Supervisors to Study Plans to Revive Harbor

County supervisors will hear an update Tuesday morning on long-delayed plans to redevelop Channel Islands Harbor.

The study session comes as harbor officials draft a land-use and marketing blueprint designed to improve the harbor’s economic future.

Two years ago, county officials began devising an ambitious effort to give the harbor an economic boost: a $170-million redevelopment plan, to be carried out over 20 years, that included 140 condominiums, a 200-room hotel, an aquarium, visitor center and other tourist attractions.

But officials ultimately concluded that the project’s environmental study failed to address concerns raised by residents in nearby beach communities about traffic and improper land use.

Harbor officials have recently revived the harbor plans, holding three public meetings since September in an effort to improve communication with surrounding beach communities, hearfrom residents how to preserve the harbor’s beauty while ensuring its economic health, and update the community on the status and needs of the harbor.

County and harbor business officials say the harbor remains mired in recession.

Boat slip and tax revenues continue to decline, some businesses have closed down and visitor foot traffic has decreased.

Officials say a number of factors have led to the decline over the past decade, including a recession that made boating unaffordable for many, competition from new retail development along the Ventura Freeway in Oxnard, and a lack of family-oriented recreational activities that give people a reason to visit the harbor.

The study session on the harbor redevelopment plan will be held at 11 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.