Richmond City Council approves $2M for Point Milady Beach erosion stabilization project

The Richmond City Council convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss a significant funding resolution aimed at addressing shoreline erosion at Point Milady Beach. The council is considering the appropriation of $2 million from the General Capital Fund to fully finance the Point Milady Beach Stabilization Project. This initiative is crucial for completing shoreline stabilization and ensuring the continuity of the Bay Trail through Point Milady Beach Park.

During the meeting, Deputy Public Works Director Robert Armijo presented the project, emphasizing its importance in protecting public infrastructure and cultural resources from ongoing erosion. The project aims to create a 30-foot stabilization area along a 1.25-mile segment of the Bay Trail, which is part of a larger collaborative effort with the East Bay Regional Parks District to close a 2.5-mile gap in the trail system.

Armijo highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that delays could jeopardize external funding and extend the timeline for completing the Bay Trail. The council has received two grants totaling $2 million for this segment, and failure to act could result in losing these funds.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and concern. Advocates for the project, including members of the Trails Richmond Action Committee, stressed the necessity of moving forward to prevent further erosion and protect cultural resources. They argued that the stabilization project is essential for maintaining public access to the shoreline and ensuring the completion of the Bay Trail.

However, some community members expressed reservations about the proposed use of revetment—large rocks placed along the shoreline to prevent erosion. Critics raised concerns about the potential negative impact on beach access and local biodiversity, suggesting that alternative solutions should be explored.

In response to these concerns, Armijo assured the council and the public that various alternatives had been considered, but the specific site conditions made nature-based solutions infeasible. He reiterated that the current design minimizes disturbances and is the best fit for the area.

The council is expected to vote on the funding resolution in the coming weeks, with the outcome poised to significantly impact the future of the Bay Trail and the preservation of Point Milady Beach. The decision will not only affect local residents but also the broader community that relies on these vital public spaces for recreation and cultural heritage.