Like Channing Crowder boldly guaranteeing a Dolphins' victory, Sunny Isles Beach City Manager Rick Conner has made a bold prediction of his own: the restoration of the historic Newport Pier will be complete in time for the city’s anniversary celebration next June.

Rick Conner, city manager of Sunny Isles Beach

In updating the city’s historic preservation committee on the project July 22, Conner repeated  the promise he made to the City Commission the previous week. He said the $4 million project – funded equally by the city and the Newport Beachside Resort ownership -- is nearly through the permitting process and he is confident of the timeline.

Plans call for constructing a concrete pier that can withstand powerful storms, unlike its wooden predecessor. It will be treated with a sealant that will create a wood-like appearance.

At the land end, a two-story structure will house a restaurant with a lifeguard observation deck above. Two unnamed local restaurateurs, each with a record of successful operations, are finalizing their bids to operate the restaurant, Conner said. An earlier open bidding process brought no offers, but the restaurateurs approached the city within weeks after the deadline passed. Conner estimates that the successful bidder will need to spend $1-2 million finishing the interior of the 5,000-foot, full enclosed space. Under terms of any deal, the city and the Newport Beachside Resort would split the guaranteed revenue stream.

At the ocean end, a T-shape pier may house a gazebo, which would be open as a park area with no fishing permitted.

Among the ideas being discussed, Conner explained, is a scheduled dual use program for the pier. At certain hours, for example, the pier would be open as a free park with free access. At other hours, it would operate as a fishing pier with a fee for access.