Docktown Marina Redwood City CA Faces Uncertain Future

Docktown Marina in Redwood City, CA is facing an uncertain future. The marina has been a staple in the community for decades, but its long-term prospects are unclear.

The marina's current state is a result of years of neglect and underinvestment. According to reports, the marina's infrastructure is in dire need of repair, with crumbling docks and inadequate facilities.

Despite its challenges, the marina remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Its picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and simply enjoying the outdoors.

The marina's uncertain future has sparked concerns about its potential closure. If the marina is closed, it could have significant economic and social impacts on the community.

About 100 people used to call Docktown Marina home, but now there are only about nine residents left, all of whom are fighting eviction.

The community has been in a state of limbo with pending eviction litigation with the city, with some residents out of money and others considering settling for a tiny amount to leave.

Peninsula native Nina Peschcke-Koedt has lived at Docktown for 15 years and says it's a "little island - a little oasis in the middle of Silicon Valley" where she can escape the pressure and expense of living on land.

Peschcke-Koedt used to pay $850 a month in rent, which she says is hard to find on land, and is now facing eviction due to the city's efforts to comply with State law.

Unauthorized rentals have become a contentious issue in the marina controversy.

The marina's lax regulations have allowed unauthorized rentals to flourish, with some boat owners subletting their vessels to third parties without proper permits or insurance.

This has raised concerns about safety and liability, as these rentals often lack proper maintenance and inspections.

The marina's management has been criticized for not doing enough to prevent these unauthorized rentals, which has led to a decrease in revenue and an increase in complaints from legitimate renters.

In one notable case, a boat was rented out without proper safety equipment, resulting in a serious accident that could have been prevented with proper oversight.

The marina's lack of effective enforcement has created a culture of disregard for the rules, with some boat owners feeling that they can operate with impunity.

Residents of Docktown Marina have been fighting for their homes, but they're not just fighting for the right to stay, they're fighting for basic respect and fairness.

The community has dwindled to just 9 residents, down from 100 people who once called this place home.

Nina Peschcke-Koedt, a Peninsula native, has lived at Docktown for 15 years and feels like she and her fellow residents have been treated like second-class citizens.

Peschcke-Koedt used to pay $850 a month in rent, which is a steal considering the prices of housing in Silicon Valley.

The City of Redwood City has been trying to find solutions to help the residents, but it's clear that the situation is complex and emotional.

The State Lands Commission notified the City that private residential uses were not permitted at Docktown, which has led to the current eviction battle.

The City has provided relocation assistance for some residents, but it's not enough to save the community.

The remaining residents are fighting on, with an Inverse Condemnation trial set for October of this year.

Docktown Marina has a long and complex history in Redwood City, CA. The city gained control of the marina's land in 1945.

In 1964, the city leased the waterway to J. Franklin Salaman, who turned it into a marina business. This business was later transferred to Fred Earnhardt Jr.

The city has had concerns about residential uses at Docktown Marina, particularly the construction of floating homes without permits. Safety issues related to the conditions of some vessels and water pollution were also a concern.

By 2001, the city's concerns had escalated, with City Manager Ed Everett calling Docktown a "major concern to the city" and a "public nuisance." Residents were living in floating homes without proper sewage connections.

Residents have repeatedly requested sewage connections, but the city has only connected sewage for four of the 70 liveaboards. The rest rely on a sewage pumpout service, and gray water from sinks and showers goes into the creek.

In 2013, Earnhardt closed his marina business, and the city took over management of Docktown Marina. The city began collecting rent from residents, but the revenue hasn't been enough to cover operating costs.

Between 2011 and 2012, the city earned only $20,400 from Docktown Marina, a significant decrease from the nearly $422,000 they earned over the last eight months.

Redwood City's Floating Community has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, with people living in Docktown Marina for decades.

About 100 people used to call this home, but now there are only about nine residents left, fighting for their right to stay.

The community is made up of boats, houseboats, and liveaboards, offering a unique way of life that's hard to find on land.

Peninsula native Nina Peschcke-Koedt is one of the remaining residents, who has lived at Docktown for 15 years.

She loves the sense of community and freedom that comes with living on the water, where she can escape the pressure and expense of Silicon Valley.

Peschcke-Koedt used to pay $850 in rent, which is a steal compared to what you'd find on land.

The City of Redwood City has been trying to find solutions to help the tenants, but the State Lands Commission has notified them that private residential uses are not permitted at Docktown.

The City has provided relocation assistance to some tenants, but Peschcke-Koedt and the remaining residents are fighting to stay.