On Tuesday night the Hermosa Beach City Council voted unanimously to move ahead with plans for retail booths on Pier Plaza.
The council approved an amendment to the city’s municipal code adding provisions to allow sales encroachments on Pier Plaza in order to boost the diminishing sales on the pier. The amendment also suggested free rent for the first year to encourage business.
Community Development Director Ken Robertson presented the case on behalf of the Planning Commission, whose recommendation was to approve the amendment. The retail booths must not exceed a 13-foot depth and cannot sell alcohol, tobacco, food or beverage, adult novelties or secondhand merchandise.
Several Hermosa residents and business owners spoke in favor of the measure.
“I’d love to see this kind of stoking for the retail on pier,” said Kevin Sousa.  “It could be a great way to increase tax for the city, too.”
“We are going into the holiday of summertime and we need your help,” said Dennis Jarvis, owner of Spyder. “We want to make a beautiful and really family friendly booth. We aren’t going to do what Tiki Mon did and throw half of our store on the sidewalk.”
Steve Collins of Hermosa Cyclery supported the measure but raised a concern about his business.
“I read through a lot of the plans for booths and they include bike rentals,” he said. “I am all for competition, but that is inequitable to have free rent for a year for a competing business. If this is implemented I hope it is done with caution for the established businesses.”
Councilmember Carolyn Petty echoed Collins’ concern.
“I would get rid of the bike rental and skateboards,” she said. “It would junk it up. If the intention is to make this area presentable and attractive I don’t think skateboards and bikes are what we are looking for.”
Councilmember Hany Fangary agreed.
“Unrelated to the competition element, my preference would be to offer new things, not rentals,” he said. “If you’re selling new merchandise and it looks good and it gives a nice quality feel to the downtown area.”
Fangary also recommended the council include a provision to review the measure after a year to make sure it is being instituted as planned.
“I think this is a step to show that we are committed to retail on the plaza,” said Mayor Pete Tucker. “I know it’s tough for them there because of the high rents. We can waive the rental fee for the year to see if it works.”
Petty motioned to approve the measure while striking the language regarding bike rentals and adding a one-year review. The motion passed five to zero.
“We always say we have to do something for businesses downtown,” Tucker said. “I think this will be good for everyone down there.”
