A license agreement that would have allowed ferry company Prop SF to launch a private water shuttle for Genentech employees from the Alvarez Ninth Street Park was terminated this week. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

There will not be a private ferry service launching out of 9th Street Park, Acting Deputy City Manager Mario Giuliani wrote in a memo to city staff and residents yesterday.

At the Nov. 15 Benicia City Council meeting, councilmembers voted 4-0— Mark Hughes was absent— to approve a licensing agreement between the city and private ferry service Prop SF to shuttle employees from client Genentech from the boat launch at Alvarez 9th Street Park to the biotechnology company’s headquarters in South San Francisco. During the public comment portion of the March 28 council meeting, residents said that although they supported the idea of a public ferry service returning to Benicia, they expressed concern about the proposed location and use of the ferry. Namely, there was concern that the decision was done without public outreach especially to those in the area near the park and that the space and dock were too small for the boats being used.

On April 7, Prop SF Captain James Jaber sent a letter to Giuliani stating that due to the wind conditions, decrease in water depth and siltation buildup, the company had opted to terminate the agreement.

In his letter, Giuliani noted that Prop SF still had the opportunity to talk to the Benicia Harbor Corporation about operating out of the Benicia Marina, although the city is not aware of any current agreement between Prop SF and the Benicia Harbor Corporation.

Giuliani also acknowledged that providing public notice to neighbors surrounding the park would have eased some of the concerns.

“I know now that had that had I sent a letter to the 9th Street Alvarez Park neighborhood last November about the proposed agreement much of the concern and anxiety caused in recent weeks could have been avoided,” he wrote. “For those who have felt troubled by this agreement or uninformed I offer my sincere apology and will be mindful of this outcome for future projects.”

Giuliani also recommended that residents wanting to learn more about a proposed project can contact the city through calling, emailing or visiting the city’s Facebook page.

“One of the great things about Benicia is the ability of residents to connect with our local elected officials and the city staff responsible for projects,” he wrote.

Sharing is caring!