The Ventura County Harbor Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to redevelop a Channel Islands Harbor parcel where the popular, upscale Whale’s Tail restaurant formerly operated.

Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said RFP applicants seeking to develop the parcel should be able to do so more efficiently because of the department’s recently completed Harbor Visioning Process. The RFP can be downloaded here: https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/reports-publications/

“Based on our upfront public engagement with the community, government officials, and business representatives, I’m confident we will receive proposals that will fit the Harbor well,” Director Sandoval said.

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 most desired development, in ranked order, include:

• A marine education center and aquarium
• Mixed-used bed & breakfast/small restaurant facility
• A restaurant

The RFPs for the Whale’s Tail parcel are due September 30, 2021. 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.

Director Sandoval said a second RFP will be issued in August 2021 for a small parcel on Victoria Avenue south of the Fisherman’s Wharf shopping center.

Editor’s Note: this story was published on August 10, 2021.