Old Train Depot, Fishing Pier Proposed for Improvements

The Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission will consider a proposal Tuesday night to renovate the old train station at the end of Ferry Street and to have the space shared by the Martinez Historical Society and the Martinez Arts Commission if the city is successful at winning a $5 million state grant.

The depot, the temporary home of the Martinez Library, could serve as a permanent home for the two groups under a shared-space arrangement, according to PRMCC commissioner Gay Gerlach, who also sits on the boards of both.

Under the terms of the grant, a renovated building would have to be open seven days a week. Since the historical society does not have the personnel to operate more than a few days a week, it has agreed in concept to share the space with the arts association, which has sufficient staff to fill the remaining time.

According to recreation manager Mitch Austin, there would be enough money left over to make improvements to the fishing pier, though probably not enough to include the construction of a restroom.

It is one of the only fishing piers in the state that does not require a fishing license to fish from it, Austin noted.

The ideas came from brainstorming sessions held earlier this month by Austin to gauge public preference for Waterfront Park improvements, should the city win a $5 million state grant.

Also on the table were improvements to the John Muir Amphitheater. However, Austin said more work was needed to determine what needed to be done and that there probably would not be enough money left from the grant for serious improvements to the facility.

The commission meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta St.