Newport Marina Construction

[Salty Walty]

http://newportnewstimes.com/2004/nt_...html#TopOfPage
http://newportnewstimes.com/2004/nt_...html#TopOfPage

Here are some articles regarding the new Events Center that is to be built at the South Beach Marina area. It looks like there might be some conflicts that need to be solved before they start tearing stuff up.

[Spoiled Daddy]

My understanding is that the new event center will displace the current parking lot used by us trailer-sailors. A new 4 lane ramp is planned on being constructed at about where the fuel dock is now on the north end of the marina. An additional 250 long parking spaces are going to be built on the sand dunes that are just east of the fuel docks.

It is my understanding from two different persons who attended the planning meeting for this project that the managers of the marina admit that the area will be highly congested for about a one year period during the construction of the new event center, launch ramp and new parking area. I have seen the plans on paper and it looks like it will definately work out for the best when it is all done.

SD

[Mark Mc]

Thanks for the links.

After reading the stories, it actually seems like a very well managed discussion & planning process. This is a far cry (way better) than the horror stories from places like Santa Cruz where the parking area was re-designed without any regard to trailer-boat folks. Sure there has to be some disruption along the way, but it sounds like the right voices are being heard.

[Salty Walty]

One of the problems I saw was the lack of parking for about a year and that they were getting antsy about spending some of the money or else lose it. The loss of the spaces is a big concern especially if it impacts the fisherman. Not just because I am one but because we as users of the facilities could get the short end. I just don't want to see a shiny new event center and a sand lot for us to park our rigs and a we're working on it answer for us.

[Metal Manipulator]

It looks like we will lose our parking behind the Keyed gate. Increased trafic by the keyed bathroom/showers. And possibley more mischief perpatrated on the people renting the slips. Less wakes on the boats moored near the end of the docks, that wouldn't be bad. I didn't understand where this center would be built, on the existing parking lot? Please keep us informed.

[Popeye]

Robin....I read the news over there every week (Wed/Fri)
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/

PS: I DEFINATELY wouldn't mind LESS WAKE!!!!!

[Mark Mc]

Wetfly,

Could you elaborate on what you mean by "more mischief" against boat owners? Has there been some kind of vandalism/thefts, or are you referring to the misc. difficulties in the parking lots / shower / gate areas?

Thanks!.... Mark

[WP]

Another reason to utilize the wonderful facilities at Depoe Bay. Being a trailer sailor does have some advantages. Mobility is a key one. I already prefer to launch and fish out of Depoe....too bad the Ranch and the Pile are south of Newport and not as easily reached from Depoe Bay. I hate the extra miles against the seas, comming home! Maybe someday I will get enough experience to halibut fish out of Depoe...or get lucky. Looks like the long term is good for Newport though. It needs the upgrade and expansion a lot. The ramp is a hazard and the crowds can be miserable.
Dave

[KChookem]

Salty Walty - thanks for the heads up, and the newspaper articles.

For what's it worth, here are my thoughts... Sounds like the Event Center and its 300 parking spaces will take up all the existing parking in the area now used by trailer-boaters.

I do not see how they are going to fit: (1) a 4 lane ramp, (2) wash-down areas, (3) parking for hundreds of MV and trailers, (4) an additional 109 RV sites,and (5) the dredge dumping ground, in the area they now propose (north of the existing ramp)? Some of the alternative parking spots are equivalent to 2-5 blocks away; quite a hike while a boat is taking up space in the water at or near the launch ramp. What about a couple of wash-down staions? Fishing cleaning areas? Marina store?

I hope the planners plan for the "least common denominator", i.e., those who do not know how to launch and retrieve very fast, or those who just do not consider, or care, that others are waiting.

I like the idea of launching closer to the Bay, although the current location often is protected from the wind.

A temporary launch somewhere on the north shore sounds like a nightmare, for any number of reasons.

Can Depoe Bay's launch can handle a hundred, or more, boats/trailers on a peak-season weekend?

