City keeps control of Balboa Yacht Basin

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- The City Council on Tuesday decided to continue

operating the Balboa Yacht Basin even after hearing a persuasive

presentation by the Bellport Group, which wants to run the marina.

In a 5-2 vote, with council members Gary Adams and Norma Glover voting in

favor of hiring Bellport, the majority decided that it needed to keep

control of one of the last city-operated ports.

Despite Bellport’s presentation that indicated it would be more

cost-effective than the city, residents argued that they preferred

Newport as their landlord.

“Why do I drive past three marinas and pay half to two-thirds more than

other marinas?” said boat owner Tom Murphy. “Because of the charisma of

Newport Beach. Please don’t rock the boat.”

The popular marina is 100% leased out and there is a 20-year waiting

list, said Councilman Tod Ridgeway, who voted in favor of keeping it

city-operated. Local boat owners feared that with third-party management,

the high standards of operation would decline.

However, council members Norma Glover and Gary Adams said the city should

give Bellport a try.

“The water is filthy,” Glover said, adding that Bellport might do a

better job of keeping it clean.

In the end, however, the two council members were in the minority.

“Ordinarily, I would go with outsourcing,” said Councilman Tom Thomson.

“But I really think this is our one foothold in the bay.”

In other matters, the City Council decided to hire an economic analyst to

review proposals for the Marinapark area. Staff members received eight

different proposals for the coveted Balboa Peninsula site. They ranged

from boutique hotels to building a Cannery Row-type community.

Staff members estimate the work could be completed in two months and be

available for the May 23 council meeting. Councilman Ridgeway also

suggested legally forcing the state Lands Commission to make a final

decision on the possible uses of the property.

Finally, the council appointed a task force consisting of Adams, Ridgeway

and Jan Debay to look into finding more affordable housing for the city.

While Newport has adequate upper income housing, the city falls short in

terms of regional affordable housing requirements.

Over the next year, the task force will consult with property owners and

developers about building more lower-income housing.