Willard tried to break the leases, which probably would have put people out of business, leading to Cannery Row style schlock taking over the wharf..

The council concluded the current leases “clearly state that the buildings are the property and responsibility of the lease holders.” The council said ownership “was properly negotiated as a part of the lease extensions in the early ’90s and was not a gift of public funds.”

Assistant City Manager Fred Cohn said the wharf businesses have ground leases from the city under which they essentially “rent the mud” beneath the wharf. The tenants are responsible for the pilings, decking and buildings, he said.

Wharf Leases Deemed Legal