The development in the 8th Council district -- adjoining the east bank of the L.A. River a few blocks south of Del Amo Blvd. and now named "Riverdale" -- also spawned the creation of "Citizens for Responsible Development" (CARP), which filed a legal action challenging the City Council's Nov. 2015 approval of the development's Environmental Impact Report; the litigation produced a settlement that downsized the development as initially proposed in a number of respects.

In a Sept. 12 release, Brandywine Homes (which partnered with initial applicant Integral Communities), described its Riverdale development as featuring "a resort style clubhouse with a meeting room, a pool and spa with cabanas, outdoor dining areas and a tot lot." It describes the homes as offering "exceptional features such as a covered patio, convenient downstairs bedroom and spacious loft."

Brandywine's website text (prior to its Sept. 12 release) described the homes as follows:

Brand New Detached Homes in Long Beach, CA

Priced from the high $600,000's

Enjoy coastal breezes and Southern California signature style at Riverdale in Long Beach, CA. This gated community of 131 detached homes offers spacious living between 1,925-2,242 sq. ft. as well as a community pool and recreation center. Each home has welcoming and contemporary floor plans, designer finishes and fixtures, and modern appliances. In addition, you'll be close to the Queen Mary, The Pike, Aquarium of the Pacific, Cal State Long Beach and the delicious culinary scene downtown. Ideally situated between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Riverdale is conveniently located so you can get on your way wherever you want to go. Starting from the mid $600,000's. Discover in town living at its finest at Riverdale today!

On November 4, 2016, CARP announced settlement of its EIR court challenge with the developer (named in the litigation as "Integral Communities I, Inc " and the "Long Beach Project Owner") that reduced by 20% the square footage (of the project then dubbed "Riverwalk"), eliminated proposed third stories and increased parking spaces by over 20%. The Nov. 2015 Council vote (motion by Councilman Al Austin) had approved 131 two and three story residences of from 2,100 to 2,900 sq. ft.

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Public testimony at the Nov. 2015 Council approval hearing was sharply split. The applicant/developer and a number of neighborhood residents stated that the residential development would improve the neighborhood, increase property values and provide amenities (including the new park at Del Amo/Oregon.) Opponents submitted over 200 petition signatures from the adjoining neighborhood in opposition, amplified by opposition testimony from a number of veteran community advocates from neighborhoods beyond.

Brandywine Homes release describes the firm as "a residential homebuilder based in Irvine, Calif., with over two decades of experience in developing challenging infill sites, revitalizing some of Southern California’s oldest and most established neighborhoods."

CARP remains active on LB development issues and recently joined with a number of other grassroots groups to form the "Long Beach Reform Coalition," a political action committee (PAC.) The PAC's first announced target is defeat of a November 2018 Mayor/Council sought ballot measure (BBB) that would allow the Mayor/Council incumbents three terms (up to 12 years) without facing term limit restrictions instead of LB's current two term limit law that also allows voter-choice write-ins for subsequent elections.

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