On Monday February 8, 2021, the Coalition’s Marina Committee (Committee) conducted its monthly meeting with the S.R. Community Development Department (CDD), S.R. Dept. of Public Works (DPW), Marina Village Associates (MVA) and Safe Harbor Marinas (SHM) for review of the developments at The Village at Loch Lomond Marina. The Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) was not in attendance but did submit a status report prior to the meeting. This meeting was held as a Zoom video conference.
The Committee members represent the community, including The Strand HOA and the Village at Loch Lomond Marina Association (VLLMA — which owns some of the public access parcels and represents all owners of parcels within the Village at Loch Lomond Marina). SHM is the owner of the marina and marina-related parcels. MVA is the owner of the undeveloped/unsold residential parcels and retains some responsibility for completion of work on some of the public access parcels.
Following is a summary report on the items discussed at this meeting:
Fuel Dock: The BCDC has approved this permit but final approval continues to be delayed at the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE). MVA continues to work with both entities to clarify that this is not a new facility but an upgrade to an existing one in order to shorten the approval timeframe. MVA anticipates that they will have these delays cleared by Spring or early Summer 2021. However, SHM stated that construction of this facility is lower on their priority list than other projects within the marina that need to be addressed first.
Harbormaster’s Office: The S.R. building permit was issued in early January 2021. BCDC extended the required completion date to 12/1/21. SHM plans to begin construction in early 2Q21. SHM is reconsidering the final configuration and use of this building in regard to the proposed restaurant. SHM stated that in light of the current services at Andy’s Market which provides much of that same function, other configurations for this space are under consideration. Some at the meeting, noting a strong community interest in a gathering space, suggested a “take-out” window which SHM said they would consider.
Yacht Club Re-facing: BCDC has given final approval for some minor changes in the plans dealing primarily with the entrance. SHM said they would do this work in conjunction with the Harbormaster’s Office construction.
Kayak Dock (between Yacht Club and Boat Launch Ramp): BCDC stated that they needed some addition documentation from MVA before approval. MVA stated that they planned on completing this project by 11/1/21 barring unforeseen delays from BCDC, RWQCB and ACOE.
Kayak Launch Ramp (at the Breakwater connector): The ramp was originally included in BCDC’s Permit Amendment #5. However, the redesigned ramp included the requirement to expand the bay fill by 37 cubic feet. BCDC is requesting some project construction clarifications. That and RWQCB and ACOE approvals are, apparently, the only remaining obstacles to proceeding with the work on both this ramp and the breakwater connector and east jetty work (see below).
Breakwater Connector & East Jetty (playground) Flooding: MVA stated that the primary delay in starting this work is that it is tied to the approval of the kayak launch ramp changes (see above) plus some other minor changes requested by BCDC which MVA is in the process of providing. RWQCB and ACOE approvals are also required and pending. MVA stated that they continue to target starting work on 7/5/21 and completion by 11/1/21 before king tide season.
East Jetty Playground Opening: The playground will remain closed to everyone until the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. This re-opening likely may be further delayed by the required construction work to resolve the periodic flooding issues (see above). Vandalism continues to be a problem at this site.
Loch Lomond Drive Traffic Calming: The San Rafael Traffic Engineer’s recommendations to resolve speeding and parking issues will be implemented by VLLMA. This work will include signage and pavement marking improvements and will go out for bid shortly.
Residential Housing and Muli-Use Building Construction: MVA has stated that any further construction is dependent on the sale of the property to a new residential developer. MVA stated that it is actively pursuing a potential sale with a highly qualified and reputable residential construction firm. No other details were available due to confidentiality agreements. MVA stated that the screen netting on the construction fence was removed due to excessive damage during the wind storms. Its replacement is tied into the potential sale but is expected to be replaced at some point.
Boat Repair Facility: While the permits call for a replacement building approximately where the old boat repair building stood, it is not mandated that it provide the same functionality. The plans for this building are still undergoing BCDC review which has requested additional information. SHM stated that the actual use of this building is still under SHM review but is unlikely to be solely a boat repair facility. Storage and other uses are under consideration. Possibly this structure should be renamed in future documentation.