Wilmette Harbor Rental Bid Vote Expected Thursday

After two years of uncertainty, Wilmette Harbor Association could resume its management of the Wilmette Harbor if the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Commissioners approves its annual rental bid of $68,500 for a 39-year lease, Chicago Tribune reported. 

MWRD rejected two top bidders – Wilmette Harbor Management and CenterPointe Yacht Services – saying the competitors failed to provide sufficient financial documentation and is expected to approve the bid from Wilmette Harbor Association, which has managed the harbor for 75 years, Chicago Tribune reported.

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