Mariners Point dock operators may be willing to make deal that would keep fuel flowing

Operators of the Mariners Point boat fueling dock in Huntington Harbour, who have said they would close the facility in the fall, may be listening to offers from prospective buyers, a top city official said.

Huntington Beach City Manager Fred Wilson said during a community meeting Aug. 19 that Center City Properties and Nahas Enterprises have shown interest in selling the business, at 15922 Pacific Coast Hwy., behind the Simple Green building, and might be willing to keep the dock open past the date of the planned closure, Oct. 1, depending on the status of negotiations.

“The takeaway that we all have is that they’re finally willing to deal,” Wilson told about 40 residents. “They just need to find the right person who wants to operate the docks. So we’re doing whatever we can to help make that happen.”

Michael Leifer, an attorney representing the operators, could not be reached for comment.

Huntington Harbour resident Ed Clarke hosted the meeting at his home on Davenport Island to discuss the issue with his neighbors, city officials and a representative of Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel. For several months, residents have been concerned about the possible closure of the dock, which provides fuel for about 6,000 boat owners.

Talk of the three 12,000-gallon fuel tanks being filled with cement has prompted area residents to try to save the station.

Mariners Point is the only boat fueling facility in Huntington Harbour. The closest neighboring station is the Alamitos Bay Marine Fuel Dock in Long Beach.

Huntington Harbour resident Lance Ware said it would be dangerous for boaters, especially those with smaller vessels, to make the trek to Long Beach’s dock. He also is concerned about residents hauling portable fuel tanks known as jerry cans to and from docks and possible spills into the harbor.

Ware, 43, said he has told the Mariners Point operators that he and his father are interested in buying and taking over the fueling station, even though it is not a lucrative business.

“I really don’t want to be in the fuel operating business because it doesn’t make a whole lot of money, but I want it there,” he said. “I’m a boater and a homeowner, so I want to see it there.”

The Mariners Point dock also is used by city and state lifeguards.

Safety officials have said the dock has been used to render medical aid and is an ideal area for ambulances to pull in.