Pacifica Pier closed after massive crack discovered; business at risk of demolition

PACIFICA, Calif. (KGO) -- The popular pier in Pacifica is shut down to the public after a massive crack was discovered in the concrete on Thursday.

"There's a big crack that developed. And it goes all the way across the pier," said Pacifica resident David Chamberlin.

One of the casualties of the iconic pier's closure is the Chit Chat Cafe, which sits on top of it.

A long-time local favorite, the cafe announced on social media that it would likely have to be demolished.

The damage to the pier is coming at an especially bad time, with the start of summer just days away.

Many nearby businesses, like the Sharp Park Taproom, worry tourists won't come to Pacifica with the pier out of commission.

"The pier brings so much business to Pacifica and brings so many people here because it's really the last of the last around here. So it's a sad day," said co-owner Kris Romo.

MORE: Pacifica Pier local businesses excited to see partial reopening after storms cause closure

Beyond the business aspect, Pacifica locals say the pier is more than just a pretty view.

It's also a gathering point for many in the community.

"This is part of their social structure. It's almost like a family structure. This is how they spend their days and they're losing that," said Chamberlin.

As of now, there's no timeline for when the pier might reopen.

City leaders say they want to ensure they take all the necessary precautions.

"Safety is the most important priority for us, and we are concerned about continued and/or future damage, so we're in the middle of our assessment process to figure out what happened, why and what the next steps are," said Pacifica City Manager Sean Charpentier.

That process is understood by those who live here.

Even if they hope it happens sooner rather than later.

"Absolutely want this as soon as possible for the community, for all the people that like to visit here," said Chamberlin.