From:Effie
To:City Council
Cc:James Lewis; Benjamin Fine
Subject:Pier Avenue Stairs on Nov 15 agenda
Date:Tuesday, November 15, 2022 11:56:30 AM
External Email
Honorable City Council:
The Pier Avenue section of Ocean Blvd needs a comprehensive solution to loss of stairs and bluff retreat, like has been done for the section near Vista del Mar.
If the public access component is a vital consideration in getting approval from the Coastal Commission for bluff stabilization in that area, I urge you to pass on the quickie solution of a set of stairs popped in, and instead, study the whole section and develop a comprehensive plan that includes the issue of bluff retreat threats to vital services, as well as public access stairs, as was done for the Vista del Mar segment.
Same problems, same issues.
We all would enjoy a quick solution of a set of stairs, but there are two points I hope you consider:
1. The stairs should access the sandy beach area in the northern section of the Windward to Cliff bluff/beach area, where they have historically been placed.
2. The restoration of beach access for the public may be a strategic ‘card’ to hold, to get approvals and funding, for a larger project… to strengthen that entire section of street and critical sewer service line.
Our project should include all aspects:
1. Bluff stabilization
2. Protection of the street and the utilities in the street, and
3. Public Access to the sandy beach area
The bluff edge has now eroded to within three feet of the public right of way of Ocean Blvd in multiple locations in this neighborhood, and at least one sea cave is undermining Ocean Blvd. If this problem is not addressed in this project, bundling the funding and approvals, later, when the bluff erosion issues are just about the street, your options may be more limited.
If you can figure out a way to restore public access in the near future AND fund the entire project, you have my support for such a solution. But if a delay in public access is necessary for packaging the entire project, we are better served in the long run.
Your thoughtful consideration of these concerns is appreciated,
Effie McDermott
Resident on Leeward for over 50 years