As the city of Martinez continues to prepare a grant application for money to repair and improve its popular fishing pier, the city is hosting its second “community walk-through” public discussion of the pier and the adjacent Ferry Point area, to hear what users want to see happen to them.
This event takes place Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. until noon at the pier, at the north end of Ferry Street along the Martinez waterfront. The first such event took place in October.
In December 2019, the city spent about $34,000 on a detailed study by consultant COWI North America to assess the pier’s condition. The “Martinez Fishing Pier Above Water Inspection Report,” received in July, outlines several “serious” structural problems, and described other parts of the pier as being in “severe” condition.
Some of the worst problems include pilings hollowed out and weakened by tiny boring clams and isopods and by the waves, and at least one support beam under the pier planks rotted out and cracked.
The Martinez pier was first built in 1934, adjacent to what was at that time the slip for a vehicle ferryboat that connected Martinez and Benicia. Parts of the pier were rebuilt in 1976. Since then, a city report says, the pier has experienced “natural degradation to both its topside and substructure.”
Repairs are estimated to cost at least $800,000.
In October, the Martinez City Council discussed a possible closure of the pier, which is a regional draw for fishermen and others.
Martinez city staff will now pursue a California Department of Parks and Recreation grant to pay for pier repairs. The state is set to distribute about $395 million in the upcoming round of Proposition 68 funds.
The grant application is due Dec. 14.
To take part in the Dec. 5 walk-through, an RSVP is required.
To RSVP, go to https://forms.gle/2ystz56fJG9cV6PA9.
More Martinez residents would benefit more from an installation of a Railroad Quiet zone at Berrellesa st crossing. The city already had an impact study done in 2009. Petaluma, Point Richmond & Silicon Valley all have quiet zones…….time to get with the times.
The sound of the train bother you? DON’T move near the railroad tracks!
The sound of planes bother you? DON’T move near an airport!
The sound of race cars bother you? DON’T move near the race track.
Traffic bother you? Don’t move next to the freeway or busy street.
Kids bother you? Don’t move near the school or park.
The MEEEPeople need a reality check!
They should make the pier go farther out into the water. Then put in a ramp to pull in larger fish.
Most of the people that visit the pier do so for the view. However, I’m not sure I agree with spending around $1 million so that people can have a better view is worthwhile.
People can fish from the breakwater that leads to the pier, the shoreline, or boats. Those seeking a view can do likewise. Those seeking a view can also use the pedestrian walkway that’s on the western side of the Benicia/Martinez bridge.
The pier was originally a private enterprise project to service the ferry which was how you got across the river prior to the construction of the bridges. For them, it was, hopefully, financially worthwhile. Once the bridges were constructed the ferry business failed and the pier was abandoned.
The breakwater was constructed parallel to the pier in the late 1960s and is still in good condition. The breakwater leads out to the end of the original pier. At some point the end of the pier was rebuilt while the main pier leading out to the end was allowed to rot away and now is nearly gone.
I take it you are not a fisherman. You don’t need to walk out on the pier for a view. Use the shore. That’s your advice in reverse.
Pier review. As far as Im concerned the Mayor and city council can take a long walk on it, after it has been shortened. Also, please invite the D.A.
Good Flounder fishing until there’s a lot of rain & fresher water sends them west again…. put a shrimp bait right on the bottom with a sliding sinker.
Bass Love Mudsuckers?