Crowds, Parking Problems Among Fears Over Zip-Line At Venice Beach

VENICE (CBS) — A proposed 750-foot-long zip-line for Venice Beach is running into some resistance among residents.

KNX 1070's Ed Mertz reports the attraction is expected to bring in much-needed revenue — at a cost.

City officials are considering a proposal from Green Hearts Flight Line, which has operated zip-lines in Las Vegas and around the world to build a version of the ride here in the Southland.

Between 11:00 a.m. and sunset, as many as four separate zip-lines would run from Windward Plaza to Ocean Front Walk and last for about 40 seconds at around $20 per ride.

The attraction would call for a 20-person staff with 12 people working during any given shift and would even allow for planned live performances during the trial run.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl said the three-month trial could help fund the city's beach sanitation efforts.

"Some of the revenues would actually go to the city and they can continue to clean our bathrooms, empty our garbage cans, which is a big issue on Venice Beach," said Rosendahl.

But some residents of the eclectic beachfront town voiced concerns about possible larger crowds, parking problems and obstructed views at a public hearing on Monday.

"I thought it was a joke when I first heard it," said one woman attending the hearing. "This kind of artificial entertainment is antithetical to the appeal of Venice Beach."

"That's going to be just terrible for residents and anybody that comes here," another man predicted.

The California Coastal Commission still has to approve the project if the city Board of Public Works gives its approval.

The attraction could go up within 72 hours of approval by the state and could be operating by Labor Day.