Three Bidders Remain in Running to Lease Wilmette Harbor

Just when you thought a manager for Wilmette Harbor would be selected after two years of uncertainty, the harbor’s owner, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, deferred the vote, saying it has received questions and wanted its executive director to review everything before making a final decision, Chicago Tribune reported. 

Officials from Wilmette Harbor Management, one of the three bidders still in the running for the harbor lease, previously raised questions about the district’s bidding process, Chicago Tribune reported. 

The other two bidders are CenterPointe Yacht Services and Wilmette Harbor Association. 

Wilmette Harbor Association, which has managed the harbor for 75 years, . Many had expected MWRD Commissioners to approve Wilmette Harbor Association’s bid on March 7. 

The MWRD, which constructed the harbor in 1910 and owns the property, announced its intention to go out to public bid in September 2012 for a 39-year management lease, with a minimum initial bid of $67,000 per year. In addition to management rights, the winning bidder would also assume all harbor maintenance responsibilities, which according to a recent report would include paying for $11.7 million in need repairs.

According to the study, 

Wilmette Park District had considered managing Wilmette Harbor but decided not to submit a bid to lease the harbor last September because of the high associated costs and the public’s seemingly overwhelming opposition.

Related Coverage

• Wilmette Harbor Rental Bid Vote Expected Thursday
• Wilmette Park District Won’t Pursue Harbor Lease
• Wilmette Harbor Association: 'We Want to Remain the Sole Operator of the Harbor'