Avila Beach pier closes

June 25, 2015

Following a vote by the port San Luis Harbor Commission, the Avila Beach pier is closed indefinitely. [KSBY]

Harbor district officials decided Friday to close the pier, a move they say was made out of an abundance of caution after people flocked to the pier to whale watch. The commission then voted 3-0 on Tuesday to approve the closure.

District officials plan to keep the pier closed as they complete an underwater survey and an evaluation of the structural condition of the pier. The engineering firm that is conducting the evaluation says parts of the pier should be closed.

The Tribune cites Harbor Manager Steve McGrath as saying worm-like marine species, which bore holes in wood like termites, have weakened the structure of the pier.

The harbor commission approved spending $54,000 in district funds to complete the evaluation of the pier. Morro Bay-based Shoreline Engineering is conducting the survey and expects to take 60 to 90 days to complete it.

After the survey is complete, the district will decide what renovations it will make. McGrath says it will cost approximately $1.1 million to renovate the pier, and he hopes to obtain the funding through grants and community support.

The district is trying to help relocate the bait and tackle shop, Zippy’s, which is the lone business located on the pier.