Lompoc Municipal Pool demolition underway

The Lompoc Municipal Pool demolition is finally underway. The pool was closed in 2000 due to structural issues that made it unsafe for earthquakes.

“It is overdue," said Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne.

For nearly two decades, the 65 year-old building stood abandoned, “sometimes used fo storage of equipment, papers, and that sort of thing but continued to be deteriorating and needed to be brought down," said Osborne.

The city council recently approved its demolition, allocating $750,000, though it's expected to cost about $420,000.

“If this doesn't go over budget, then we have some room to return this to green space, a sort of park area in front of City Hall and the police department," the mayor said.

She adds that there are discussions about the long-term future of the property.

“We could use more parking," she said. "There are times when the police department has pointed out that they have a need for additional space whether that be for storage of items, or additional space for manpower.”

The demolition is expected to be completed by February 2020.

Residents can watch the demolition live on the city's website.