LAKEPORT >> A sales strategy for Holiday Harbor will be a point of emphasis at the Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.
The property, which is comprised of eight parcels, was acquired in 2008 and selected as the “primary catalyst project to spur economic activity” in Nice by the Lake County Redevelopment Agency, according to Lake County Administrative Officer Matt Perry.
However, the recession and the dissolution of the redevelopment agency in 2012 halted any plans for the property, as funding and the ability to work with potential buyers was severely limited.
“During the past few years, the county has continued to operate the marina and made some improvements while waiting for the economy to recover,” Perry stated.
Because of stretched county resources including both staff and money, as well as the economic recovery beginning, county staff is recommending to sell the property.
After sending out a request for proposals, the county contracted with Fremont-based real estate broker Tim Vi Tran to develop a marketing strategy to sell Holiday Harbor, which will include a custom website.
The board will discuss whether to sell all eight parcels or only six. If it is decided to keep two parcels under public ownership, the Nice Community Beach will be expanded. However, withholding the parcels may hinder the sale of property “by limiting the amount of interested buyers and types of projects.”
In the event that all parcels will be sold, District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele requested time to hold a town hall meeting with the Nice community regarding the reduction in public beachfront access.
Another issue is the nature of projects constructed at the site.
“The initial marketing plan was to attract a hotel development on the site and not allow a recreational vehicle park,” Perry stated. “However, the County does not have the ability to assist in a hotel development as the redevelopment agency once did.”
Perry added that a hotel “may not be the most economically viable option” for Holiday Harbor, and recommended that a normal permitting process for any proposed project be followed.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
