Dock for Rhine Channel delayed

June Casagrande

A floating dock in the Rhine Channel that was slated for construction

this spring has been postponed until at least June because the

estimated cost has now doubled, to about $200,000.

City staff and members of the Harbor Commission had planned to

build the nearly 100-foot floating dock in waters off Rhine Wharf

Park to provide access to and from the shore.

The dock is a way to comply with the harbor element of the

existing general plan, which requires the city to provide additional

access to the harbor.

It’s also designed to benefit area businesses by providing boat

passengers access to shops and restaurants in the area. The plan has

been unpopular with some residents, who fear it will bring traffic

and congestion.

The projected cost doubled after city officials learned that the

dock must provide easy ramp access for wheelchair users and other

disabled people to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“We’ve hit a little bit of a snag in that we had planned on

building that dock with a standard gangway that’s provided in our

design guidelines, and we were told that we have to build it for ADA

compliance,” said Tom Rossmiller, harbor resources director for

Newport Beach. “So it needs to be a longer gangway with a more gentle

slope so handicapped users can use it.”

At the moment, the money’s not available.

City staff are writing into their budget requests for the next

fiscal year an additional $100,000 to cover the increased cost. They

won’t know whether the money is available until after the City

Council approves the city’s budget in the summer.

“Our goal is to begin construction as soon as the budget item is

approved,” Rossmiller said.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

[email protected].