availability of space, proximity to parking and pedestrian paths, and access to marine-serving businesses. City officials said design plans for the public pier could be ready by the summer. There were two hurdles to clear at the time of the Harbor Commission’s meeting: the yacht club’s proposed financing of the public pier still need- ed to be approved by Newport Harbor YC membership and the Coastal Commission. Harbor Resources Manager Chris
Miller said the public pier project could still go forward as planned even if private funding from Newport Harbor YC does not happen.
Dredging Permits Newport Beach is trying to ramp up
interest for dredging permits, thanks to a recent issue of the RGP-54 permit by the federal government. The RGP-54 permit grants the city authority to approve local and small-scale dredging projects. “I think the word is getting out,”
Miller said, adding about 25 pre-appli- cations have already been received. “We’re excited about the number of [potential] applicants so far.” Commissioner Doug West said there is a finite group of people who would have interest in dredging, so it is a matter of finding them and letting them know they could apply for a per- mit. “Newport Beach should be recog-
nized everywhere for its environmental leadership,” West said. A majority of the filed pre-applica- tions – essentially an interest list – were reportedly from Linda Isle. The commission and Harbor
Resources would continue to deter- mine the most efficient way to spread the word about obtaining a local dredging permit. The next Harbor Commission meet- ing is scheduled for March 9 at Newport Beach City Hall.
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