Venice Beach Zip Line Gets Approval Over Residents' Opposition

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A nearly 700-foot zip line on Venice Beach has been given the green light, over residents' complaints that the attraction will block ocean views, create noise and make parking in the area even worse.

The zip line, which would operate as a temporary three-month pilot project, was approved Friday by the Board of Public Works. The project still needs approval from the California Coastal Commission, which shares jurisdiction over the beach with the city.

Department Recreation and Parks Assistant General Manager Kevin Regan said the $20-per-ride zip line would generate between $150,000 and $300,000 over a three-month period during the summer -- $900,000 if the project is extended for a full year.

Regan says two-thirds of the revenue from the zip line would be used to maintain the Venice Beach Recreation with more power-washing of the boardwalk, more trash pickup and possibly renovating public restrooms.

Venice resident, Gail Rogers, filed an appeal to the project's approval, arguing the zip line's two 16-foot, 50-foot towers would block views of the coast in violation of the California Coastal Act. She also argued the zip line would generate noise and parking problems that would alter the character of Venice Beach.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)