Posted on July 15, 2024
The City of Martinez has been notified by Suntex Marinas, the company that recently acquired the City’s longtime marina operator, Almar Marina Management, that Suntex will exercise its option to terminate its marina management contract with the City effective August 21, 2024.
Although the City cannot speculate about Suntex’s business decision, Suntex primarily owns the marinas it operates, which differs from the City’s publicly-owned marina.
This action will have several significant impacts related to marina operations and City staff are diligently working on short-term and permanent solutions. The City is focused on a smooth marina management transition and long-term planning to improve the waterfront’s economic viability and prominence as a significant community resource.
“The City is taking immediate steps to ensure marina operations continue seamlessly so that those who enjoy our waterfront, in particular those who moor their boat in the marina, can continue to do so,” said Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn. “We are keeping the public, including boat owners, informed throughout the process” she added. “The City remains committed to our ambitious long-term vision of making the waterfront a regional destination.”
Mayor Zorn and Community and Economic Development Director Jill Bergman will be available at the Martinez Marina to answer questions from the community later this week:
- Friday, July 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 13, from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
A comprehensive report about marina issues will be provided at the July 17th meeting of the Martinez City Council at 7:00 p.m.
The Martinez waterfront has also recently experienced safety-related issues including the closure of the Marina Bait and Tackle Shop and a storm related pier damage. The City’s Martinez Waterfront Plan is the foundation for managing the City’s overall approach to marina improvements and revenue increases.
“It is important for our community to understand that the marina is very expensive to maintain and that it does not generate enough revenue to cover operational costs or repay debt from marina improvement loans from decades ago,” said Bergman. “The City’s exciting Waterfront Plan addresses these issues, including full marina redevelopment, new seawall construction, education/event center development, tidal marsh restoration, pier renovation, and several park and recreation improvements,” she explained.
Bergman added that the City also acknowledges its disappointment at the closure of the marina bait shop while emphasizing that safety for those who work and visit the waterfront is its most important consideration. A recent inspection showed significant damage to most of the shop’s structure, posing a critical safety issue, forcing the City to close the shop. “We are exploring an agreement with a new business partner to operate a store on the Martinez waterfront in a new structure, such as a manufactured building,” she explained.
More information can also be found at the City’s website at www.cityofmartinez.org/waterfront and via City social media channels
