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Harbor director outlines timeline for boat launch, parking upgrades and Seaside Lagoon overhaul
Summary
Redondo Beach Harbor director gave a progress report on multiple waterfront projects including a new public boat launch, marina parking lot conversion to pay stations, phased Seaside Lagoon overhaul, talks with a potential operator for a waterfront education facility and other items; the commission approved routine consent items.
Greg, the harbor director, gave the Harbor Commission an update Feb. 10 on a slate of waterfront projects and near-term changes affecting King Harbor and the waterfront.
The director said the city is moving forward with a new public boat-launch project and related studies; that the marina service parking lot already is being converted from a staffed toll booth to electronic pay stations and app payment; and that a phased overhaul of Seaside Lagoon remains on track for entitlement work in August with an anticipated Coastal Commission submittal in September. He also reported ongoing negotiations with the Marine Mammal Care Center about a proposed waterfront education facility and said the city has identified Julie Cole as the nonprofit operator chosen for two Portofino slips.
The update matters because the changes affect waterfront access, parking, public amenities and anticipated construction in spaces used by residents, boaters and businesses.
Key project details the director reported include: the new public boat-launch consultant team (Moffett and Nicole) is finishing parking, traffic and demand studies and will move into design and environmental review after planning staff review; the marina service lot conversion is being done in two phases with the northern half (serving California Surf Club and Seaside Lagoon) slated for completion in mid‑March and the southern half targeted for mid‑April; phase‑one parking work includes about 80 accessible parking stalls, new ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramp work, tree lighting and slurry/resurfacing and restriping; and pay-by-app and electronic pay stations will replace the staffed toll booth.
On Seaside Lagoon, the director said City Council approved the project scope in October 2024 and the consultant is refining building placement and code compliance based on subcommittee and community services feedback. The city remains on track to seek entitlements in August and to submit to the California Coastal Commission shortly thereafter. The director told commissioners the consultant is pursuing phased construction beginning with the lagoon water feature.
The director also reported several related items: sea bass grow pens are being pursued for the fire station docks with a Coastal Commission permit pending and an anticipated installation target of July 2025; the city has received Coastal Commission approval for its chosen nonprofit sailing operator at two Portofino slips and staff has drafted an agreement for Julie Cole that will go to City Council once the parties agree on terms; and a falconry demonstration tied to bird‑control efforts is planned for the week of Feb. 17 (date to be confirmed by staff email).
Greg introduced Catherine Buck as the new waterfront manager, saying she comes from the private sector with experience in planning, economic development and project management. He closed by noting the next Harbor Commission meeting is scheduled for March 10 and that the planning department expects at least one conditional use permit hearing that night.
On questions from commissioners, the director said a year‑long wave study is underway to provide wave attenuation data for the boat‑launch design; the sewer work on Yacht Club Way is in litigation after a contractor went out of business and public works has stabilized the site; and a pay‑by‑hour dinghy dock will be implemented in Basin 3 within about 30 days as an initial trial tied to the amenities plan.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the affidavit of posting and the Dec. 9 minutes on a unanimous voice vote; commissioners later approved a separate motion to place consideration of possible commission support for augmenting the Redondo artificial reef on a future agenda (see separate item). The meeting concluded with the usual motion to adjourn.
The director's report contained multiple items now advancing toward design, permit and council‑level approvals; several of the actions described remain contingent on Coastal Commission timing, City Council action or further contract negotiation.
