Council to return resolution reaffirming local control of Redondo Beach waterfront to National Park Service study

The Redondo Beach City Council directed staff to return a draft resolution reaffirming the city's preference that municipal management and local decision-making remain primary for waterfront and coastal resources, and to submit that resolution to the National Park Service (NPS) during the agency's public-comment period for the Los Angeles County Special Resource Study.

Jane Chung of the city manager's office summarized federal legislation and the study's scope: Congress expanded a 2019 Santa Monica Mountains boundary study via a 2023 appropriations action, directing the NPS to review whether larger segments of the LA County coastline meet criteria for inclusion in the national park system. Chung emphasized the study is an information-gathering exercise and does not itself change local land-use authority or automatically transfer property. "The study does not change local land use authority or impose new regulations," she told the council.

Council discussion focused on protecting local control and ensuring that any federal study reflect municipal operations, maintenance responsibilities and historical and cultural context of the waterfront. Staff recommended a resolution that affirms the public value of the waterfront, the city's operational responsibilities, a willingness to collaborate with regional partners, and a requirement that local management remain intact.

A member of the public asked whether the effort was a prelude to federal acquisition; staff and council said the study is advisory and any transfer of property or management would require separate, voluntary steps by the city and federal action. Council directed staff to return the modified draft resolution for formal adoption at the May 19 meeting and to submit it during the extended public-comment period.

The direction to return the resolution for adoption passed unanimously, 4-0 (Council Member Waller absent).