The San Luis Bay Harbor District continues to plan to increase visitor attractions in Avila Bay. This week they held the first of several public hearings about the Harbor Terrace 100 unit campground project above Avila Bay to be completed in 2017. Also the district is now taking requests for proposals to develop up to 6000sf of buildings on the end of Avila Pier, a far cry larger than the 500 sf bait store Zippys At The Pier,that is there now.
Harbor manager Steve McGrath says if a developer wants to offer a proposal they have until March 7 to make one. No single building on the pier can be larger than 2000sf. McGrath says one measure of the increase in demand in Avila Beach is the parking revenue the district collects that has seen a steady increase in the past year.
The district is also looking upgrade the other major visitor pier on the bay looking to remodel development on the historic Harford Pier in Port San Luis that includes a new fish restaurant to be operated by Chris Dorn of Morro Bay fame. That plan is being reviewed by the Coastal Commission. Several other projects are salted for the pier.
Besides what the Harbor district is planning, the community of Avila Beach has been extensively rebuilt between 2001 and today that is due to significant contamination from underground oil lines.
Chevron is now considering redevelopment of the “Fossil Point” site at the east end of the community. That could include a major resort.