SF Marina Renovation to Begin

After a decade of planning, the much-anticipated renovation to the San Francisco Marina West — just behind St. Francis YC — is slated to begin on April 25 with the removal of the current docks. Construction should be complete by November ’12.

As welcome as the project is — the marina has been in rough shape for quite a while — some boat owners have expressed concern about how the renovation will affect them. The Recreation and Park Department has already given fair warning that slip fees will increase at least 37% and, due to the new dock configuration, tenants may not have the same neighbors when they return. All boats will be temporarily relocated during construction.

But a big question that has yet to be answered by officials is whether boat owners will retain the right to transfer their slip leases when they sell their boats. This current practice essentially allows owners to make a profit on their right to a piece of public property by jacking up the price of their boats.

We’d like to hear what you think about the current policy allowing lease transfers in City-owned marinas. Send your thoughts on the matter — both pro and con — to LaDonna.