Coastal Commission holds informational hearing on Redondo Beach’s “Waterfront” project

REDONDO BEACH — The ongoing battle between the city of Redondo Beach and CenterCal Properties was met with a standing-room-only audience, as both entities were present at the latest California Coastal Commission meetings for an informational presentation and hearing on The Waterfront project. Commissioners held the informational hearing on April 12 as a prelude for what could be a decisive discussion in August, when the Coastal Commission is expected to review the Waterfront project in more detail. Coastal Commission staff, in the meantime, updated commissioners on the current state of the proposed revitalization of King Harbor during its April meeting, which, coincidentally, was held in Redondo Beach. CenterCal proposed an ambitious $400 million revitalization of Redondo Beach’s aging waterfront, angling to bring new visitor-serving amenities to King Harbor. The project – like many other large-scale redevelopments – drew its fair share of local opponents. Some who actively opposed the project – dubbed “The Waterfront” by CenterCal – stated it was essentially a super-sized mall on the water. Plans to introduce a boat launch ramp – an amenity not present within King Harbor for decades – also drew its fair share of criticism and divisiveness. There was a constant debate of where within King Harbor...