City Of Long Beach Holding Superblock Forum

The City of Long Beach will be holding a special forum for residents early next month to discuss the latest application by developers of the Superblock for tax abatements.

The Superblock is an empty lot that sits directly on the beach. iStar, the company that currently owns the parcel, most recently wanted to construct two 15-story towers on the site. Now, the city says it has learned that iStar is submitting a third, and final, application to the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency for tax abatements.

The abatements for the property could mean higher taxes for others in the area, but also that the lot that has been vacant for decades will finally be turned into something.

The city will be holding a special meeting on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to discuss the application to the IDA and what it means for the city, since city officials say it's unclear if the IDA will hold a public meeting on the application.

"Therefore, the city feels it is imperative that the residents be provided with the details of this application, and an analysis of its short-term and long-range effects on the city," officials wrote on the city's website. "Residents will also have an opportunity to ask questions regarding this topic of critical concern to the community."

Photo: Patch