Svendsen Resigns from Alameda Marina

In November, the introduction of preliminary plans to dramatically redevelop the Alameda Marina drew widespread concern and condemnation by many within the Oakland-Alameda sailing community. Early this month, developer Bill Poland, who has been part owner of the long-established, 43-acre waterfront property since 2006, attempted to clarify his position via op-ed pieces in two East Bay newspapers: "Mixed-use redevelopment of Alameda Marina… has been a public policy objective of city and regional planning agencies for years," he wrote. Meanwhile, tenants and local sailors have been meeting to share ideas on how to fight the proposed housing-heavy changes to the 65-year-old marina. 

This week, the marina is a hot topic again among Bay sailors, as Sean Svendsen has resigned his longtime position as head of the marina, and harbormaster Brock de Lappe has been been let go. Sean remains head of Svendsen’s Marine, of course, which is the most high-profile tenant of the marina complex.

Although we have been unable to reach either Sean or Brock for comment, former weekend harbormaster Paul Houtz confirms that he now holds the position of harbormaster. He emphasizes that developer Poland has thus far only introduced very preliminary redevelopment ideas. "Right now there is no plan," says Houtz. No formal drawings have been submitted, and no permits have been obtained, so making structural changes to the existing waterfront layout will be a long and complex process.

Houtz says he and Poland are happy to receive ideas and comments from the public. A dedicated email address will probably be set up soon, specifically for that purpose. In the meantime, we welcome your comments and insights on this issue here.