The Ventura County Harbor Department has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop the Fisherman’s Wharf parcel at the Channel Islands Harbor.

Harbor Department Director Michael Tripp said the redevelopment of the Fisherman’s Wharf property is long overdue.

“This property is dilapidated and doesn’t meet the standard the Harbor Department is trying to deliver to residents and visitors,” Director Tripp said. “Past proposals have failed to move forward because there’s been significant housing tied to revitalizing the commercial center. While housing is badly needed in Southern California, I’m hoping to see proposals submitted that have a more visitor-serving focus.”

Fisherman’s Wharf is a 10-acre parcel located on the southwest corner of Victoria Ave. and Channel Islands Blvd. in Oxnard. It includes approximately 49,000 square feet of one- and two-story commercial buildings and 325 parking spaces. It is zoned for commercial and retail use, including restaurants.

The RFP can be downloaded here: https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/reports-publications/

The RFP for the Whale’s Tail location was issued following the Harbor Department’s “Harbor Visioning Process.”

In 2020 and 2021, the Harbor Department facilitated the public visioning process utilizing a consultant with considerable community design and public engagement experience to explore the types of uses that are preferred in the Harbor. A steering committee comprised of County of Ventura and City of Oxnard representatives, Harbor business representatives and resident met to discuss possible future development. A preliminary survey was circulated to obtain viewpoints of residents, businesses, and visitors, and subsequently a virtual public workshop was held to present ideas on future development of the Harbor.

For this parcel, the visioning process concluded that the community found the following development most desirable:

• Public Market
• Public Plaza
• Boutique Hotel
• Improved Promenade
• Integrated Living Opportunities

The RFPs for the Fisherman’s Wharf parcel are due Thursday, July 7, 2022. Once the RFPs are received, they will be reviewed by the Harbor Department and a Harbor Advisory Committee. It is possible that one or more proposals will be selected for follow-up, including a formal presentation or request for follow-up information. It is also possible all proposals are rejected.

Editor’s Note: this story was published on May 25, 2022.