Residents Share Their Views on 2nd and PCH Proposal

Stickers reading "TOO TALL'' were worn by many speakers at a Thursday night at the Long Beach Planning Commission City Hall meeting to hash out one of the largest new construction projects proposed at Belmont Shore's edge.

The point of the Thursday study session was for residents to be able to share their worries and their opinions, support or questions about the land use aspect of the project planning. About three dozen residents and business owners took the mike before the evening session was over. Mostly, the speakers reaffirmed some residents' concerns that the scope of the project is too big.

The topic on the agenda was land use, alluding to the developer's proposal for an amendment to SEADIP, a plan which requires buildings in this area to stay under the 35 foot height limit. Set into law 34 years ago, proponents argue it is outdated. Project opponents argue the need endures to maintain the original "Naples-like" scale.

The 12-story condo-hotel building proposed by to occupy the 11-acre spot where the SeaPort Marina Hotel currently resides would be roughly 150 feet in height. The current zoning and land use designation known as SEADIP, for South East 

A final decision won't be made for months, but perhaps by fall, on the hotel, condo tower and dining-shopping complex .  

The Planning Commission staff presented a history of the area and read from the 1977 SEADIP, which prohibits massive buildings and includes such standards as maintaining a "Naples-like community" and keeping 30% open space, and then they heard from the developers. The amendment proposed by the developers would apply to only a portion of SEADIP and it would require Coastal Commission approval as well. David Malmuth provided more detail about the specifics of the mixed-use project, including a plan for a 325 residential spaces, 1,440 parking spaces, a 99-seat theatre and a science center. He mentioned surrounding buildings in Naples and Belmont Shore are typically 4 to 5 stories, with a 10 story building at CSULB and another tall hospital in the area.

David Sabunas from Studio 111, the architect on board, also spoke, showing diagrams of the plan. The project is in compliance with the open space requirement and building setback standards, and strives to be modern and contemporary, while hinting at a "village-like feel" and nautical the

Commissioner Van Horik expressed concerns about traffic and Commissioner Phil Saumur echoed Commissioner Smith's concerns. Chair, Vice Chair and 4 commissioners were present, Becky Blair was absent.

To give residents an idea of what that would look like, Chairman Charles Durnin suggested during a previous session to put up a balloon model, an idea supported last night by Vice-Chair Donita Van Horik, as well as some community members.

Chairman Durnin asked for speakers to share what they'd like to see this land used for, and whether they envision a hotel, retail stores or residential buildings (the request for residential buildings has not been approved, he added).

Almost three quarters of the 25 speakers present were against the current project, and though alternatives were scarcely mentioned, those that did address the Chairman's request said they supported some retail stores, possibly small condos, or a boutique hotel that would not violate SEADIP. Myriad issues in addition to the height of the building were raised, including traffic congestion, air quality, wetlands destruction, impact to boat-owners and skyline obstruction.

Randy Sarver, a resident who lives across from the site and says he sees it everyday, stood up "to speak for the silent majority," he said, who are mostly against this project. He reported that he had a petition against the project with 2,500 signatures. Later in a private conversation, he said that a 30 to 40 foot building would be something he could envision, but not 12 stories.

A telephone poll conducted by Goodwin Simon, a strategic research company hired by Malmuth, was brought forward to the Commission. It reported of the 40% of Long Beach residents who were aware of this project, 67% were in favor. This poll was conducted between April 30 and May 3, 2011 and surveyed 300 registered voters in Long Beach. In addition to the amenities of the project, some of the benefits would be increased revenue for the city and more jobs.

"The silent majority has spoken in these respected polls," Josh Lowenthal, who sported a "YES" button, said. "It is my belief that those who are in opposition to this project would be in opposition to any project," to which he received audible murmurs from the crowd.

"It will rise like a tombstone over everything in sight," said one opponent, Deanna Sclar. Like others, she confirmed she was in favor of development, but not a high rise building. She recommended to cut the project in half, opt for a boutique hotel, or do nothing.

Elizabeth Lamb of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust appealed to the Commission to uphold SEADIP because of the "precedent it would set" if an exception were added.

While Commissioner Melani Smith voiced concerns about the impact to the wetlands and traffic flow, she had no problem with building height. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Commissioner Alan Fox expressed his gut reaction to the proposal with the question, "Why did we ever allow those great big buildings to be built on Ocean?" He said a mammoth building would block the ocean, our greatest asset, and change the entire aesthetic of the skyline. Commissioner Leslie Gentile is strongly in favor of the project.

This longstanding controversy has brought forth many voices from the community, some in favor of what they say is a long overdue improvement of the ramshackled Seaport Marina Hotel and parking lot, which is decorated almost daily with a "Fresh Strawberries" stand, but most who spoke up last night were against the plan as it is currently proposed. From previous study sessions and council meetings, the general message from the public seems to be to develop, but not in this way. Some say it is too big, too congested, and not true to the small beach town vibe of Long Beach. The proposed plan includes, in addition to the 12 story condo-hotel, major retail chains and possibly residential areas, a community theater, science center and bike shop.

The individuals and community groups who spoke out against the amendment argued to keep the zoning laws as they are to protect their small communities from giant high-rises and wildlife destruction.