[WP]

Depoe would be crowded with 50 boats a day, IMO, and the parking is presured quite easily. It is a small community and a very small harbor. The ramp is adequate for two wide launching but the boat tie off area is very limited. Too bad that it is as popular as it is, but I understand that popularity! :smile:
Dave

[Chilly one]

I don't know how the Port got involved in an "Event Center"? They could place that thing in several other spots like the Sportsman's RV park under the Motel south of the Rogue Brewery, or at the North end of the North RV Park @ the marina now? Or put the darned thing where the dredge spoils are now! They have been trying to sell, or lease that property for MANY years!!! 8-9 Acres! It's a ugly deal guys! I know the Port has grant $ from OSMB and USFS for a new boat ramp and docks I believe ALREADY approved and ready to go for the current ramp. The current ramp is one of the WORST on the Oregon Coast by far. I have fallen down in holes in the surface in the dark in the am. I really wonder why they as a public entity feel they need to be the "landlord" to the lease agreement they will be putting together with the Event Center folks. There are Many other places that are available for all these improvements (Event Center) and still take into consideration the $$$ that the Recreational Sport fleet provides to that marina with it's outdated facilities and overpriced fees!!!! I smell a dead fish in the dumpster. I have lived for 11+ years and use that facility ALOT and am quite concerned about this "Dream" they are in. I hope they wake up.
Seriously I think they NOW have a new problem that will take precedence over this stuff as they now have the old International Loading dock problem with EPA and those new challenges that will be on the front burner as of the last few days. My guess: Nothing will get DONE in 2004 perhaps longer.
Meanwhile let's let it be known that the currnet boat ramp can be updated with the approved funds that are ready to GO! And we can have a great ramp and an uninterupted season of fun and fishing and the "Event Center" poses too many new dilemnas and conflicts! Let's Go Fishing!

Chilly one :grin: :grin:

"Happiness ia a Bent Rod!"

[Spoiled Daddy]

Chilly One,

As a local and a frequent user of the marina, I agree that the ramp and docks could be in a lot better shape for the amount of use this particular marina gets. It is a major tourist draw all by itself.

But... I think the "event center" at the marina location is a done deal. I think the local chamber, business leaders, the port, the City of Newport and others all want it there and that they think it is the best place for it. I know the local leaders are really trying to get the city to grow more to the south (thus the new water treatment plant built in So. Beach) and this is a way of getting new building projects going in So. Beach. If you think about it, this could spur movement towards another grocery store, gas station, 1 or more motels and other businesses in the South Beach area. I'm not saying I agree with that, it's just that it is going to happen one way or another. There is even a rumor in the last few days that a major retailer involved in HOME improvements and whose second name is DEPOT may have plans to build a downsized store in So. Beach.

Our little town is growing and there isn't a whole lot we can do to keep that from stopping. This project is just another example of that. I just hope they keep the disruption to the local fishing to a minimum during this project. I would think that owners of Englunds Marine Supply, Harry's Bait and Tackle, Newport Marine and RV Service, Serven's Marine and others who depend on boat, RV and fishing business would be monitoring this project closely, as it could directly effect their business for a 1-2 year period.

Just my .02 the Spoiled Daddy

[Salty Walty]

http://www.newportnewstimes.com/nt_n...html#TopOfPage
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/nt_n...html#TopOfPage
http://newportnewstimes.com/2004/nt_...html#TopOfPage
Here are the other items that Spoiled Daddy were referring to. The HD thing is just in its looking stage with nothing but speculation. This was also supposed to be a spot for a wholesale grocery chain a few years ago. The lot in question would be to to your immediate left as you get off 101 to go to the lauch ramp. I wish I could post the picture of it from the aerial photo in the paper. My first thought was this would have been a better place for the event center than the marina. What will happen when there is a hotbite and an "EVENT" that same weekend? As Chilly said it does smell of old fish when you read the other article that Rogue wants to expand its South Beach facility and join the Lincoln Co. enterprise zone. Along with another business in South Beach on port land. The other article is on the International Terminal and its woes. As far as the money for the ramp improvements I did some research and found out that most of the $ for the new ramp/improvements will be paid for using sportsmens' $. It will come from the federal taxes on fuel and other recreational goodies.(PFDs, fishing line and rods for instance.)
If you didn't catch it before but one of the back up plans is a "temporary launch on the north side of the river.
I am not against the growth of the community or businesses in town but don't like to see it expanded at the cost of previous and established uses. But I am cynical when it comes to small town governments where a relatively few closely involved people with their own agendas can push something like this through with little resistance.
Mark Mc,
SC harbor was the horror I thought of first when I first heard of this. After they were done there we bought an old beat up bike to ride back to the dock from the lot and to go pick up the truck. It beat the 10-20 minute walk.
I'll keep up on this.

