The District Weekly - Latest Comments in THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

dksnider — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:39:47 -0000

Amy, contact your district's councilperson first-thing Monday. It's their job to help and support you and all other residents of the district they represent. At least that is what they always tell us when running for election.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Dave in Alamitos Beach — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:16:23 -0000

Amy, I'm sorry that you and your family have to move, but seven years at one rental is a pretty long residency. And since you are such a good tenant, you should have no problem finding an even better location for you and your family. It sounds like any decent landlord would be lucky to take you on.

I know it's hard to put ourselves in other people's situations, but I personally wouldn't mind moving away from an intersection where I had personally witnessed over 100 traffic accidents, including two fatalities.

Perhaps you can contact your landlord to see if he can provide any assistance? Or maybe the RDA can point you in the right direction.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

AMY M. — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:21:30 -0000

WOW....ALL OF THESE OPINIONS ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE TRAFFIC SITUATION IS VERY INFORMATIVE, REALLY, BUT I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANY MENTION ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CURRENTLY OCCUPYING THE 4 APARTMENTS IN THE BUILDING THAT SITS ON THAT PIECE OF LAND. I KNOW NOBODY CAME KNOCKING AT MY DOOR ASKING HOW I WOULD FEEL ABOUT MY HOME BEING TAKEN FROM ME OR MY DAUGHTER HAVING TO BE UPROOTED FROM THE ONLY HOME SHE HAS EVER KNOWN. I HAVE LIVED IN THIS BUILDING FOR 7 YEARS AND UP UNTIL YESTERDAY 06-04-08 HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE ABOUT ANY PLANS TO DEMOLISH OUR HOMES. I THOUGHT IT WAS STANDARD PROCEDURE TO POST NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS SO THE "COMMUNITY" CAN VOICE OPINIONS ON THE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT NOBODY IN THIS BUILDING WAS EVER GIVEN THAT COURTESY. IN CASE NOBODY ELSE KNOWS YET THEY HAVE SERVED MY NEIGHBORS AND MYSELF WITH EVICTION PAPERS AND A PLAN TO START DEMOLITION AROUND AUGUST 4, 2008.

OUR LANDLORD WHO ALSO OWN THE MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART , THE LOFTS AND VARIOUS OTHER RENTAL PROPERTIES IN LONG BEACH, HAS OBVIOUSLY RECEIVED SOME COMPENSATION FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE LAND BUT SOMEONE NEEDS TO HELP OUT THE PEOPLE WHO RENEW THEIR LEASES EVERY YEAR, PAY RENT ON TIME ETC.

AND FYI , AS FAR AS THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS FOR OUR LITTLE MLK / 7TH ST. INTERSECTION LET ME JUST SAY THIS MUCH...VERY RARELY IS THERE ANY FATALITY INVOLVED. I THINK I HAVE SEEN 2 IN MY TENOR HERE THE LAST 7 YEARS AND BELIEVE ME, I HAVE PROBABLY SEEN UPWARDS OF 100 PRIOR TO THE ADDITION OF THE RUMBLE STRIP ISLAND, A SECOND " NO RIGHT TURN ON RED” SIGN THEY POSTED NEXT TO THE EXISTING SIGN NOBODY PAYS ATTENTION TO AND APPARENT "TWEAKING" OF THE 2 RIGHT TURN LANE LIGHTS. THEY HAVE CUT BACK TREMENDOUSLY ON THE AMOUNT OF ACCIDENTS OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO. IF PEOPLE WOULD STOP TEXTING FROM THEIR CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING, PUTTING MAKEUP ON, READING STREET MAPS. ..THAT NUMBER WOULD DROP EVEN MORE.

******SPECIAL REPORT**** I WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE TO APPLAUD THE DECISION BY THE LONG BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE THEIR MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS AS "BABYSITTERS" FOR THE INTERSECTION SINCE NONE OF OUR ESTEEMED "COMMUNITY MEMBERS" CARE TO READ STREET SIGNS ANYMORE. “RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT" MEANS WHAT IT SAYS. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

THANK YOU LBPD AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

THANKS FOR THE WEB SPACE TO VOICE OUR OPINIONS ON THIS MATTER
SINCERELY,

AMY~ SOON TO BE FORMER TENANT IN "THE TRIANGLE BUILDING"

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

david c. — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:13:44 -0000

build it... and they will come!!!

we need armory park. great use of this land.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Michelle — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:36:08 -0000

There are many neighborhoods which would benefit from this green space-Craftsman Village Historic District, East Village Arts District, St Anthony neighborhood- not only will it provide green space for our area but it will also provide a much-needed solution to traffic issues and blight. Our area has been negleted by the city for too long. We deserve to have a neighborhood that looks inviting- after all, Alamitos is the gateway to MOLAA, the aquarium and downtown. Do we want visitors to see how the city has left this area to rot? Our neighborhoods will stand behind this idea and we will come out in numbers to support it. Brian, just tell us where and when.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Mina — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:53:34 -0000

The bottom line is the City of Long Beach needs to continue to evolve and improve to reach its full potential. Brian is an amazing resident trying to reach toward the goal of a better Long Beach.
Perhaps the Armory Park design needs to be expanded to include the neighboring streets to accommodate the traffic volumes and changes that will occur. Either way we have to move forward, we have to decide that it is better to take longer to get where we are going and live better along the way. I think everyone can agree that quality spaces are well worth it once they are achieved. I support Brian's plan and any like it that will look for solutions to similar urban issues.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

JuanPardell — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:03:29 -0000

I'm all for more green space in Long Beach. The issue, is whether city government has the resources to properly protect the parks. In the more wealthy areas of the city, the parks are well taken care of. For example, El Dorado, Marina Green and parks in the 3rd district are always well cared for. This is not the case when it comes to parks in the 1st, 6th, 7th and 9th districts. Therefore, why doesn't Park & Rec explain the inequity of care? Why is there a different standard?

