Malibu needs another $6M for land grab
MALIBU — Efforts to clean up Surfrider Beach and preserve this scenic habitat for future generations took a step forward recently, when Malibu received a $2.5 million grant to acquire land for its proposed water quality management facility.
The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Corporation (SBRC) approved the grant on Aug. 19 with the understanding it be put towards the purchase of the Chili Cook-Off property near Malibu Creek, within the city’s civic center.
The pending land acquisition is intended to house facilities that will treat stormwater, before releasing it into the ocean, as well as collect and divert local wastewater.
Supporters of the project say such operations will significantly improve environmental conditions around the bay, which currently threatens wildlife and poses health risks due to contamination, according to some groups.
SBRC’s Vice Chair David Nahai said his group is glad to assist Malibu’s environmental cause, which will likely affect countless Santa Monica Bay residents and tourists.
“We are extremely satisfied to be able to support this regionally important project as we believe it is one of the keystones to restoring Santa Monica Bay,” Nahai said.
Malibu is attempting to purchase the 20 acres of land for $25 million. So far, $12.5 million has been committed to the land acquisition fund. An additional $6 million is set to be reviewed for approval by state board actions in October and November. Malibu is still in need of at least another $6 million, city officials said.
The Malibu Land Company, which owns the property, has offered to sell it at a rate substantially lower than its market value, estimated between $40 million and $50 million. However, as a condition of purchase, Malibu must successfully secure the funds by Dec. 31.
SBRC’s $2.5 million contribution marks the first time a state agency has formally committed money to help Malibu secure the site.
The Chili Cook-Off parcels — the setting for the famous event staged each Labor Day weekend for the past 20 years — was once part of a coastal wetland complex called the Malibu Lagoon system, one of two major habitats along Santa Monica Bay.
If acquired, more than 17 acres of the site would be used for treatment of stormwater, further stimulation of a riparian habitat, wastewater treatment and removal, and recreation.
Approximately 2.5 acres of the site is occupied by 29,354 sq. ft. of commercial development and associated parking lots, which would remain in operation if acquired by Malibu.
An April feasibility study indicates the proposed stormwater treatment facility would be designed to handle 1,400 gallons of runoff per minute. The stormwater would be detained in the wetlands system and slowly metered through the filtration and disinfection facility, before being discharged into Malibu Creek. With the Chili Cook-Off parcels, it is believed Malibu would be able to disinfect 80 to 90 percent of the passing water.
The wastewater treatment facility would be able to process between 150,000 to 350,000 gallons per day.
The acquisition of the land would also reduce commercial development in the area by 125,000 sq. ft., according to the study.
That space would become a recreational area, according to Malibu’s plan.
Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Ken Kearsley said the city has come far to realize an environmental goal, but there are steps ahead that will require more cooperation among local residents.
“It would be a tragedy to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Kearsely said. “I encourage the entire Malibu community to unite in our efforts to raise these funds so that we can create a central park and clean up Malibu Creek, Lagoon and Surfrider Beach.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 27, 2005. Read the original PDF.