[Chilly one]

Yea we can't stop the "wheel of progress" and that is GREAT for the economic woes of our coastal communities. I just want the sportsmen and ladies that use this facility to have a voice for this new vision of South Beach and I have a feeling that there are MANY who are making these decisions that will affect the use area we are discussing in a way that could be better served. ALOT ot the people that make these Managerial decisions are Never there before daylight to launch or haven't been in the "fishermen's" boots to see the functionality of what goes on there over a weekend or on a busy Halibut day or during the coho season etc.
I have seen all the renderings (drawings) and minutes of all the meetings and my spouse is involved in the "Circle" of business that will be inpart of the process here and it still concerns me. The very fact that a North side boat ramp would be proposed is ludicrous! There are lots of issues that will come to fruition here including bridge traffic, infrastructure, users needs of the marina and it all is a tough process no doubt, when one considers an Expansion of Rogue, Home Depot, Event Center and Marina upgrades etc.
The needs of the fishermen are:
1) a safe and efficient boat ramp that has growth in it's vision.
2)adequate parking for all users without having to "pay" or walk a great distance.
3) a fish cleaning station that meets all DEQ etc codes and suffices the TONNAGE that is landed.
4) fees that are suitable and responsible for the users.
5) a washdown/flush area that has more than 1 5 foot garden hose w/o a hose connector for the ENTIRE trailer fleet!!!!!!!
That's why these Decision makers need to see and hear our needs.
Fishing/boating/crabbing etc is good clean fun for families and all of us fishheads, and besides it keeps us out of the bars and it's alot better $ spent then chasing meth labs and druggies.
Now that that is said I really feel the Event Center would better serve us all if it were on it's own on the fringes of the Marina and NOT in the middle of a system that needs a couple of revisions such as a new surface on the boat ramp and a new dock finger for launch use and a garden hose or two. That seems alot easier and besides the MONEY is in Hand, than all this other dream rhetoric of building it right in the middle of a mechanism that has proven to be useful and even more useful/efficient with minor adjustments. In a positive ending all of us can be part of this process in educating the Managerial Minds that will make these decisions.
WOW! The Ocean salmon season opens VERY soon.
"Have a Hoppy Day!"
:smile: Chilly one :smile:

"Happiness is a Bent Rod!"

[blubeast]

Thanks for making us aware of this development. While it may be a good thing in the future, I suspect the construction period will be very frustrating.

Parking during last year's halibut weekends was severely limited by the Port parking large motor homes in the boat trailer area... some blocking the lanes causing the need to back the trailer all the way out.

I sincerely hope they devote some thought as to impact upon ALL port users during this period.

Thanks again for posting this info. Please keep us updated.

[Silver Eagle]

Maybe a little problems this year and then maybe a little better deal after that. I can see with the imflux of people we are running out of room, its either now or possible more later......Give and you shall receive........Maybe

[ChinookSlayer]

This discussion cracks me up a little. After spending years launching at little tidewater boat launches covered with sand or mud, having no place to clean a fish, and parking in some old converted field, the Newport launch always seemed fantastic to me. And for about the same price!

I've always looked at it and thought, "Wow you can launch three at a time, hey they even have a spot where I can wash the salt water off my boat, and man ol man I like that fancy shiny fish cleaning station".

I guess it depends on where you grew up, as to whether the glass is half full or half empty.

[img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]

[Salty Walty]

HH, The fuel dock is going to be running as far as I know. It is Depoe Bay that is the one that is uncertain right now. As far as moorage for next year I could not tell you. It would all depend on the upcoming projects. Sorry I could not be of more help.

[Salty Walty]

http://www.newportnewstimes.com/arti...ews/news15.txt
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/arti...ews/news16.txt
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/arti...ews/news10.txt
I told you I would keep you up on the new Marina Project. Here is the latest from the city meetings and some other comments on the project from one of the commissioners. This Event Center and its placement will affect all who use the port/launch facilities for years to come. I have been unable to attend any of the meetings but have seen the plans and talked to Mr. Mann and Sasaki about my concerns. I have checked with the moderators and they gave me the OK to Post the office phone #s of;
Don Mann, Port of Newport General Manager
541-265-7758
Sam Sasaki, Newport City Manager
541-574-0601
If you wish to voice your concerns over this or give your support these are some of the people who should be contacted. The other commissioners are in the articles but are not always in the Port Offices. The plans are drawn and the project is getting started but as you will read there are still some zoning issues, permit issues and time lines that are not quite finalized. There are other places in Newport that could be considered for the Event Center that would not disrupt already established uses.


Disclaimer; These #s were not put up to start an harassment campaign.

[Hawg Hunter]

Salty Walty,
Next year I was going to start mooring my boat over at Newport. With all this construction, will there be more or less boat slips? Also, will we still be able to get fuel at the dock this year? I would really appreciate your input. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]