Beach Cottage to Be Moved to Polliwog Park

An 81-year-old beach cottage temporarily placed on the former Santa Fe Railroad right of way will be moved to Polliwog Park, the Manhattan Beach City Council decided last week in a 4-1 vote.

But the drawn-out debate over the cottage may not be over. The city leases the park from the Manhattan Beach City School District and city officials are not sure whether they need the district’s permission to place the cottage there. The lease expires in nine years.

The cottage has been a topic of controversy before the City Council. Residents who believe the house has historical value argued for its preservation. Other members of the community said the cottage is unattractive and not worth saving.

Donated to City

The cottage was donated to the city but $11,500 was spent to move it from 205 15th St., the site of a planned apartment complex. It will cost the city an additional $5,100 to move the house to Polliwog Park, at Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

City officials are unsure what the cottage will be used for, although several suggestions have been made, including a children’s museum and historical exhibit.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Holmes voted against the Polliwog Park location, saying the cottage should be placed in the beach area where such houses were originally found. He said that since there is no acceptable site near the beach, the house ought to be destroyed and the City Council should move on to other issues.