The City of Sausalito is considering legal action following the controversial transfer of management at Pelican Harbour Marina, a move that bypassed the City Council's May denial of a tidelands lease.
Mayor Steven Woodside confirmed the City's next steps following a recent closed session: "We gave instructions, if you will, to the city attorney to explore potential causes of action regarding the property transaction involving Pelican Harbour. And also to explore alternatives we may have regarding the protection of tenants and the rental increases that apparently have been noticed."
The mayor added: "We did ask our city attorney to explore in depth options that we may have."
The situation stems from Cameron Razavi — owner of Bridgeway Marina — taking over the neighboring 90-slip marina on July 1, despite the Council's lease denial. Razavi found a legal workaround when the longtime owners sold their partnership interests directly, sidestepping the tidelands lease requirement.
The same day, notices appeared at the marina naming Razavi as harbormaster. Within 24 hours, slip holders received rent increase notices of up to 150%, effective October, and the marina's longtime harbormaster and maintenance staff were laid off.
Residents spoke out at a recent City Council meeting, noting recent rent increases, neglected dock maintenance, and many other issues
SOS stands with the residents of Pelican Harbour and urges the City to use every available tool to protect this community and the public trust lands on which it sits.