Consultants Selected for Harbor Revitalization Plan

Consultants will soon begin looking at ways to revitalize Dana Point Harbor under an agreement approved this week by the county supervisors.

The supervisors selected Philadelphia-based Wallace Roberts and Todd as the primary consulting firm and Keyser Marston Associates, which has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, as an alternate.

“The idyllic Dana Point Harbor is set to renew itself for the continued enjoyment of those who come to shop, dine, boat or just relax in the beauty of Dana Point,” said Supervisor Thomas W. Wilson, who led the push to start the revitalization process.

Officials estimate the long-awaited revitalization planning project will cost $200,000, and will take about nine months.

The board is expected to approve a formal agreement with the consultant at its Oct. 21 meeting.

The county has asked the firm to develop a comprehensive revitalization plan for the harbor and provide market, economic and other guidance for upcoming lease negotiations. Leases with restaurants and other shops at the harbor are set to expire in the next several years.

The primary and alternate consultants were chosen by a panel that included representatives from the Dana Point Harbor Assn. as well as city and county employees.