(Oct. 25, 2009) -- While attending the Book by Authors event at the Long Beach Town Center Barnes and Noble bookstore [LBReport.com on-scene coverage with video click here], I listened intently to the many and varied stories that weave the rich tapestry known as North Long Beach. Among the distinct and repeated patterns arising in that verbal textile were oft repeated names of places now committed to treasured memory and faded sepia tone photos: Shady Acres Miniature Golf Course, Mexico City Restaurant, Lou’s Book Store, The Mustard Seed Restaurant, and the legendary Dooley’s Hardware.

Even though I grew up on the East Side in that mass expanse of stucco sameness, my childhood through adulthood stood filled with memories of traveling to these landmarks throughout the years until the day each one vanished forever.

There may be some who believe the old Atlantic Theater should be torn down and replaced by something new. However, among this bookstore crowd, ranging in age from seven to 85, I seriously doubt if a single soul would agree with the assessment. These are people who took time to think, research, write, and gather to read their passionate prose of past North Town days.

There are few icons left in North Town. Even the moniker is being transformed into Uptown and other incarnations of progress and freshness. In an area that needs progress, should we not just remove all the old and usher in everything new? Is the Atlantic Theater of special merit?

No, the Atlantic is not a wonderfully outstanding landmark. But does it deserve the bulldozer? Is it really feasible to save?

Photo source: North Village Center draft EIR

After reading that the mitigation for the Atlantic Theater amounts to taking some nice photos prior to razing the structure, it seemed some balance was needed. Photos will make a nice album for the Historical Society, but will do little to build a sense of community that North Town seeks.

What builds a sense of community?

The current plan after removing the building appears to be yet another nebulous group of strip malls with shoehorned residential units crammed in to over-impact parking and crowd the local streets. More of the same does not improve the area. New or old, a vacant storefront remains exactly that. What insures that a new wave of convenience stores and fast food restaurants will improve the area? Is that the sort of thing to hinge one’s legacy upon?

The Atlantic Theater needs balanced consideration. The alternative to keeping the Atlantic is razing it. Let us understand what it means to save it.

The possible saving and creative re-use of the Atlantic Theater in North Town brings up a set of thoughts. Consider: North Long Beach has only four historic items. Three of them are private homes. The Atlantic Theater may not seem like much, but it is an icon. And it is currently not listed as historic. The building is a strong focal point visually and a source of identity for the area for the last 60 years.

With so few icons, saving and re-creating a landmark would bring emotional as well as cash capital to North Town. It can build and sustain community spirit.

Not everything new is good and not everything old should be saved. But there is a balance. The Atlantic Theater is part of that balance for the North Long Beach Community. Save the Theater.

To re-phrase an old adage about the proposed new development: "Everything new is old again." With the same old stores in new facades, the result will be the same as it has always been. Let us try some innovation here.

Allow this writer to propose another solution to this situation:

First, for the good of the city, (yes, I think the city should get some serious consideration here) I propose that no one, either civic or citizen, attempt to place the theater on the National Register. It effectively encumbers the property with amazing rules and burdensome restrictions. Also, the old argument holds true: tell me what the Federal Government does well? Certainly there is nothing that the Feds could do that our city couldn’t do better with its own people and resources. Besides, we care about our own icons.

Secondly, combine the adjacent furniture store with the theater to create a larger facility. Both are in good shape and can create a major and more viable space.

Third, research what is most popular in our community and in the region and duplicate it here.

In conclusion "Old buildings are not the object" they are the conduit for reaching back and across our people, culture and community. Only by holding on to our roots can we hope to grow to a stronger future.

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