Redondo Beach approves contract to analyze launch ramp locations

REDONDO BEACH — A launch ramp that will serve as King Harbor’s first small craft launch ramp for the boating public, was a topic of contention once again at the Nov.18 Redondo Beach City Council meeting.
At issue was whether or not to approve a contract with Noble Consultants for services related to the launch facility and Seaside Lagoon modifications. The council ultimately approved the contract after some discussion.
The $501,492 contract cost includes data collection, boat ramp alternative analysis, Seaside Lagoon modifications, environmental impacts assessment and permits. Other components of the contract include permitting support, grant application support, applying for funding and the water traffic safety analysis in opening of the lagoon.
Mofatt & Nichol representatives presented proposed locations during a previous meeting. The $7.5 million ramp is part of the $200 million CenterCal Properties redevelopment of the waterfront. An element of the revitalization includes opening Seaside Lagoon to allow direct access to the harbor.
The ramp is being funded by the city and is a requirement of the redevelopment project as instructed by the California Coastal Commission.
“We have studied every nook and cranny of this harbor,” said Mayor Steve Aspel. “This harbor was never designed for a boat ramp. There are other harbors they can go to.”
Several residents and City Councilmembers have voiced concerns about the proliferation of boats, stand up paddle boarders and other small water craft users in that space in the harbor. Lack of parking was another concern.
The ramp is proposed to be three lanes, reside on the Joe’s Crab Shack property and a reservation system may be implemented to help control the flow of traffic.
Mark Hansen, a member of King Harbor Yacht Club, asked staff to limit analysis to those areas that provide direct access to the turning basin.
Other speakers asked the council to not “reinvent the wheel,” not consider any of the marina or yacht club areas and look into direct access into the turning basin.
“I have a small boat on a trailer and they told me back then there would be a boat ramp where Sambas is,” said Carl Davidson, a local resident. “I recommend we build the ramp right there.”
Councilman Pat Aust spoke in favor of the ramp.
“I believe the time and place is here. We keep kicking the can down the road,” he said. “We have to do this it’s catching up to us; we have to find a permanent place.”