Westside : Commission Approves Restoration Project for Venice Pier

Restoration of the Venice Pier, a once-popular site for fishing and tourism, passed a major hurdle Thursday when the California Coastal Commission approved a multimillion-dollar overhaul of the long-closed landmark.

The commission’s action paves the way for reconstruction of the pier to begin in the next two months.

The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks plans to replace half of the pier’s 1,200-foot-long concrete deck, repairing the other half where it has deteriorated. Guardrails will also be replaced and new light poles and fixtures will be added.

In addition, a concession stand and restrooms will be renovated and made accessible to the handicapped.

The 32-year-old fishing pier was closed in 1986 after pieces of concrete broke away from the structure. The pier faced demolition at one point before Venice-area residents rallied to save it from the wrecking ball.

“This is a great project because it will provide another pier for the public to use,” said Charles Posner, a planner with the Coastal Commission.

The city parks department is paying for the work with $3.2 million in county parks improvement bond money. Parks officials are searching for an additional $300,000 to help meet construction costs.

The restoration, expected to take about a year, accompanies a new plan to refurbish Ocean Front Walk just to the north of the pier. . . .