Cyndi Loza

Chicago’s lakefront harbor system would grow by more than 50 percent under a plan being floated by the Chicago Park District. The Park District board is scheduled to be briefed today on a consultant’s report that forecasts a 2,500-slip increase in demand over the next 20 years.

Though some of the projects have been previously discussed publicly, parks Supt. Timothy Mitchell said Tuesday he would like construction on two of them to begin next year.

The four new harbors under consideration are:

• Chicago Gateway, south of Navy Pier, some of which would serve as a “transient” slip for out-of-town visitors. Estimated cost: $24 million for 300 to 400 slips.
• 31st Street — 830 slips, estimated to cost $42 million.
• Du Sable East at the end of Randolph — about 500 slips and possibly a helipad. Estimated cost: $25 million.
• 87th Street — 1,000 slips at the former U.S. Steel site. Estimated cost: $55 million.

Mitchell said Gateway and 31st are top priorities. Construction on those could begin in 2008, with completion in 2010, said Rob Rejman, director of lakefront construction for the Park District.

Slip revenues would cover construction costs, Mitchell maintained. The current harbor system has 5,100 slots and there is a waiting list of about 400 to obtain prime dock-side slots, officials said.

Harbor fees have been a growing revenue generator for the district — this year they are projected to raise some $20.4 million, or about 5 percent of total operating budget revenue for the park system. Dockside stalls run as high as $125 per foot for large boats at Belmont Harbor with non-city residents being charged an additional 25 percent premium.

As the city bids for the 2016 Summer Olympics, Gateway and 31st are particularly important, said Mitchell. The 31st Street lakefront has been marked as the site of sailing competition. The rowing venue would be at Monroe Harbor, and Gateway could help accommodate boat owners displaced from Monroe, he said.