The May 7th, 2025 DPHOAC meeting addressed several ongoing Dana Point Harbor revitalization efforts and operational updates. Mat Miller, Chief Real Estate Officer for the County of Orange, provided a comprehensive update in place of Christian Gagne, Dana Point Harbor Oversight Representative. He reported the new parking structure is nearing completion, with an anticipated opening in late May or early June. Commercial Core Phase 3 construction is slated for July/August, and the relocation of existing merchant tenants to the wharf area is underway.
Regarding the marina portion of the revitalization, Phase 10 in the east island will commence after Phase 7.1 completes in June, with Phase 9 near Harbor Patrol docks requiring further coordination. The public comment period for the proposed hotels' draft EIR concluded on April 28th, receiving four comment letters, two positive and two in opposition. Responses are being formulated and the Hotel EIR is scheduled for presentation to the Dana Point Planning Commission on June 23rd.
Mr. Miller also detailed updates regarding the Outriggers Canoe Club's proposed relocation to Baby Beach, as the City of Dana Point Planning department deemed the County's Coastal Development Permit (CDP) incomplete, requesting additional information including public and viewshed impact assessments and construction details. This has put the Baby Beach site on hold. An alternative site near Cove Road parking lot has been suggested but presents concerns regarding public parking loss and safety due to crossing Dana Point Harbor Drive. City of Dana Point Councilman John Gabbard offered to contact the Planning Department regarding the original Baby Beach location, and Susan Lieb of Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) confirmed the Outriggers would not be displaced until a suitable solution is identified. Additionally, Bellingham Marine's proposal for the OC Sailing & Events Center (OCSEC) docks is scheduled for OC Board of Supervisors review on June 24th.
OC Parks' Deputy Director Michael Wilson reported on ongoing OCSEC upgrades, including the nearly complete Cove Room roof replacement (pending skylight installation), installation of water bottle filling stations, lighting upgrades, and cosmetic improvements. He also addressed efforts with OC Animal Control to mitigate the harbor's coyote population through additional signage. Any recommended reorganization of the OCSEC space will begin in the Fall to avoid disrupting summer programs. Wilson also noted upcoming harbor events, including the May 18th Aquafest and Supervisor Foley’s June 14th Flag Day celebration.
Supervisor Foley requested an update on the Third-Party Market Study on Dana Point Harbor boat slip rates. Mat Miller stated the study, conducted by John Laurain, is nearing finalization with a May 19th target date. The study's finding that the comparable market area is primarily within Orange County. Several members of the Committee took exception to the primary market identified by the study. Supervisor Foley requested CEO Real Estate to follow up with Laurain for more detail on the market scope's basis and to evaluate the impact of including comparable marinas from southern Los Angeles and northern San Diego regions. She requested Laurain present his report with this additional information at the next committee meeting.
In other updates, Diane Wenzel provided details on the upcoming Aquafest, and Susan Lieb announced Coffee Importers would open at the Ocean Institute on June 2nd.
The next DPHOAC meeting is scheduled for June 4th, 2025. The complete meeting minutes (dated 5/7/25) will be available on Supervisor Foley’s homepage at: Minutes DPHOAC 5.7.25
