More anchorage could be in the cards

After about a decade of informally contemplating the idea, Newport Beach Harbor Commission will discuss creating an additional anchorage area off the western tip of Lido Isle. Only this time, the city has some research under its belt.

“Because of the recent Lower Bay dredging, we had to relocate our existing anchorage [normally] located on the eastern tip of Lido,” said Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller on Friday.

The area, designated for visiting boats dropping anchor in the harbor, was moved to the island’s western tip for about 10 months.

“Kind of how it turned out, it was a good study for us,” Miller said.

In a memo, he wrote that the possibility of augmenting the city’s existing anchorage with either a seasonal or permanent anchorage off the other side of Lido will appear on the commission’s April 10 agenda.

“I don’t think there’s an intention to do anything with the current anchorage on the eastern tip [of Lido Isle],” he said. “That functions great. It’s a good size ... the idea is to add capacity.”

But, he stressed, any action on the matter won’t happen soon.

The commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 10 in the new council chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive.

— Jill Cowan

Twitter: @jillcowan