Capitola Boat and Bait Shop receives approval for short-term use plan from city council

CAPITOLA, Calif (KION-TV) - The Capitola Boat and Bait Shop, destroyed during the 2023 winter storms, is one step closer to opening.

On Thursday night, Capitola City Council unanimously approved the Short-Term Wharf Use Agreement and Temporary Structure Plan. The agreement is a 16-month term though the end of 2025 for a 2,500 square foot area.

"I'm really excited to see that we've come to this point where we're moving forward, and they have an opportunity to reopen," Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown said.

Plans include the city renting or buying temporary structures to allow for boat rentals and repairs, operation of the water taxi, and more.

The city says the temporary structures will cost about $25,000, and plans to make back $24,000 in rent. The shop has called the wharf home since the 1980s.

They now hope to be back open serving people in Capitola by September.

In addition to the Boat and Bait shop discussion, city council also discussed the "Resiliency and Public Access Project".

They approved an agreement with Fuse Architects, Inc. to finish up the last steps.