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Council approves replacement of Narragansett Avenue coastal access stairway
Summary
Council approved repairs and replacement of the deteriorated stairway at the western terminus of Narragansett Avenue to restore safe public access, finding the project CEQA‑categorically exempt and authorizing coastal and site development permits.
City staff presented and the City Council unanimously approved May 12 a capital improvement project to repair and replace a deteriorated coastal access stairway at the western end of Narragansett Avenue in the Ocean Beach community.
Spencer Dean, development project manager, told the council the project proposes repairing the upper four flights and landings, replacing the lower stairway and bottom landing with concrete steps and foundation, installing new stainless‑steel handrails, widening the sidewalk at the top of the stairway and adding directional signage. Staff said the stairway had deteriorated from exposure and needed reconstruction to provide safe public access and to protect the adjacent coastal bluff.
The project is located in the Ocean Beach community plan and the local coastal program area. Staff recommended the council find the project categorically exempt from CEQA and approve the site development permit and coastal development permit necessary to proceed.
Public comment acknowledged the need for safe access but several speakers told the council they were concerned about longer‑term sea‑level rise and whether continued investment in fixed shoreline infrastructure is prudent without broader retreat planning. Council members asked questions about jurisdiction and permitting; Council member Campbell moved to approve the staff recommendation and Council member Von Wilpert seconded. The motion passed 9–0.
Staff said the Ocean Beach Community Planning Group had previously voted 12–0 in favor of the project. The council asked staff to consider long‑term bluff stability in future project planning.
