Update on Bolsa Chica Marina Channel Plan Draws Heavy Criticism

An overflow crowd of more than 400 people heard a progress report Tuesday night on feasibility studies for creating a navigable channel between Huntington Harbour and a marina planned for the Bolsa Chica wetlands.

The meeting was staged to solicit public comment, and there was plenty of that.

The large turnout at Huntington Beach City Hall--and the opposition expressed by many of the residents--surprised Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder, who said she had arranged forums on the proposed channel.

“We are not anywhere near a decision on this,” stressed Ronald L. Tippets, the county Environmental Management Agency’s project manager for the Bolsa Chica development planned by landowner and developer Signal Landmark Co.

A team of consultants hired by Signal made presentations on engineering, water-quality impact, environmental considerations and financial concerns--including the estimated $24-million price tag.

Bridge Suggested

If built as proposed, the channel would be 350 feet wide. A 25-foot-high bridge over Warner Avenue has been suggested.

Signal Landmark representatives have said previously that the connector channel, which would provide a navigable tie to the sea, is an option the company will include in its overall development plans if endorsed by the county and residents. But the channel is not essential to success of the marina, Signal has said.

How the channel will be paid for appeared to be a cause of deep concern for some Huntington Harbour residents. Several speakers told Wieder, Tippet and a Bolsa Chica citizens’ advisory committee that they do not want to get stuck paying for a channel by means of assessments--one of many funding options Signal has suggested.

“I think they should get Ollie North in there; he could raise all the money (for the channel) in two minutes!” shouted one woman, who did not identify herself.

Written comments to Wieder and the Signal consultants included concerns about whether the Navy would at some time close the ocean entrance it controls to Anaheim Bay (now the only sea access from Huntington Harbour) and how willing Signal would be to pay for at least part of the proposed channel. And there was even a suggestion that tolls be charged for use of the channel to pay for it.

Some speakers expressed doubt that a new channel would increase their property values, saying the increase in traffic, noise and pollution they anticipate may force the price of their homes down.

Resident’s Complaint

“What you are trying to do is put a regional shopping center in a residential neighborhood,” said resident Allan Moline, a Harbour resident of two years, whose comments were met with hoots and applause from the standing-room-only audience.

Wieder, who lives in Huntington Harbour, successfully quieted the group at numerous points in the discussion when members of the audience interrupted consultants.

She said that monthly forums will be held to discuss various aspects of the Bolsa Chica development. She said her decision on the channel will be based on the majority’s wishes but noted that she is not sure the bulk of the Harbour’s 6,000 residents were accurately represented at Tuesday night’s forum.