natives because of cost and historical integrity. In the pedestrian-only alternative, 280 parking spaces currently on the pier deck would be removed and have to be replaced, which could cost up to $12 million, not including lost revenue to the pier, Franz- Knight said.
The bridge would also need to remain accessible for emergency, maintenance and service and delivery vehicles. Closing the bridge to vehicular traffic changes the character of the pier and the sign, which is used by many cross-country travelers as the symbolic end to their journey, Franz-Knight said.
There is hope that once an alternative is selected, construction could be completed by 2009.
The CVB, which closely monitors activity on the pier, has not made an endorsement of any alternative and rarely does, said Kerns.
“That said, it sure seems that the second alternative is the best option and we trust the PRC with this because they have a very direct connection with the pier,” Kerns said. “For a walkable city that promotes itself as such... it’s kind of misleading for our most visited attraction not to have safe, adequate access.”
Those interested in viewing the environmental impact report for themselves can find it on the city’s official Web site (www.smgov.net).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 21, 2007. Read the original PDF.