Board of Public Works Denies Venice Zip Line Appeal

A proposal to bring a Zip Line attraction to Venice Beach cleared a procedural hurdle today, bringing the project one step closer to reality.

In a unanimous vote this morning, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works denied an appeal by some residents who objected to the project. The proposal, which Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and supporters hope will generate revenue to maintain bathrooms and clean the beachfront park, now moves to the California Coastal Commission.

There were several people on both sides of the issue at the meeting. Rosendahl issued a letter of support for the three-month pilot project

“During this economic crisis, all City departments have had to learn to do more with less,” said Rosendahl in the letter. “Permitting the Venice Zip Line would be a wonderful opportunity for a private-public partnership that could generate some much needed revenue for Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks to maintain Venice Beach.”

As a condition of the pilot program, Rosendahl has requested that 2/3 of the revenue generated be used for beach maintenance. Kevin Regan, assistant general manager of Recreation and Parks, said roughly $150,00 could be generated in a three month period.

Boardwalk business owner Jay Goodfader says the beach needs this revenue.

“The bathrooms are such a problem to maintain,” said Goodfader.

Board of Public Works commissioner Steve Nutter, also a Venice resident, said Venice Beach is not just for the nearby residents to enjoy, but for the entire City. He said this is why he is voting to deny the appeal.

“We have to consider the entire City,” said Nutter.

The pilot program will now head to the California Coastal Commission for a permit. No word on when the matter will be heard.

See this previous post for further details about the  Venice zip line.