DISQUS

Sam_Lowry · 1 year ago

There's an interesting contrast between this article and your cover story on Armory Park. If the neighborhood wants it (Armory Park), it takes only one city official to keep it from happening. If the neighborhood doesn't want it (54th Basketball Court relocation) the city official in charge of the project can't guarantee that it's dead.

I'm not pointing a finger at individuals here. The problem is the overall culture at City Hall, where residents can only get desirable results by fighting hard and winning ugly (Airport expansion, Home Depot, Seaport Marina Hotel) or endure the mediocrity that city staff produces (The Pike, City Place, Towne Center, Aquarium of the Pacific...). This culture is what the new city manager should have eliminated from Long Beach on Day 1 in office. This is why City Council should have had the courage to hire a city manager from outside.

Dave Wielenga · 1 year ago

You make a well-thought case, Sam, with some excellent examples. I'm always looking for perspectives and would love to consider yours on a more-regular basis. Please feel free to write me -- whenever -- at DAVE@thedistrictweekly.com

LBRez · 1 year ago

Am I the only one who gets the sense that the Peninsula and Shore residents do not want an "attractive nuissance" in the area that might draw the masses to their little corner of the city? Expanding the facilities on the beach will encourage more "outsiders" to visit their semi-private beach areas that are somewhat inaccessible due to parking issues. Or am I seeing something that is not there--at least not that would be admitted publicly?

Russ Roca · 1 year ago

I had a similar experience with a meeting concerning proposed bike improvements in the city. The meeting held at Bixby Park was hardly publicized to one of the concerned parties...the cyclists. If it were not for some cylists that heard about it through the grape-vine and posted it on craigslist and myspace, there would have been no cycling presence at all, and it would have been a very one sided meeting and yet another missed opportunity.

I can't tell if it is willful negligence or a complete lack of media savvy. I would hope it would be the latter because it is less sinister, but then again, the thought a city that can't communicate important issues to its public doesn't provide that much more comfort.

LB Resident · 1 year ago

There isn't really anything "private" about that area. There is huge parking lot that sits mostly empty. If people want to go there, they can.

I don't know Colonna and have no vested interest in his finances. That said, let's assume he drove this project initially and his intent was to increase his property's value. Who cares? If the project enhances the beauty of the area, it's a good thing even if Colonna benefits.

I was at the meeting. I thought the city officials handled a somewhat rude crowd very well. The folks who opposed the court move all had their own interests in mind. For example, a few "moms" apparently want the preschool rebuilt instead. I'm not saying they should not rebuild it, I'm just saying people have different priorities depending on their perspective and that is what is playing out here.

For the most part, all of the proposals on the project list that was passed out have merit. Prioritizing is the controversial part.

Steve Lowery · 1 year ago

I dunno, LBRez. At the meeting, I didn't get the feeling that the changes they were talking about were designed to bring more people to Alamitos Bay. I mean, I can't see that replacing the courts with that nothing-looking park I described could attract anybody. And moving the courts to a new location down the beach would no doubt mean less players showing up because the courts would be in poor condition for play because of strong winds and sand. Actually, if the folks in this area wanted less people, they probably would have supported these chances.

LB Resident · 1 year ago

I don't think the goal was to get more people to Alamitos Bay. The goal there was to beautify the area and reduce noise and nusiances. I personally think those are good goals and are accomplished by moving the courts and replacing them with a park. (I don't live there just to be clear so I'm not biased.)

The argument then is that you're moving the noise to another spot. However, the Granada area is much further from the neighborhood (you have to cross Ocean Blvd and a parking lot) so you're not going to have the same complaints.

As far as the area being wind blown, that can be solved with wind protection elements.

I'm not saying it's a perfect plan either. I'm just saying it has merit for consideration.

LB Resident · 1 year ago

No surprise that Colonna has something to gain. So happy he lost for Mayor. I'll take Foster over him any day.

Janis Populi · 1 year ago

The real story here is the $120 million bond issue using future Tideland funds for City projects without public input. That is why the BSRA requested the meeting. Anything which impacts the City's financial resources by millions of dollars and changes uses in a parking/traffic congested neighborhood should be open to public disclosure and discussion. Have not seen anything written on the big dollar projects-Marina, Pier/Belmont Pool.

Bay User · 1 year ago

what it does do is further enhance the area for more filming, more weddings, etc. - private events on public land. the answer to all questions regarding the doings of any govt is REVENUE. figure that out, and you will figure out the real reasons that things are done.