Hermosa Beach Studying Parking Structure Plans

Plans to construct two parking structures--one that would be city-owned and operated, the other a private venture--are being reviewed by the City Council.

Together, the structures would provide nearly 900 new parking spaces for beachgoers, shoppers and civic center employees.

Two proposals have been suggested for the city-operated development, both on municipal properties next to the Community Center on Pier Avenue.

Alternate Plans

One plan calls for a 27,000-square-foot, four-level structure, including one subterranean floor, that would provide 390 parking spaces. It is proposed for what is now a parking lot on 11th Place, directly south of the community Center.

Another proposal, favored by city staff, calls for a 44,000-square-foot, three-level structure, providing 440 spaces. It would be constructed on a parking lot and tennis courts on 11th Place west of the Community Center. The three displaced tennis courts would be relocated on top of the structure.

Costs for either project are estimated at $3.2 million, to be funded by bonds and repaid with parking fees over 16 to 20 years.

The privately run operation is proposed for a city-owned lot currently known as Lot C, at 13th Street and Hermosa Avenue. The parking plan, submitted by Ridgemont Parking Systems of Dallas, would provide 450 spaces in a 153,900-square-foot, three-level structure.

Calling the Ridgemont proposal a “no-cost alternative” to alleviate downtown parking woes, parking administrator Joan Noon recommended that the council refer the plan to the council’s business relations subcommittee and suggested that the city solicit merchants’ comments on the proposal.

The City Council took no action regarding the structures but is expected to discuss the proposals at its Feb. 24 meeting.