Venice : Canal Renovation Urged

California Coastal Commission planners have recommended approval of a $6-million renovation of the Venice canals. The commission is scheduled to vote on the project Nov. 14.

Staff members recommended that the commission approve the project with several conditions. These include requirements that the city replant canal banks with native coastal vegetation and that it provide parking, maintain sidewalks and post signs on Venice Boulevard directing visitors to the historic area around the canals.

The commission’s vote would be one of the last steps in a long, arduous campaign to overhaul the dilapidated canals. Approval is also required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The City Council will vote Nov. 19 on whether to approve an assessment district for the repairs, which will cost the average homeowner in the district $6,600 over 10 years.