SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Ocean Beach Pier has been closed since October of last year. The 58-year-old iconic structure has been pounded by high surf and damaged to the point that it can’t be rehabilitated. But the creation of a new replacement has many people excited about its future.
” I am really looking forward to it opening back up so people can enjoy and appreciate the ocean,” said Danielle Haulsee, chief science officer at HUBBS SeaWorld Research Institute.
Haulsee has attended all five of the community workshops. The goal is to get public input on what the new pier should look like and what it should offer.
“Our new pier is featuring a lot more open space for the public to be able to use the pier, will be about as long as the existing pier the same length and general shape,” she said.
Elizabeth Schroth-Nichols is a senior civil engineer who says this is what the public wants: a higher platform to protect the pier from rough surf and new features like an elevated walkway, retail shops, meeting space for the public to gather and also shaded areas for people to sit and enjoy the ocean and amazing San Diego sunsets.
“And of course fishing, this is the fishing pier so we are maintaining the fishing aspect of it as well,” Schroth-Nichols said.
But some including Haulsee are worried that this vision of a new pier may not happen.
“I’m concerned about the feasibility actually getting done,” Haulsee said.
Haulsee says she appreciates the innovative design, but questions the price tag which will cost between $170 and $190 million.
“If the project is so expensive, and it’s going to be really, really difficult to find the funding and actually implement, I’m worried that it might get stalled or never happen,” Haulsee said.
Still, she is hopeful that it will happen so everyone can once again enjoy being on top of the water without getting wet.
The next step in the process involves getting the environmental permits and, then of course, finding ways to fund the project.
