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| Subject: Jul-10-03, 11:30 PM (PDT) "Malibu receives $3 million to fix pier" | |
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Author: MalibuFrank |
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Date Posted: 17:05:52 08/21/04 Sat http://graphic.pepperdine.edu/archives/2002-01-24/news/local/2002-01-24-malibu-receivers-three-mill.shtm Malibu receives $3 million to fix pier By Massiel Ladron DeGuevara Staff Writer After years of controversy, Malibu pier, once a heaven for sport fishing until its damage during a series of storms in 1995, received a $3 million grant from Los Angeles County officials — with strings attached. The money for repair on the pier, announced by County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, will come from the Proposition A “Save Neighborhood Parks” bond issue that was approved by county voters in 1992. Through this, bond money was appropriated for park improvements. “When this bond passed, and the amount of money was established, there was a pledge made by the board of supervisors to provide some of that money for the renovation of the Malibu pier,” said Hayden Sohm, Malibu superintendent of the California Depart-ment of Parks and Recreation. “The County of Los Angeles has pledged another $2.9 from county funds and another $700,000 which will come through the city of Malibu,” he continued. The total cost of renovation comes in just under $6 million. The State of California will head the project of repairing the Malibu pier, but not without certain restrictions from the county. “The county wants to be guaranteed that the pier is going to be looked after appropriately,” Sohm said. “One of the conditions set by the county is that each year $90,000 will be set aside for pier maintenance.” The money that will be set aside will come from the revenues associated with the operation of the pier. The city plans to have a concessionaire that will be operating the pier, restaurants, beach rentals and sport fishing to bring in revenues for the city. Other conditions set by the county are that the pier must generate revenues, that inspections must be done on the pier on a regular basis, that there is storm insurance, appropriate space for the lifeguards to run bay watch boats off the pier, and an office for county lifeguards. In 1999, officials first decided to repair the pier, but the two partners who were contracted to complete the job had a falling out. The two argued over specifications, selection of subcontractors, the quality of materials and workmanship. Repairs on the pier were postponed, but are now underway, thanks to the recent grant. Sohm expects the pier to be open for business as early as June of 2003. “I think the Malibu community will enjoy the pier once it is opened up to businesses,” Sohm said. “Since we are taking an already existing structure and renovating it, it won’t be a contributor to traffic congestion or other menaces, something we can all appreciate,” he continued. The state, county, and the city of Malibu are all working together to get this project on its feet as soon as possible. Sohm has brought architects and planners and made sure they understand the vision the city has for the pier. The Rindge family built the pier in 1906 so they could have a place to unload their supplies. In later years, the pier became famous for sport fishing and the historic restaurant, Alice’s, that sat at the end of the pier, that opened in 1972. Mixed feelings have swirled around repair of the pier between residents and officials since 1995. “Three million is a lot to spend on anything,” said Nick Douglas, a 25-year Malibu resident. “I’m just not sure if repairing the old pier should be a top priority for the city.” However, city officials hold a different point of view. “The re-opening of the pier’s businesses will produce economic viability,” Sohm said. “We will have a sustainable economic development.” [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |