On August 6, 2025, the Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee (DPHOAC) met again to discuss updates on the harbor's revitalization and the ongoing review of the Slip Rental Rate Study.
Christian Gagne, Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager for the County of Orange, updated the committee on the revitalization progress. The new parking structure has a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, with the final permit expected in September. He also reported that the next phase of the Commercial Core (Phase 3) is estimated to begin demolition and construction by the end of September, provided all lease compliance requirements are met. Mr. Gagne noted that an appeal on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed hotel projects was withdrawn, allowing the project to proceed. He also shared that efforts to address the sea lion issue were moving forward and that a new RFP had been issued for the redesign of the Orange County Sailing and Event Center (OCSEC), with proposals due by the end of the year.
The discussion then turned to the Laurain & Associates Slip Rental Rate Study. Mr. Gagne provided the committee with the Q&A follow-up from the study, and Alyssa Napuri presented a summary of the slip rate information from the County's Data Analytics team. She also reported on a survey of the marina waitlist, which found that 90% of the individuals they successfully contacted would immediately accept a slip if offered. Despite this, several committee members expressed concerns about the study's methodology and its applicability to the local market, prompting a motion to delay a decision on the study until the next meeting for further review.
Vice Chair Foley reported that the proposal to relocate Dana Outrigger to "Baby Beach" would go before the Dana Point Planning Commission on August 25th. She noted Planning Commission members expressed concerns that the proposed facility may primarily benefit a private entity. The club provided clarifications that it is open to any member of the public who can demonstrate basic swimming and strength skills, with annual membership available to all.
Michael Wilson of OC Parks informed the committee that the OCSEC boathouse roof project would begin in September, but also confirmed that the larger redesign and master planning RFP selection process effort for the OCSEC facility is underway and the full process expected to span the next few years. He also reported that a depth survey for the new OCSEC dock had been completed, with construction anticipated to begin in the spring of 2026.
The next DPHOAC meeting is scheduled for October 1st, 2025. The complete meeting minutes (dated 08/06/25) will be available on Supervisor Foley’s homepage at: Minutes DPHOAC 8.6.25
