Picture and article by Alfredo Fernandez
City of Long Beach Planning Commission Meeting
October 12, 2005
The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the 2nd+PCH project which includes 325 residential units, 191,000 square feet of retail, a 12 story 100-room hotel,
21,000 square feet of non-hotel restaurant space, a theater, a marine science learning center and 1,440 parking spaces was unanimously certified by The City of
Long Beach Planning Commission; but splint 4-3 on the decision of approving zoning changes that will allow for the 12-story hotel. The property is within the SEADIP
(Southeast Area Development Improvement Plan) boundaries. SEADIP is a master zoning plan approved in 1977 that currently limits building height to 30 feet and use of
the SeaPort Marina site to a hotel.
Commissioners Leslie Gentile, Becky Blair, Donita Van Horik and Melani Smith voted for the zoning change. Commissioners Charles Durnin, Philip Saumur and Alan Fox were opposed.
As quoted by the Long Beach Press-Telegram Councilman, Gary DeLong, whose 3rd District includes the project site - the southwest corner of Second Street
and Pacific Coast Highway said he will be canvassing residents for input.
DeLong said they will be asked whether they agree with the Planning Commission decision and if they believe there's too much to the project proposal or not enough.
"I'm pleased the Planning Commission has given specificity to work with," he also said he doesn't believe that the project would necessarily open the door to more
high-rise buildings in the Eastside of Long Beach - as critics contend. Any other projects would require more input from the public
Critics of the project, besides being opposed to the height of the proposed buildings are adamantly critical of the increased traffic congestion this project will
bring at the already busy intersection, which during the summer months while the south bound right hand turning lane was closed for construction saw the south bound
traffic backed up during pick hours, increasing the travel time from Bellflower blvd to the 2nd street intersection a distance of 1.3 miles to 20 minutes; also the
concern is that it will create negative environmental impacts on the nearby Los Cerritos Wetlands.
Supporters say the project will create jobs and be an attractive iconic symbol for the city's east gateway, replacing what is considered the "eyesore" pink SeaPort
Marina Hotel.
The next step is to revise the original site plan so that it meets the commission's approved guidelines. The group will then return to the commission on Nov. 17
for approval of the updated plan.
If approved, on Nov. 17, the project will then move to the City Council for a vote.
For other articles on the 2nd and PCH Project see Here
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