Manhattan Beach : Council Backs Pier Study

A newly created citizens’ group organized to save the deteriorated Manhattan Beach pier won unanimous City Council support Tuesday night for a study to determine how the pier could be named a state historical landmark.

The study will be conducted by the group’s parent organization, the Manhattan Beach Historical Society, and referred back to the council.

The group, called Pier Pressure, hopes to determine what structural changes would be necessary to restore the pier. The study will also focus on the financial impact that loss or renovation of the pier would have on downtown merchants.

Pier Pressure spokesman Keith Robinson, clad in a bright blue T-shirt with the group’s logo, said his organization went to the council because it wanted council backing for renovation rather than demolition of the pier. He urged the council to act out of “a real love for the pier.”

Robinson said after the meeting that he was encouraged by the council’s unanimous support for a study. Pier Pressure will also be working with state Sen. Robert Beverly to obtain the historical designation, he said.