Retired 8th Dist. Councilwoman Gabelich Urges Planning Commissionn NOT To Approve Staff-Sought Increased Density/Increased Building Heights, Advises Sending Land Use Changes Back To Public For Stronger Community Input, Not To City Council For Enactment

' Retired 8th Dist. Councilwoman Gabelich Urges Planning Commissionn NOT To Approve Staff-Sought Increased Density/Increased Building Heights, Advises Sending Land Use Changes Back To Public For Stronger Community Input, Not To City Council For Enactment

LBReport.com

News / Perspective

LBREPORT.com is reader and advertiser supported. Support independent news in LB similar to the way people support NPR and PBS stations. We're not non-profit so it's not tax deductible but $49.95 (less than an annual dollar a week) helps keep us online.

(August 17 , 2017, 1:30 p.m.) -- Retired 8th district Councilwoman (2004-2012) Rae Gabelich, whose as an elected official focused on maintaining neighborhood quality of life, has submitted the following written material to LB's Planning Dept. in connection with today's (Aug. 17) agendized Planning Commission consideration of city staff proposed land use changes that would allow increased density/building heights in various parts of the city.

Ms. Gabelich posted her testimony on her Facebook page. We provide it below verbatim.

Please add my comments to the Planning Commission report. I am in disagreement with the proposal to increase residential development along our corridors. Long Beach is a "City of Neighborhoods!" Our goal should be to improve our challenged communities and upgrade all others. We are not taking care of what we have today. Cities are not required to increase density, lower parking requirements and support infill to capacity! Remember quality of life is what is most important to all residents in our city.
This is the message on the Long Beach General Plan site.
"The future of Long Beach depends on the involvement of residents and business people. You can become involved by joining your neighborhood or business association, attending Planning Commission and City Council meetings, and keeping planning staff and your Council person aware of your concerns. There are numerous volunteer groups working to make our community a better place. Get involved! Only through a strong partnership between City Hall and the citizens will we be able to realize our vision."

Our General Plan has been outdated for years, maybe two decades by now. It has taken city efforts to update that began in early 2002 to bring us to today. Why? Because of change in leadership? Changes in economics? Regardless, our communities were not adequately involved in this specific portion and process. Outdated contacts were used to advise of scheduled community meetings!
I am requesting that the Planning Commission not approve this as presented on August 17, 2017. Send it back with directives to go back to the residents for stronger community input.
The option being proposed will bring significant change and burden to many of our well established neighborhoods. When our city planners tried to bring greater density to several areas of our city many years back they were met with serious community resistance. We do not want greater density, less parking, more drain on city resources that include public safety and utilities, public spaces, etc. without first significant community input and then greater planning on how to protect quality of life for the people here today. This plan being presented, will provide for the developers who make serious financial gains and will bring a new burden to our city once they have left.
This will be what we live with far beyond your time in Long Beach and well beyond our elected officials term limits. Please do the right thing for today's Long Beach residents!
Respectfully
Rae Gabelich
Former 8th District Councilwoman

Sponsor

Sponsor

And in a subsequent message on her Facebook page, Ms. Gabelich displayed the map of proposed 8th Council district land uses changes and wrote:

Here’s the map with the recommendations being made for the 8th district. 5 stories along LB Blvd from San Antonio to Bixby. Several other areas throughout Bixby Knolls 4 stories. 3 stories along the already congested Carson between Atlantic Avenue and Orange Avenue. Is this what we want to see throughout our city? More density, more traffic, less parking? That brings what with it? Spread the word.......SHARE on your page!

Sponsor

The maps on the link below show the most recent proposed increased building heights and increased density levels recommended by city staff for Planning Commission voted action on Thurs. Aug. 17. Click below and scroll through the maps to find your neighborhood. Areas marked 3ST, 5ST and the like mean "3 stories" or "five stories."

To view the proposed Land Use changes for your area, click here.

A map legend is below:

The dark purple areas would allow "mixed uses" -- combining commercial and residential (residences above or below businesses.) City staff lists its various proposed "Placetypes" and the types of uses allowed within them in its proposed Land Use Element, Table LU3 at p. 65. Table LUE3 still applies although some maps and placetypes have been changed as indicated in maps linked above and at this link.

The maps and links above are in officially prepared City of Long Beach documents.

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

For the record: these decisions will ultimately be made by the full City Council. Five of nine incumbent Councilmembers -- Gonzalez, Price, Mungo, Uranga and Richardson -- plus Mayor Garcia are seeking re-election in April 2018 (with runoffs if needed in June.) LBREPORT.com has reported in detail the contributors (campaign and officeholders) to these incumbents which can be viewed here.

As of Aug. 14, no candidates have filed the necessary paperwork to create a committee that can raise money to challenge the incumbents in April 2018.

Related coverage:

Citywide Neighborhood Advisory / Perspective: Heads Up/Do You Want This? See Maps Showing City Staff Recommended Increased Density/Increased Bldg Hts Citywide And In Your Neighborhood; Mayor-Picked Planning Comm'n Will Make Voted Recommendations This Thurs. Aug. 17; Council Majority Will Decide In Coming Months

Future File? What May Or May Not Occur If Mayor-Picked Planning Commission Recommends (Aug. 17) And City Council Subsequently Approves City Staff Desired Density