Large Crowd Comes To See New Proposed 2nd/PCH Development That DOESN'T Seek Bldg. Heights Exceeding Current Coastal Zoning

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Proposed project shows new economic development feasible without SEASP-sought higher building heights, some area residents say

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(Nov. 20, 2016, 12:55 a.m.) -- A crowd estimated at roughly 150 people attended a Saturday morning (Nov. 19) presentation, arranged by Councilwoman Suzie Price, at which CenterCal properties, the new developer for the Taki Sun-owned 2nd/PCH site (current Seaport Marina Hotel).

Unlike prior developments proposed for the site, this one doesn't seek changes in current zoning that would create building heights beyond those now permitted in LB's coastal zone (3 stories/35 feet.)

Photo via Councilwoman Suzie Price's Facebook page

[Scroll down for further.]

Developer-displayed image at Nov. 19 public meeting

In addition to an artist rendering of the proposed development (above), a Notice of Preparation for a forthcoming draft Environmental Impact Report for the project was available at the meeting and it describes the project as:

...[D]emolition of the existing Seaport Marina Hotel and construction of a commercial center totaling 245,000 square feet, consisting of 95,000 square feet of retail uses, a 25,000 square foot fitness/health club, approximately 70,000 square feet of restaurant uses, and 1,150 parking spaces. The proposed commercial structures would be one- and two-story buildings with a maximum height of 35 feet as defined by the Long Beach Municipal Code.

Among elected officials offering remarks were Councilwoman Suzie Price (photo left below), who wasn't on the Council in Dec. 2011 when it rejected the publicly polarizing proposed development with some elements as high as 12 stories. Also attending was Mayor (then-Councilman) Robert Garcia (photo right below), who voted in Dec. 2011 to approve the up-to-12-story development that a Council majority voted down (3-5).

The failure to obtain either community consensus or even a Council majority agreement or some type of long-sought new development for the site led the Council to direct city staff to begin the process of rewriting SE LB's zoning (SEADIP)...thus far a consultant-driven process that has itself become controversial among residents over issues of height, traffic and density.


Photos via Councilwoman Suzie Price's Facebook page

SEADIP's replacement, dubbed SEASP (South East Area Specific Plan), will soon reach the Planning Commission and eventually come to the City Council for a decisional vote. As currently drafted, SEASP would allow some higher building heights and increased commercial densities in the PCH/2nd St. area that a city hired consulting firm contends are necessary to attract new economic development.

But the 2nd/PCH development now proposed -- within current zoning limits -- implicitly challenges (and some would argue disproves) that draft SEASP premise.

"I am very pleased that this development is proposed within our area's current zoning," said longtime shore resident (and former BSRA President) Melinda Cotton, voicing a view expressed by others at the meeting. "This shows that the City doesn't have to give up our current zoning and invite negative impacts in order to bring new economic development. SEASP can and should leave our zoning heights as they are."

Spouse Jeff Miller told LBREPORT.com that crowd reactions seemed basically positive, although some at the meeting continued to be uneasy about traffic impacts at the chronically congested PCH/2nd intersection.

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Meanwhile, on a separate track, SEASP continues to advance...with its embedded building height and density increases as currently drafted. It could be approved as written, or recommended for Council modification(s) by LB's non-elected (Mayor appointed, Council approved) Planning Commission...and a majority of LB's elected City Council ultimately has the last word, subject to approval by the CA Coastal Commission.

On September 28, 2016, Councilwoman Price said the following about the planned SE LB rezoning at an event she titled her "Midterm Review":

"We're going to approve a SEASP plan that is balanced, at least consider the SEASP option, go through a process that's fair, that's objective, and that allows everyone to be heard."