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Advisory

SEADIP (SE LB Zoning Update) Community Advisory Committee To Present Prototypes And Analyses Of Alternatives At Public Meeting: Oct. 29, 6 p.m., Golden Sails Hotel

by Joe Mello
LBREPORT.com Community Correspondent
Includes additional reporting by Bill Pearl


(Oct. 28, 2014, 9:10 a.m.) -- A City Hall-selected Community Advisory Committee, which has taken initial public input on an update to SEADIP (South East Area Development Improvement Plan) zoning that controls land use in roughly 1,500 acres of SE LB, will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. (Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 E. PCH) at which "[t]he project team will be presenting various prototypes and analyses of alternatives, which we will be comparing to certain criteria, such as the project vision, traffic thresholds, fiscal feasibility, etc." [Quote source: City Development Services Department text as cited by Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust]

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The Advisory Committee says it aims to envision the area 50 years from now in 2060. The current SEADIP zoning document (which development interests have criticized as outdated) was adopted less than forty years ago in 1977.

SEADIP's current zoning (map below) governs land use across sprawling area that includes the major business centers of Marina Pacifica Mall, Seaport Hotel (aka 2nd/PCH), and The Market Place Mall; Gelson's /Lucille's Center; the Los Cerritos Wetlands, a number of parks, a golf course, environmentally sensitive ecological reserves and boating marinas as well as the industrial Studebaker LB Tank Farm and the AES Alamitos Generating Station off of Studebaker Rd. In addition, thousands of residents live in expensive homes, condominiums and exclusive apartments within SEADIP's boundaries.


Map source: City of Long Beach

For years, developers have had to live with SEADIP's current restrictions or seek City Council (and Coastal Commission) ad hoc approval for specific developments. Former 3rd dist. Councilman Gary DeLong made an effort to advance an overall update to SEADIP but it foundered after some criticized DeLong's-chosen advisory panel as less than transparent.

In December 2011, a developer-propelled proposal to put a partial high rise/mixed use development at the 2nd/PCH Seaport Marina hotel site failed to gain Council majority approval. (Vote was 3-5, Yes: Garcia, DeLong, Gabelich; No: Lowenthal, O'Donnell, Schipske, Andrews, Neal; Johnson absent). Public issues included traffic, height, Coastal zone and wetlands impacts.

In the wake of the 2nd/PCH vote, the Council unanimously approved launching a new SEADIP update that it said would be transparent and faithful to community input. City staff selected a "community advisory committee" (to view its members, click here.) The Advisory Committee's stated mission is to "provide perspectives and input to the project team to generate a project vision, identify issues and opportunities, and formulate planning alternatives and recommendations that will inform the Specific Plan, which will be forwarded to decision makers for consideration. The Committee's mission also includes encouraging the involvement of other community members in the public participation process and considering the community's input in dicussions about the Specific Plan."

The City hired a consultant team to conduct public meetings. [LBREPORT.com comment: At least one of the consultant-run meetings public input individually at various tables instead of via an open mike from the floor where those attending could hear the comments of others.]

Ultimately, a Council majority will decide on any zoning updates in the SEADIP rearea, which will also go to the Coastal Commission for approval.

The upcoming Advisory Committee meeting will take place Oct. 29, 6 p.m. at the Golden Sands Hotel, 6285 E. PCH (within the SEADIP area). At the meeting, the project team is expected to present "various prototypes and analyses of alternatives, which we will be comparing to certain criteria, such as the project vision, traffic thresholds, fiscal feasibility, etc." [Source: City Development Services Dept. as quoted by Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust.]

An August 2014 "vision" for the SEADIP area (on the City's SEADIP website) states:

The following is a vision of Southeast Long Beach as described 50 years from now:

Southeast Long Beach is a livable, thriving, ecologically diverse and sustainable coastal gateway and destination in the City and Southern California region.

Southeast Long Beach is an attractive, active, and important gateway and destination in the City of Long Beach and Southern California region. People enjoy living, working and visiting here because of the diversity of uses in close proximity to one another. Our established residential neighborhoods continue to anchor the area and are complimented by businesses, restaurants, hospitality uses and recreational amenities that are frequent destinations for locals and visitors

We have developed connections to our local medical facilities and educational institutions, both provide significant resources to our area that positively contribute to our sense of community. The energy providers operating in the area have upgraded their facilities and seek to use the most current technologies available.

Our wetlands and local costal habitat are thriving due to the ongoing efforts of the community and City to restore, maintain and preserve our natural resources. Combined, the wetlands, San Gabriel River, marina and access to the ocean contribute considerably to the livability and character of the area. We have protected and encouraged views to these areas and the mountains in the distance; creating a landscape that cannot be found anywhere else.

Southeast Long Beach is clearly defined by attractive streetscapes that create an immediate impression that you have arrived so meplace special. Bike lanes and pedestrian walkways are carefully integrated in our safe and efficient network of roadways, and along with our transit system, provide attractive alternatives to the car in this active area of town.

Buildings are designed at a scale and with a form that allows for variety in the appearance of the streetscape, encourages the pedestrian environment and creates central gathering areas to generate lively spaces. Great care has also been taken to implement thoughtful and carefully designed transitions between urbanized areas and natural areas and waterways so they are complimentary of one another.

Developing...with further to follow on LBREPORT.com.

SEADIP Community Advisory Committee Public Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 E. PCH


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