After reading about the controversy regarding proposed new leases for the two Crescent City Harbor District-owned recreational vehicle parks, I started attending the harbor commission meetings last month to see for myself what was going on.What I found was a very informal meeting with a large crowd freely participating in the deliberative process. The president of the harbor board had an accommodating demeanor and the commissioners seemed willing to let everyone speak. The main question that was animating the crowds was, “What will happen to the current tenants when the RV parks are renovated?”In the end, the harbor commissioners unanimously approved new lease agreements that addressed the residents’ concerns. These agreements contain provisions that the lease is not in effect until the new developer provides an acceptable relocation plan for the existing tenants. Furthermore, the developer has committed to let the current tenants stay for up to a year at the same rent after the new lease starts.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');This outcome was achieved in part because members of the public spoke up, but mostly this deal moved forward because of the due diligence of the harbor commissioners to find a mitigation for this change.Harbor commissioners are elected by the voters and work for the people of this county. The Crescent City Harbor belongs to all of us. These elected commissioners are stewards of these public lands and waters, and have a fiduciary responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community.All the harbor commissioners appear to agree that the primary business of the harbor is commercial and recreational fishing. However, the fishing stocks are depleted and will never support the industry we once had.The harbor commissioners should recognize that, to preserve the fishing infrastructure in the Harbor, they must also diversify and develop alternative sources of revenue. By doing this, the costs of operating the harbor are not paid solely by the fisherman, but also by other lease holders.Having more tourist-serving businesses does not conflict with a continued commitment to maintain a working harbor. Bringing in income from other sources will help to sustain this important industry.The new leases at the harbor RV parks are a good example of the harbor commission making good business decisions. Under the prior RV park leases the Harbor was receiving $82,000 in annual income. One reason for the low income is that current tenants are paying about $13 per day for an RV space. This is far below the current market.Under the new leases for these same RV parks, the harbor district will receive $820,000 per year. This 10-fold increase in revenue will help to fund the harbor maintenance and administration, so the fishermen do not have to bear the entire burden.The harbor commissioners have other serious business to attend to and cannot spend an exorbitant amount of time on one issue. There are very expensive infrastructure repairs that need immediate attention.The seawall next to Citizen’s Dock has rusted out. The rising tide flows beneath and is undermining the harbor property. Sinkholes are showing up and there are areas where heavy equipment should no longer operate. The Citizens Dock is badly in need of rebuilding, and it is hazardous to drive trucks on it. The seawall and Citizens Dock both need to be rebuilt for an estimated cost of $25 million.I commend the harbor commissioners for hiring a grant writer to pursue grants to effectuate these repairs. There are billions of dollars of grants available from President Biden’s infrastructure bill, including funds for harbors.Government process can sometimes seem slow. But complicated issues take time, and always need to include public participation. We are fortunate to have an experienced harbormaster and dedicated commissioners that are working hard to make progress.One persistent naysayer commented at a recent meeting that watching the harbor commission work is like watching paint dry. I suggest that we would make more progress if more people would pick up a brush and help to paint. Keith Hendrick is the chairman of the Del Norte County Democratic Central Committee. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });