Management revised the proposed project after opponents raised various issues that resonated with Coastal Commission staff...and Acting City Manager Tom Modica said the net result produced a better project that includes more recreational components, more greenspace, more parking, a lower physical height. The revised Aquatic Center has a lower but still sizable cost: now roughly $85 million instead of the original $103 millon which over time grew to roughly $145 million. (City staff acknowledges it still lacks $25 million in identified funds for the revised project )

On December 6, 2019, Coastal Commission staff advised the City that its application for the revised pool project is incomplete and requested answers to multiple questions (which Mr. Modica said city staff is in the process of preparing.) LBREPORT.com coverage of the revised project here)

Mr. Modica indicated the "Elephant Lot" (surface parking lot east of LB Arena/Convention Ctr) -- which Citizens About Responsible Planning (CARP), Ann Cantrell and others have suggested as a better location or the new pool -- had been considered as an alternative site but had sea level rise and wave uprush issues similar to those at the Belmont beach location (which he said was superior on other grounds, including parking.)

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Mr. Modica indicated that a study previously submitted to the Coastal Commission indicated the Elephant Lot was likewise subject to sea level rise and wave uprush issues. [LBREPORT.com has since learned that the study, dated Jan. 2018, was prepared by a City contracted consultant in support of the City's application for Coastal Comm'n approval of the original Belmont beach design. LBREPORT.com separate coverage coming.]

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In public testimony at the Dec. 19 Planning Commission hearing, aquatics, diving and swim advocates (who have a large LB constituencies) spoke in support of the revised design.

However speakers attending the hearing in opposition outnumbered supporters by roughly two to one, and included Citizens About Responsible Planning/CARP. Public testimony by Corliss Lee and Susan Miller raised environmental, coastal and neighborhood matters as well as issues involving a City-bungled notice of cancellation of the Planning Comm'n hearing (LBREPORT.com coverage here.)

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On a separate track, LB attorney and former Coastal Commission chair Mel Nutter, representing client/veteran coastal protection advocate Gordana Kajer, said the City's attempt to approve a Local Coastal Development Permit before the Coastal Commission had approved an amendment to the certified Local Coastal Program is procedurally improper and basically defective as currently proposed.

Following Commission Q & A with city staff, the Planning Commission voted without dissent to recommend City Council approval of city staff's requested actions.

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City staff indicated it plans to bring the recommendations to the City Council in January and if approved, would seek to have the project approved by the Coastal Commission at its February meeting in Long Beach. Mr. Modica indicated if that meeting agenda isn't available, staff would welcome Coastal Commission at the earliest possible meeting in OC or an otherwise nearby location. .

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