A new operator has been identified, potentially allowing North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor to reopen this summer, after state officials were left scrambling when the prior operator ended its contract last year.
The Village of Winthrop Harbor said it learned in early December through unofficial channels of potential leasing issues involving the current operator of the North Point Marina, which is the largest marina on the Great Lakes.
Village staff said they immediately began coordinating with State Representative Joyce Mason and State Senator Mary Edly-Allen.
“Neither had previously been made aware of any potential concerns regarding marina operations. They moved quickly to engage with IDNR leadership to confirm the situation and seek clarification on the status of the operator’s lease and any impacts on North Point Marina,” the village said.
North Point Marina and the adjacent Illinois Beach State Park lands are owned, managed and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
The areas lie within the geographical boundaries of the Village of Winthrop Harbor but the village does not operate, oversee or direct the day-to-day or long-term functions of the marina or the state-controlled lands.
All operational decisions, including maintenance, capital improvements, concessions, leasing, programming and staffing fall under IDNR’s authority or its operators.
IDNR told Lake and McHenry County Scanner in a statement in mid-December that Suntext requested termination of their contract at North Point Marina, citing poor financial performance.
All rental agreements under that contract had been terminated and marina assets were then winterized.
“Suntex’s financial inability to operate North Point Marina is obviously not the outcome the department had hoped for. We understand the value the marina brings to the region and the reasons why customers, residents, local businesses and others are concerned,” IDNR said in December.
“IDNR intends to keep stakeholders informed as we explore all viable options to maintain marina operations,” the statement added.
The village said they were appreciative of Mason and Edly-Allen, as well as the governor’s office, for their efforts to obtain answers and work toward solutions.
“Their engagement has ensured that concerns surrounding the marina are being elevated and addressed at the highest levels of state government,” the village said.
North Point Marina is a “critical economic engine” and an “essential part” of the village’s identity.
Village officials say any disruption to its operations would result in “significant negative impacts” on the local economy, including the potential loss of approximately 150 jobs and the ripple effect on businesses that rely on marina activity.
That includes the charter fishing industry, boat service and repair businesses, hospitality partners and restaurant establishments.
The industries contribute to local sales tax generation, tourism and the overall vitality of Winthrop Harbor, the village said. “Any disruption in the operations of North Point Marina places added strain on the Village’s economy and local taxpayers.”
Representative Mason told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that IDNR and Suntext were in talks months prior about re-negotiating Suntex’s contract.
IDNR was supposed to send out a new request for proposal to get new bids from any interested companies, including Suntex.
“But because of some turnover at the agency, the RFP was never issued. Suntex has decided they are no longer interested in continuing to run the marina, so they are winterizing the marina and they will be done,” Mason said.
The state has very specific procurement requirements and there is a lengthy process when sending out a new request for proposal and completing a search to find a new company, placing the marina in jeopardy of not being opened in time for this coming season.
Mason said she became aware of the situation just before Thanksgiving and began working to come up with solutions so the marina could open next season.
“There are a number of options we’re pursuing, including getting a one-year procurement exemption on an emergency basis,” Mason said.
Mason told Lake and McHenry County Scanner in an update on Monday that Antioch-based SkipperBud’s was chosen through a sole-source procurement process.
The company is still working through the final details with officials and recently had to go through a public hearing, Mason said, adding that it is not official yet but she expects to hear further soon.
Edly-Allen, also on Monday, told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that she has been working closely with Mason, IDNR and other stakeholders over the last few months to bring a resolution to the marina issue.
“This brings much needed stability to the area. As you can imagine, bringing a resolution was a top priority for the district,” Edly-Allen said.
A spokesperson for IDNR also said on Monday that the new operator for the marina has not been officially finalized yet.
Village officials previously said the situation came amid strained relations with IDNR as they continue to call on IDNR leadership to “recognize the importance of addressing these concerns and work collaboratively to ensure the marina’s stability moving forward.”
The village provides public safety services on Lake Michigan without direct operational or financial support from the state.
“It is also our sincere hope that IDNR leadership will improve communication between their organization and the communities they serve, as these decisions have a direct and lasting impact on local residents and businesses. We stand ready to assist IDNR and the affected parties in any way possible,” the village said in December.