DISQUS

Chris Ziegler · 1 year ago

"Dave Wielenga told me something about Long Beach that I never forgot: Long Beach is a city intent on killing its own soul, though fortunately it can’t ever do it right."

anon. · 1 year ago

worship an alter of good planning and development? What about the wrecking ball shes about to take to acres of books?

JuanPardell · 1 year ago

If Home Depot decided not to proceed with a store in San Francisco, where disposable incomes are significantly higher than Long Beach, what makes your city planners believe they're still interested in pursuing this project?

Michel de Montaigne, Jr. · 1 year ago

When these hacks start talking about "realities of municipal financing" they really mean "how are we going to loot" enough resources from taxpayers to pay for the gross mismanagement of current assets and the absurd salary and retirement packages they routinely grant to their friends and supporters who feed from the public trough. If they have to demolish the entire downtown and every culturally significant building and business to do it--well, that's just business. Whenever I think I could not hold these scumbags in greater contempt they exceed my lowest expectations.

Andy · 1 year ago

Let's look at what it takes to get something approved by the City Council:

"Friends To Write-In Jackie Kell For Council" $350 Thomas Dean
Lerch, Val "Committee to Re-Elect Val Lerch" $350 Thomas Dean
Blair, Becky "BECKY BLAIR FOR CITY COUNCIL" $1000 Thomas F. Dean
Lowenthal, Suja "Suja Lowenthal for City Council" $1000 Thomas F.Dean
Foster, Robert "Friends of Bob Foster" $600 Thomas Fay Dean
Foster, Robert "Friends of Bob Foster General" $650 Thomas Fay Dean
DeLong, Gary "Friends of Gary DeLong $300 Tom Dean
DeLong Gary "Friends of Gary DeLong $350 Tom Dean

Very good friends, indeed. If he's gonna try it again, there's gonna be new names on this list. $1000 will buy you a spot at Suja's altar.

John · 1 year ago

Let me guess, Tom Dean is a member of the long beach area chamber of whores, where business at any cost reigns supreme. Had his project gone through he probably would have received the "businessman of the year" award for increasing pollution in east long beach. Wetlands ? Birds? Ridiculous!

A man after gordons heart.

LBRez · 1 year ago

John: Doesn't the whore accept the money?

So no development, still empty, polluting, seeping tanks, a space vacant of any revenue. Okay, I get it. Don't come to me to raise any taxes to pay for any new programs, police, fire, etc. Cut the staff and programs in existing city government and make due. If you do not want development, if you do not want a healthy business environment, then do not ask for expanded city programs and services but put forth the same energy you do for anti-development and business to cut spending at city hall.

Andy · 1 year ago

Ah, LBRez, conveniently ignoring the fact that the open area doesn't HAVE to have a Home Depot on it.

Like we should embrace every development with no questions because of munificence of the developer.

Like it's some sort of manifest destiny for that parcel of land to have a parking lot slapped on it.

Like being against a development on that spot is "against a healthy business environment." Are you running for Chamber of Commerce or just a spot on the RDA?

Plenty of other spots that won't drastically reduce the marginalized open space and create heinous traffic issues as well.

John · 1 year ago

LBRez,
Yes the chamber of whores accepts the money, just like you did with your scam with the State of the City revenue, oh hypocritical one. Kudos to Foster for pulling the plug on that sleazy special-interest accomodation,

lbresident · 1 year ago

The site doesn't have to have a home depot on it. But please tell me what should go on that site? Be realistic, as it has to generate enough money for the property owner to cover the cost of cleaning up the degraded land.

Andy · 1 year ago

We've been through this discussion before...answered that question then...the answer's still the same now.

http://thedistrictweekly.com/daily/staff-infect...

#17

Brian G · 1 year ago

Because we just have to stick something in there right. Lets take every open space we have and just stick something on it that makes the city revenue, that's what we should do.

Where is the balance in that Suja?

LBRez · 1 year ago

John: Your assumption that I am a Chamber member is incorrect, I am not. Your derogatory labelling of the Chamber begs the question, are you anti-business or just anti-Chamber which supports business? Do you work? At a private business? Is it a member of a Chamber of Commerce? The anti-business environment in this city and too many of its residents is incredible, especially since so many people do draw a paycheck from private businesses.

Andy I am not ignoring any aspect of that parcel and suggesting it has to be developed, if it is left alone so be it. In that same regard I am not ignorant of the fact that any time any development anywhere is proposed it is fought tooth and nail by a very vocal segment of our community. In your comments linked above you state "landowners should get a fair price for their property." Who determines what is a fair price? Does it include compensation for loss of revenue for not being able to develop it?

You state that "in this case public interest should trump private rights." By saying "in this case" are you saying except in this case you are against eminent domain--which is essentially public interest over private rights? What is your basis for extending public interest over private rights in some circumstances but not others? What if the public at large decided the better interest served was something with a parking lot because it meant there were businesses supporting jobs and tax revenue for the city? Is the loudest group with the best lawyers the arbiter of the best public interest? What if a referendum said, "Develop it?" Is that public interest or just misguided voters?

