The 2.9-acre off-leash Rosie’s Dog Beach in Belmont Shore will expand to 4.2 acres following official approval from the state Coastal Commission at its June 13 meeting.
The expansion ultimately provides a 295-foot net gain of shoreline for the stretch, with the western boundary moving 100 feet east and the eastern boundary moving 395 feet east, making it closer to the boat launch ramp and easing handicap access.
Critics of the expansion opposed the idea of dog beaches in general, and expressed worry about bacteria and parasites invading the beach space due to improperly disposed pet waste. It was noted in the staff report handed to the Commission that the city maintains the right to terminate the dog zone should such detriments ever affect water quality, though no reports since the beach’s creation in 2003 have indicated such.
According to city officials, the placement of dog-waste bag dispensers and trash containers have helped curb the possibility of water pollution. The City’s ongoing water quality plan has also adequately mitigated possible negative effects on coastal resources with Heal the Bay currently listing water quality at Granada Ave. as A+ in dry weather.
Flagpoles and dog-zone identification signs will soon be set at the revised boundaries of the beach’s dog zone.