Residents oppose outrigger storage at Baby Beach, urge alternate sites

Two residents told the Dana Point Planning Commission on Sept. 22 they oppose a proposed storage location for outrigger canoes at Baby Beach and urged the city to consider alternate sites. Kelly Chapman and Greg Hall said the plan tied to permit CDP-25-0006 would remove lawn used by children, families, seniors and people with disabilities. "It's all used almost universally an unpopular idea with over 500 responses that we take away the lawn or a portion of the lawn area that's used by kids, families, seniors, and handicaps people to access the beach and to enjoy a day," resident Kelly Chapman said. Greg Hall, who said he represents neighbors concerned about the west entrance to Baby Beach, told commissioners the grassy areas at the base of the kids sailing club and near Captain Jack's, and a large parking area at the east end by El Porto, could accommodate the outriggers without removing public lawn. The Planning Commission chair reminded the public that the commission cannot take action on items not on the posted agenda and noted that the commission had not yet reviewed plans related to the outrigger issue. The chair said there will be "an exhaustive process that occurs prior to ever getting in front of us" and thanked the community for speaking. The two speakers appeared during the public comment period; no formal application or staff report for CDP-25-0006 was presented to the commission during this meeting. Residents asked the city to consider alternatives that avoid reducing public recreational lawn at Baby Beach and emphasized concern that temporary facilities often become permanent if not carefully bounded. The public comment period was limited to three minutes per speaker and a total of 15 minutes; Chapman and Hall were among two speakers who used the allotted time to make their views known. The commission made no direction, assignment, or formal decision about CDP-25-0006 at the meeting.