Planning Commission approves Malibu Bluffs snack shack Play

Plans for a permanent snack shack at Malibu Bluffs Park were approved by the Malibu Planning Commission Monday night. There was no opposition to the low-slung building, which will sit in the same place as the current collection of rusted-out shipping containers.

Little League booster Jake Lingo told the commission: "I know it's referred to as a snack shack. One of the things we do want to point out is that it is a park enhancement project. There's a lot going in besides just the snack shack, something that the park desperately needs."

Although Malibu Little League parents have taken the lead on working with the city to design the snack shack and equipment storage, AYSO Soccer and other organizations, as well as the city, will also get to use the facility. Lingo said Little League worked with city staff to come up with the cheapest alternative that doesn't look cheap.

"It's one of Malibu's most heavily used recreational facilities. We continue to rely on portable toilets, temporary storage containers, and inadequate pedestrian access as well as ADA access.

"This project provides permanent public restrooms, provides the ADA access pathways, improved circulation, and it's much-needed storage for the city and the recreational groups."

There was no criticism from any Planning Commission members.

Even the pickiest commissioner, John Mazza, voted for it. He did ask why new bathrooms were necessary when existing toilets are 200 feet away at the Michael Landon Center.

City staff answered that county health codes require toilets and sinks to be conveniently located at food handling facilities.