Channel Islands-- Things are starting to happen at Channel Islands Harbor as the dilapidated and abandoned Casa Sirena Hotel has been fenced off, and work has begun to take the old hotel down and replace it with a Hyatt House hotel.
The area has been a cause for much debate over the last few years, culminating in the defeat of a proposed 400-unit apartment complex with a local shopping center as residents were concerned about the size of the development and whether or not the proposed shopping would benefit the area or just the development.
New Harbor Director Michael Tripp is just getting started, and he is thrilled to see progress in the area.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “I heard it from the community as soon as I got this job about how important it is to see some progress. I’m relieved and excited to see this. I think it’s going to be a great new year and a good change for the harbor.”
He said they’re working with the owners at the Hyatt House as the area transforms.
“They’re actually the ones doing the demolition,” he said. “It’s a company called Briton Management, and they…
