SEAL BEACH : Council OKs Plans for Community Safety Office Near Pier

Despite objections from some residents, city officials are moving ahead with plans for a community safety office near the pier.

The council this week approved initial plans for the 842-square-foot building on the pier next to lifeguard headquarters. Community volunteers are donating time and materials to build the structure, which would be staffed with volunteers and police reserve officers.

Residents of downtown tourist areas have long asked for a police substation near the pier. The only police station is in a remote section of the city across from the Naval Weapons Base.

But some of those at Monday’s council meeting said what they had in mind was more police officers on foot patrol.

“It’s worth doing, but it’s worth doing right,” resident Bruce Starks told council members. He argued for putting a sworn police officer in the downtown area known as Old Town, especially during closing time for Main Street bars.

Seal Beach resident Roger West called the proposed safety office a “glorified telephone booth” that would block the ocean view and fail to solve crime problems.

But Mayor Marilyn Bruce Hastings said the community safety office will provide a home base for a neighborhood watch program and should reduce incidents of graffiti and burglary in the downtown area.

City officials hope to have the safety office open this summer if building plans are approved by the California Coastal Commission.