Trying to keep to a tight schedule, construction in the Marina’s West Yacht Harbor moved along at a feverish pace in October and November. The activity was even more noticeable after a seemingly quiet September – at least by all outward appearances.

Since the “dock breaking” ceremonies of June 8, close to 50 percent of the existing timber docks have been removed from the inner harbor. The dredging work that took place throughout August cleared the basin channel and new boat slip areas, and made way for a new permanent breakwater at the eastern entrance to the harbor.

September seemed quiet in the harbor, since most of the work was being done offsite. The new concrete docks and platforms were being formed, poured and assembled in Antioch, and readied for delivery by barge once the site was ready. October saw in-water construction activity ramp up again with the start of the new breakwater installation. This new breakwater sits perpendicular to the existing seawall on the south edge of the harbor inlet. Piles were driven to support the 185-foot-long fixed sheet-pile break, and the concrete cap was formed and poured just before Thanksgiving. The formwork should be removed by the end of November. Hazard markers will be placed at the ends of the breakwater as a temporary measure until the permanent navigational lights are operational. The S.F. Recreation and Park Department (SFRPD) is asking boaters to be aware of this change in the marina and be sure to keep an eye out when entering and exiting the harbor.

Barges loaded with the new concrete docks began arriving in mid-November, and construction crews are busy installing this first phase of new slips. G-Dock, or “big boat row,” was the first to go in – these are the slips in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club. H-Dock and I-Dock, closest to the Golden Gate Yacht Club, followed. The last to be installed in this phase is D-Dock, or “sailboat row” – the slips on the most westerly edge of the harbor that parallel the Little Green. The pile driving still being heard in the neighborhood is for the installation of the stationary, vertical dock supports.

Due to seasonal migration concerns, underwater construction has a limited window for completion. “Our permits restrict certain types of in-water work to between June 1 and Nov. 30. The primary activities that are restricted are dredging and pile driving,” says Connie Chan, the public relations director for SFRPD. The completion of the Phase I dock installations does require additional pile driving, however, and it looks like they will likely miss the Nov. 30 deadline. “We have requested a permit amendment that would allow us to drive piles in early December and [then from] March to May. Other types of in-water work and all landside work can be done year-round,” said Chan.

Construction crews were working hard to get as far as they could by the Nov. 30 deadline, but expect to see ongoing work in the coming months.

The remaining wooden docks will be replaced in Phase II of the renovation, which is not slated to start until mid-2012.

In the meantime, work has already started on the renovation of the Harbor Master Building at the end of Scott Street. SFRPD reports that “access to the West Mole may be temporarily interrupted while the crews perform minor abatement work. During the four to six week period when work is being performed inside the Harbor Master Building, the boater showers and public restrooms will be closed and the office of the Harbor Master will be temporarily relocated to the site trailer located at the foot of Scott Street.”

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Public Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 7

The Recreation and Park Department will host a meeting to address operational and policy issues and possible changes to West Harbor regulations and fees on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Fort Mason Center’s Golden Gate Room.

The meeting will offer attendees the opportunity to meet the new harbormaster, John Moren, get updates on the progress of the West Harbor renovation, and discuss marina rules, berthing policies and slip assignment procedures. SFRPD has been studying best practices for harbors around the country and will be taking this opportunity to address the new harbor layout and associated operational and policy changes proactively.

While an additional meeting on this topic is anticipated for early 2012 (no specific date is set), the Department strongly encourages those who want to learn more and provide feedback to attend the Dec. 7 meeting at Fort Mason Center.