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LongBeachReport.com | LBReport.com | Atlantic Theater's Fate Could Be Decided At <nobr>May 3</nobr> RDA Board Meeting
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Atlantic Theater's Fate Could Be Decided At May 3 RDA Board Meeting
by Dan Pressburg
Special to LBReport.com
(April 24, 2010) -- The fate of NLB's Atlantic Theater (5870-74 Atlantic Ave.) could be decided on May 3 when LB's Redevelopment Agency Board will hear what could be a decisional item related to the Theater.
Photo source: North Village Center draft EIR
Details of that agenda item aren't yet known...but may likely include RDA staff's report on adaptive reuse of the entire building and a hybrid demolition option (retaining iconic parts of the building but demolishing the rest) as alternatives to tearing down the structure entirely...followed by a decisional RDA Board vote on what course to pursue.
On April 22, Tony Foster, Redevelopment Project Officer for RDA's North Project area told a meeting of the North Project Area Committee (NorthPAC) to expect an item on the RDA's May 3 agenda regarding the Atlantic Theater. He offered no details but indicated the item had been discussed in a closed door Executive Session a few days earlier.
On April 19, closed-door RDA "Executive Session" item was agendized as follows:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8 (Atlantic Theater).
APN: 7124-032-900
Property Address: 5870-74 Atlantic Avenue
Agency Negotiator: Amy J. Bodek, Executive Director
Negotiating Parties: Redevelopment Agency, City of Long Beach
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Acquisition
As previously reported by LBReport.com, RDA staff initially recommended demolition of the structure, but changed its recommendation at the December 7, 2009 RDA Board meeting.
Faced with what she said were multiple written communications received after the EIR formal public comment period closed, as well as verbal testimony at the RDA meeting urging reuse options, RDA Exec. Dir. Amy Bodek recommended, and the Board voted 4-0, to direct staff to seek an architect for the North Library project that will include an adaptive reuse scenario, a new construction scenario (demolition) and a hybrid (demolition) scenario that will incorporate some significant historic features of the existing building (like the terrazzo floor and iconic structure) into a new building.
At the same time, management recommended and the RDA Board voted to certify the overall project EIR with a statement of "overriding considerations," an action legally clearing the way to demolish or implement a hybrid demolition plan, or reuse the building, depending on what the RDA Board directs by voted action.
Management's new recommendations after consulting with its architect/consultant, and an RDA Board decisional vote -- in which a Board majority ultimately decides on adaptive reuse, hybrid demolition, complete demolition or something else -- could come at the May 3 RDA Board meeting. It is scheduled for Monday, May 3 at 9 a.m.
Background
At the December 7, 2009 RDA meeting, public testimony on whether to preserve/reuse or demolish the Theater was split.
LBReport.com provided extended audio coverage of the full one hour and fifteen minute agenda item, in which multiple public speakers testified pro and con re the Theater, followed by staff's change in its recommended action, Board colloquy and the Board vote.
LBReport.com Extended On-Demand Audio Coverage Indexed for quicker access; click to launch audio
Speakers testifying in favor of re-use included LB Heritage, as well as the owner of the LB's 4th St. Art Theater, this writer (Dan Pressburg), Annie Greenfeld-Wisner and an L.A. Theater preservation group and RDA Boardmember John Thomas. Mr. Thomas, who holds a leadership position in LB Heritage, got up from his RDA Board seat at the beginning of the item and went to sit in the audience, not explaining publicly what he was doing. He then testified in favor of reuse from the public speaker's podium, amounting to a de facto recusal but without a public explanation.
Among those testifying in favor of demolishing the Theater were North PAC President Martha Thuente, Dave San Jose and Barbara Bolin. A representative of Central Cha testified in favor of moving the project ahead as quickly as possible.
Vice Mayor Val Lerch testified in favor of a hybrid solution that would preserve some iconic portions of the Theater, including its tower (with a working cap light) for subsequent use while demolishing the rest of the building.
The EIR concluded that demolishing the Theater for a mixed use project would accomplish the goals of the project proposed by the developer...but the EIR also states that retaining and reusing the Theater -- which qualifies for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places -- is the superior environmental alternative.
Personal Perspective
Disclosure: This writer -- both before and during his recent 9th dist. City Council candidacy -- has consistently urged reuse of the Atlantic Theater. I acknowledge that not all NLB residents agree with this. Vice Mayor Val Lerch favors a hybrid approach. Former NorthPAC chair Martha Thuente favors demolition. Some say the Theater needs to go to clear the area for a fresh, new up-to-date project. Testimony at the December 2009 RDA Board meeting was split...but I believe supporters of reuse were right on the merits.
In my opinon, the Atlantic Theater is an example of the last remaining visual icons that relates to our humble roots and the city. This building is primarily a warehouse space with theater seats much like the Expo Building in Bixby Knolls.
Venues like this for entertainment and community functions have been demolished and lost.
I am unaware of any consultant or discussions that have engaged the public yet. Speculation is high as to the disposition of North Long Beach's last remaining icon.
Traditionally, real estate acquisition transactions are briefings have been discussed and disclosed at PAC meetings. No formal plans have been presented to the public.
In addition, the RDA Board meeting is (sadly typically) currently scheduled for a user-unfriendly Monday workday morning...when many otherwise interested people won't be able to attend.
Finally, as my involvement in this issue before the recent elections should make clear, I firmly believe what happens to the Atlantic Theater goes beyond electoral politics. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot interested people attend the RDA Board meeting. History has recorded, and will continue to record, who approved certain fateful actions in our city...and who opposed them.
