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Opinion

To City Council: Build Aquatics Center At Belmont Plaza Because...

by Lucy Johnson, Vice President & Development Director
Aquatic Capital of America.


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[Ed note: On March 2, LB's non-elected Planning Comm'n voted 7-0 to approve legal prerequisites including an EIR, zoning standards (height) variance, site plan, conditional use permit and coastal development permit (with Coastal Comm'n approval required) for a proposed $103+ million (final cost and funding sources unclear) Belmont Plaza Aquatics Center/Permanent Replacement Pool (coverage here). The issue now heads to the elected LB City Council for a final decision.]
(March 5, 2017) -- Among the arguments offered by opponents of an Aquatics Center at Belmont Plaza are the following:

1) "We think this pool is a mistake for our city and its residents. It's $45 million over budget..."

2) "The complex design is clearly more for athletes than residents."

3) "The $45 million overage alone could pay for TWO state-of-the-art pools on solid ground in underserved districts in Long Beach. We're advocating not just for a small group of elite athletes, but for kids in the 7th, 8th, for residents all over town."

4) "Give us beautiful community pools and the important coastal infrastructure Tidelands is intended for.">

In response:

[Scroll down for further.]

1) The complex is NOT $45 million overbudget. There can be no budget until construction bids are received and a contract entered into. There is a shortfall of approximately $43 million between what is currently allocated by the City Council for the project, and the estimated total cost of 103.7 million.

2) The design clearly will serve ALL residents, as well as people from neighboring cities and others from around the Southern California region. With the proposed design, it will have the BENEFIT of also being capable of serving local, regional, and national athletes in multi-disciplinary aquatic sports. This design offers far more opportunities for recreational aquatic activities than did the original Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool.

3) We are in complete agreement with those that say we need more community pools throughout Long Beach. The reality, though, is that whether or not this project is built, these Tidelands Funds CANNOT be used in other areas of the city. It will take General Fund dollars to construct the community pools you desire. Perhaps the opponents to this project would be better able to attain your goal of additional community pools if you spend your energy on seeking General Fund budget allocations, grant funds, or donations for pools in other parts of the city. Meanwhile, the new complex will be completely available for children and adults from all over the city. You can see this now if you visit the temporary pool at various days and times.

For the record: we are not advocating "just for a small group of elite athletes," but for a facility that can accommodate ALL users - from water safety starting with Mommy & Me lessons, kids wanting to have water play time, high school students representing their local schools in aquatic sports, club athletes looking to improve, adults enjoying lap swimming and water exercise classes, and yes, some elite

athletes who will hopefully represent Long Beach at the highest levels of sport in the future. 4) Can you explain why a beautiful pool complex is not, "an important coastal infrastructure Tidelands is intended for?" Tidelands is intended for many different infrastructure projects. Such projects include the Marinas, the Convention Center, the Aquarium, the seawalls, the bike and pedestrian paths, and much more.

This project is a replacement facility for the 46+ year-old pool that had become obsolete, and where demand far exceeded its capacity. Rather than appealing decisions and planning lawsuits against the project, how about if those who are in opposition all work together with we the supporters to make this the fabulous asset for our city that we know it will be.


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