Threat of Storms Delays Work on Parking Garage

Although plans to build a parking structure in the newly renovated downtown of Hermosa Beach have received approval, construction of the 385-stall parking garage will be delayed by the prospect of El Nino winter storms.

Construction of the parking facility was delayed while a group opposed to the garage sought to get a referendum on the November ballot. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of residents. Judge Malcolm Mackey ruled that the plan to build the structure is an administrative issue and doesn’t qualify for referendum.

City officials said they are relieved that the court decided in their favor, but added that the severe winter storms expected to be generated by El Nino have led them to postpone the construction. Councilman John Bowler said the city had hoped to begin construction this fall, but plans to gauge the severity of the weather before moving forward.

“It makes no sense to get started and then have the storm damage the structure,” Bowler said. “We want to see how the storm plays out before we begin a project like this.”

Renovation of the pier also was scheduled to begin this fall. Bowler said the renovation has been delayed because a lifeguard tower needed to be redesigned, but added that construction on the pier also may be put on hold.