(January 23, 2003) -- The North Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area Committee (North PAC) voted tonight to recommend that City Hall's Redevelopment Agency Board shift up to $12.5 million in NLB Redevelopment money -- that might have funded several NLB blight-reducing projects -- to build an expanded North Division Police Station in Scherer Park as well as create a "replacement" park on 55th Way.

On a vote of 16 "yes," 0 "no," and 2 abstentions, North PAC recommended that the Redevelopment Agency Board use NLB Redevelopment monies to fund expansion of the North Division police station in Scherer Park and create a replacement park on 55th Way in a total amount not to exceed $12.5 million, with the proviso that since the sum includes a 25% construction contingency, any funds not expended revert back to North PAC.

North PAC's vote is advisory but as a practical matter effectively clears the way for the City Hall desired diversion, first with a Redevelopment Agency vote (expected next week)...and then by the City Council.

High level city management, including Acting City Manager Gerald Miller, Community Development Director Melanie Fallon and Redevelopment Bureau Mgr. Barbara Kaiser, had attended a specially (and publicly) convened meeting of North PAC last week to explain the budgetary reasons for using NLB Redevelopment money to expand the police facility in Scherer Park (in the 8th Council district).