If the land owner is willing to sell the land at a "fair price" to the city or some entity that would prevent its development more power to them. But who is going to pony up the millions to buy it? Certainly not the city. Not any private entity unless they know there will be return on the investment. That leaves who?

In the end this parcel will sit for decades more as the tanks continue to decay and the seepage continues into the area as public interest in this case fights private rights in this case and vice versa. Status quo reigns supreme as the lawyers reap the retainers and fees.

Andy · 1 year ago

If that were the case, no lands would ever be kept from development and we'd all live in Irvine-by-the-sea. Amazingly, lands are bought or traded and deals get worked out. Here, Mr. Developer, have a big, fat chunk of land over here in exchange for land you'll never get to develop. See how that works?

And if I own some property where I'm oozing toxic sludge into the area, I'm responsible for fixin' it. See how that works? Until I do, that land's not worth much unless the owner is held liable for fixin' it.

MrFister · 1 year ago

I prefer, just my opinion, that the land be left just as it is until such time as there are people calling the shots who demonstrate some minimum level of common sense and civic virtue. It might not hurt to also stipulate that these people be required to fully disclose all their financial information and relationships on a daily basis. There should also be stiff criminal penalties for compliance failures. Additionally, all city related personnel involved in decisions involving this land should be required to submit to regular, frequent drug testing.

John · 1 year ago

LBRez,
I have a great dislike and disdain for phony hypocrites, like the one who is so worried about our students having a sleazy schooolboard member but fights legislation that would reduce these same schoolchildrens risk of disease and death due to port related pollution-that can be sensibly and relatively cheaply reduced.
Says a lot about you if this is the kind of person who you admire, or who you are.

LBRez · 1 year ago

You got me! A phony hypocrite, man feels good to get that off my chest, thanks.

John · 1 year ago

I hope your chest hasn't been afflicted with a chronic illness caused by port pollution, like so many of our Long Beach schoolchildren, of whom you care so deeply about (wink wink) you phony prick.
Remember that you planted the seeds when your union recalls you, once they fully feel the effects of your hypocritical actions.
Only then will I say you're welcome.

LBRez · 1 year ago

I always like to see how long it takes before the name calling and labelling begins, never long. From some anonymous thread on a website you are able to make judgements and cast dispersions on people by reading what you want into comments and using those to fuel whatever little seed of hate you have brewing. Congratulations on a successful week, I hope you feel better about yourself. From my comments you have no idea who I am, what I support and where I am involved, you make me laugh at your ignorance of me while assuming me to be someone you want me to be.

Have a great weekend, let's hope some other "phony prick" can brighten your weekend and having you stewing all day until late at night when you get to sign on and see what has been said.

Dwight K Snider · 1 year ago

Your are right, LBRez. We do not know who you are because you lack the "courage of your convictions" by not using your real name.

howardx · 1 year ago

boy lbrez you sure know how to make friends wherever you go!

LBRez · 1 year ago

xoxo to you howie! Re: using a pseudonym, my courage does not include endangering my employment--glad for you that your situation is different; unfortunately mine is not as open.

Back to my original question that still has not been answered is whether those criticizing the Chamber and business in general draw employment from private companies. If so are you willing to jeopardize your own paycheck by having the government enact legislation that would cause them to lose business, close or move their offices? But I guess it is easier for the personal attacks.

Hugs to my friends at TDW.

Dave Wielenga · 1 year ago

Wow, you people can do some brawlin'!

howardx · 1 year ago

lbrez
where do you work that you'll get fired if your boss finds out youre republican? moveon.org i bet. your secret is safe with me buddy!

Andreas · 1 year ago

just catching up on this post. good stuff. sounds about normal, lbrez setting up shop in some far off corner and the rest of us throwing bricks through his window.

btw, who is criticizing business in general on here, you keep asking about that? i thought most were just criticizing the idea of throwing a home depot on a spot for the sake of filling it with "something".

lbrez, how many home depots will it take for the city to turn around its financial situation and pay for all the cops and fireman? that's the only way that will happen right, developing every parcel of land. how about a walmart for the east side of the city, look at how much good that did for the west side of the city.

THE DISTRICT · 1 year ago

Comment removed because of spamming.

Dave Wielenga · 1 year ago

Pretty intense self loathing.

Andy · 1 year ago

Re #22. Your question has been answered several times.

Re #25. Borat-style high-five. Exactly.

Re #27. I hate me because I'm so pretty.

John · 1 year ago

And to match the city council...........the port of long beach commisioners, you know the ones who bowed to the trucking special interests (and still got sued) in their faulty Clean Air Action Plan, now are bowing to randy gordons union by gifting them over $30,000! I guess they felt bad that foster cut off the cash flow from the annual mayors speech.
randy you are a piece of shit, and a hypocrite, but you are an excellent union official, no denying that. Problem is, probably too good-for YOUR own good.