The Pismo Beach Pier is almost complete but construction in the area is not done quite yet.
The plaza area and the parking lot will soon undergo a major makeover, too.
Design plans are expected to go before the city council next week.
It will completely redesign the pier’s plaza area and it’s expected to have a little something for everyone.
“We’re looking at some play areas for kids. We’re looking at slides that will go from the boardwalk to the beach,” said Jeff Winklepleck, Pismo Beach Community Development Director.
The foot of the Pismo Beach Pier as we know it could look a whole lot different next summer.
It’s been a work in progress. The design concept and location of the restrooms was approved back in March, but final details are still being nailed down.
“Currently, we have eight restrooms there now – four men, four women’s. We’re going to a total of 19 with the new restroom,” Winklepleck said.
On Oct. 2, more design renderings will be unveiled to the city council.
“We’re looking at some really interesting pavement treatments to create a diamond and just give some visual impact that isn’t there right now,” Winklepleck added.
Concerts, movies, and a larger farmer’s market are on the list of events the city would like to attract.
“We’re also looking at expanding the plaza,” Winklepleck explained.
When it comes to parking, that’ll decrease.
There will be 119 standard spaces compared to the current 124, but the city says it’s a more efficient design.
“If we had a large concert or a big movie or a really big event like a Clam Festival, it’s easier to close it off and make it pedestrian only,” Winklepleck said.
The upgrades could be paid for by hotel guests.
Up for consideration is a 1-percent boost to the current 1-percent “Lodging and Business Improvement District Tax”.
“We support the increase of the 1-percent,” said Mark Eads, General Manager of the SeaVenture Beach Hotel and President of the Pismo Beach Hospitality Association.”To make it easier access to the beach for all visitors is a plus.”
The price tag hasn’t been finalized but the goal is there.
“Pretty much bringing it up to the same level as the remainder level of our downtown,” Winklepleck concluded.
On Tuesday night, there will be a public hearing on that potential increase to the hotel tax.
The city’s finance director says it could generate an additional $1 million a year.
Two used Airstream trailers will also go on the pier to serve as the visitor information center and a bake shop.
