A Sign Boating May Return

By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

September 7 -- The landmark pier sign, which is widely recognized as Santa Monica’s most prominent icon, will be moved from its current location under a recommendation approved by the Pier Board Wednesday night.

The sign -- which reads Yacht Harbor…Sport Fishing…Boating, all features that haven’t existed for more than two decades -- will be moved four feet to the north as part of a project to build a pier bridge and ramp.

The Santa Monica Pier Sign soon after the ramp and arch were added in 1939.

The board recommended that the City extend the sidewalk on the south side of the pier bridge where the sign stands at the entrance to the massive wooden structure. The plan would also extend the road to swoop north, dropping drivers into the adjoining parking lot.

"The Santa Monica Pier is the icon of the City," said Board Chair Ellen Brennan. "When you drive on the pier, there's a magic moment as you look out... and we'll be making sure to extend that moment all the way down to the sand."

The board’s recommendation comes after several years of discussion on how best to retrofit the landmark structure.

The five proposals before the board ranged from a $7 million plan to tweak the sidewalks and traffic flows that would largely keep the pier in its current state to a $22 million plan that would have halted all foot traffic and launched a trolley.

Wednesday's vote comes after the City Council last month approved a gangway that would bring some form of boating back to the pier after winter storms splintered the structure more than 20 years ago, permanently marooning mariner activities at the popular tourist site. (see story)

The public may now comment on the project, which is under environmental review. The project will then go to the City Council for final approval