Today: City Staff Will Ask Planning Comm'n To Recommend Council Approval Of New Type of Zoning ("PUD"/"Planned Unit Development" Applicable Citywide) To Enable Developer-Sought 131 Residences (2 and 3 stories, 2,100-2,900 sq. ft.) On Roughly 10.5 Acres Of Former Will J. Reid Scout Park (Area Daisy Ave/47th St.)

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(Oct. 17, 2015) -- As seen LIVE, LB's Planning Comm'n (Mayor chosen, Council approved) voted 5-2 (Christoffels and Van Horik dissenting) to recommend that the City Council take the action sought by developer and city staff: majority recommends that the Council certify EIR, create new type of PUD zoning for this project and potentially others, at density sought by owner/developer and recommended by city staff. The item will automatically go to the City Council (scheduled Nov. 10.) Details at this link..

(Oct. 15, 2015, 12:45 p.m.) -- As part of its 5:00 p.m. meeting today (Oct. 15), LB's Planning Commission (Mayor chosen, Council approved) is scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on whether to recommend that the City Council (elected members) approve a city-staff recommendation to erase open space/parks zoning that applied to the now-former Will J. Reid Scout Park (4747 Daisy Ave. SW of LB Blvd/Del Amo.)

City staff will ask the Planning Commission to recommend that the Council approve creation of a new zoning classification (potentially with citywide application) -- "Planned Unit Development" ("PUD") -- that would enable the developer that purchased the Scout Park (Integral Communities) to create a gated residential development (approx. 10.5 acres with 131 two and three story residences, interior sizes ranging from 2,100 to 2,900 sq. ft.)

The developer would also build an off-site new park ("Oregon Park") at Oregon Ave./Del Amo Blvd.

[Scroll down for further.]

Image from agendized materials

Image included in agendized materials

City staff's agendizing memo acknowledges that the new "PUD" zoning classification could have citywide implications. If approved by the City Council, it would enable City Hall [city staff agendizing memo text] "to consider proposals, such as this one, on fairly large undeveloped parcels of land, at densities and configurations that are not accommodated by traditional zoning districts."

City staff says the use of R-1-N development standards (the type of zoning that protects low density residential homes which abut the property to the north and northeast) "are not consistent with a new large subdivision, or the current goals and objectives of providing flexible residential development options with enhanced site planning, unit designs, and community amenities. Staff therefore proposes to create a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district that could be used for this and other, similar large scale residential projects currently in the development pipeline or on potential infill sites on suitably large lots."

To view the text of city staff's proposed PUD zoning ordinance, click here. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) wouldn't be unique to Long Beach; it's been used to accommodate various types of developments not subject to otherwise standard zoning requirements.

City staff also recommends that the Planning Commission certify an Environmental Impact Report on the project. Responses to its Notice of Preparation were overwhelmingly opposed (most citing density as well as other issues.) The materials submitted include a petition with roughly 250 signatures in opposition ("this project would create unacceptable levels of noise, traffic and emissions.") Retired Councilwoman Rae Gabelich wrote that the Oregon Park area had been purchased by the (now former) Redevelopment Agency and was already funded. "What happened to those dollars?" Ms. Gabelich asked in an email, adding "I stand behind not allowing this change in zoning and advocate that it remain institutional with focus on open space for our community."

The view the draft EIR Notice of Preparation and comment letters, click here. To view draft EIR recommended by city staff for certification with minor edits, click here.

To view the full city staff agendizing memo, click here.

The view the full Planning Commission agendized materials, at this link, agenda item #4.

LBREPORT.com plans to carry LIVE video of the Planning Commission hearing (at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.) starting at 5 p.m., on our front page: www.LBREPORT.com.