Development Threatens California Marina

In mid November 2015, a number of tenants and neighbors of the Alameda Marina were invited to The Island Yacht Club for a presentation on the possible future of the marina as proposed by developing company Bay West Development. The vision of the developer and that of the majority of the guests could not have been in higher contrast.

Although the presentation was meant to be a community outreach mission, it set off an alarming pulse through the sailing community on the possible fate of one of the San Francisco Bay’s most prolific institutions, which provides the nucleus of energy for East Bay Sailors, Alameda residents and the San Francisco Bay Area at large.

To understand the scope of the value of the marina, one must understand that it’s sum is far larger than the totality of the parts. With the anchor tenant Svendson’s Marine alone employing 60 plus personnel, with quality blue collar jobs, “Alameda Marina is home to over 65 businesses and the only marina on the Bay with a full-service boatyard, chandlery and sail lofts. Wet Berth, Dry Boat Storage, RV & Camper Storage, Office Space, Warehouse Space, Industrial Space.”

The developers proposal, at least the original concept for the 43 acre waterfront space along the Oakland Alameda Estuary, appeared to be a complete razing of the property and filling it with a mix of high density housing, business park and small retail outlets.

Gone would be the dry storage, the only 3-ton hoist and the majority of the business’s which now occupy the land. Gone would be the synergy and energy of this vibrant community, which provides the working mans access to the bay and its rejuvenating properties. In its stead, yet another high density, soulless compound filled with commuters adding to the already overcrowded outlets from the Island .

Full report on Pressure Drop… click here