Redwood City Voices Support of Docktown Marina, Disappointment In Legislature

The city released a statement Wednesday regarding the Docktown Marina’s situation, and that it is very disappointed a legislative approach towards helping residents is not going anywhere.

“The City Council and staff are disappointed that a path to support special State legislation to benefit the Docktown community could not be found,” the statement said. “The City has worked hard to improve conditions at the Marina over the last three years.”

The City decided to step in and take over the Marina after the previous Marina operator terminated all leases. They decided to let residents stay rather than having to move on short notice.

That is, until a legal challenge claimed it a violation of public trust. Said legislative proposal sought to help Docktown community members from having to relocate soon, while still respecting the public's right for access and use of the land.

“It would have allowed current Docktown community members to stay for fifteen years or move to another marina during that extended period,” the statement said. “While some community members were favorable toward the proposed legislation, several conditions in the proposed legislation caused concerns for others which could not be overcome... it became clear that the legislative approach is not feasible.”

Redwood City Mayor John Seybert also expressed disappointment that legislation was not moving forward. He claimed he had hoped the legislative approach would balance complying with state law and providing community members a longer time to transition.

The city will still work to provide a plan for Docktown by the end of the year. Officials plan to present the draft plan to Docktown community members in early fall, in order to receive ample feedback to implement before the end of the year.