Gunther ----- Next time you venture over to Chavez Park, why not politely ask the crowd of soccer players dominating the space if they can consolidate their game so you and you kid can play catch? Please supply us with a response. Also, bring a Spanish dictionary or translator (just in case your linguistically challenged).

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

meg — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:51:34 -0000

It is absolutely false that Brian is proposing Armory Park to promote the Gateway project, I know work on the park had begun before Studio 111 was involved with Shoreline Gateway. Even if this was not the case, the volumes of voluntary work that Brian has completed make it clear that he is not a person motivated to promote himself but rather is motivated by a desire to improve this city. He has the knowledge and the vision to create a better city and Long Beach is extremely lucky to have him as an involved citizen.

We must fight to create green space in Long Beach , especially in the areas which have so little. Without even considering the intangible benefits of quality of life issues, the tangible benefits of reduced urban heat islands, water infiltration, and reduction of storm water runoff to name a few - are worth pursuing. There is a solution, though it might take more work to find it.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Dave Wielenga — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:49:11 -0000

Juan the Unorganized Sport Hater! Fear his wrath!!!

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Gunther — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:18:09 -0000

good one juan. you really got me there. soccer is only the biggest sport in the world played widely in the richest of countries and the poorest of the poor. and sure, they always make sure to play on a real soccer field, because after all that's where you're supposed to play soccer right?! perhaps the next time you a dad and his son playing catch in the park you should tell them to "cut out that nonsense" and find a baseball field. god forbid if a nerf football breaks out in a public park. the wrath of juan the unorganized sport hater is going to strike down upon you.

thanks for pointing the spotlight on your own stupidity. the podium is free if you would like to take another crack at it sporto.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

JuanPardell — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:41:47 -0000

Gunther ---- Aren't soccer fields supposed to be used for soccer games? Next time you wan't to battle wits with me, please don't come unarmed.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Gina — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:45:45 -0000

Brian is too kind to respond to Jimbo’s unfounded comments. I am not. If you had any knowledge of the past, Jimbo, Brian had started working on Armory Park long before Studio-111 started working on the project at Ocean. He spent many evenings after work presenting his idea to various community groups. Brian understands the danger of traffic as it remains one reason why he has been fighting so hard for this. We live in this area and drive through that intersection daily. You should remember that his proposal removes the most dangerous intersection in Long Beach. Personally, I think to leave the intersection alone would be considered negligence by the city. If the choice is to either keep an unsafe intersection or potentially have slower traffic, I would much rather be inconvenienced by slower traffic than be inconvenienced by death or dismemberment. Please see this most recent report: http://www.lbreport.com/

As far as children playing in parks, and not all parks are for children, he also fought for the new pocket park being created in the Craftsman Village. In case you have never realized or do not live in or near the downtown, this is one of the densest, most overcrowded portions of the city, with the least amount of park space. Sadly, neither one of these parks will fulfill the needs of the community but at least Brian, a volunteer with no financial benefit, is trying to do something about it. So when you, Jimbo, imagine, design, propose, get community buy-in, and the money in the city budget for a park, all on your own free, volunteered time, then maybe you will have the right to criticize. Brian is not paid city staff. He does not benefit from financial gain. He volunteers his efforts to make this area a better place. In an era of cynicism, I know that our small brains have a hard time understanding this sort of action. Sorry Jimbo, your inferences are completely off base and only stand to bring awareness to your ignorance.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

JG — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:44:14 -0000

This project has been out in the community for far longer than Shoreline Gateway. There is no relationship. Questioning motives is a surefire way to stifle creativity and volunteering in the community. Sad.

I'd love to see MMA (the expert traffic consultants commissioned with public money to do two reports) address the entire controversy. They will be hesitant because they do a lot of work with the city. But a professional response is obviously required. Go to it, District. If they say the proposed changes may be more safe, inaction by the city is the cause of liability that should be of concern.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Russ Roca — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:53:28 -0000

I can tell you as the photographer that took the portrait of Brian at that strange intersection, I was fearing for the safety of my gear and myself. Primarily, that strange lane that allows cars to merge from Alamitos to MLK. For a car to do that successfully, they have to wait for oncoming traffic from Alamitos to be clear as well as gauge the incoming traffic from MLK across the concrete barrier. We were there for a total of 20 minutes and I couldn't wait to leave.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

GS — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:27:06 -0000

I work near this location and and i thik this project is an excellent idea. It wil create a safer way for pedestrians and vehicles crossing these blocks.
Currently, at least once a week, we have an accident at this corner.

This project will help to reduce the number of accidents happening at one of the "most dangerous intersections in Long Beach."

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Vsan — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:15:52 -0000

Brian, as a an owner of property in the area and a frequent flyer of Alamitos and 7th St& MLK I agree that your idea of a park for this area would work. Not only will it minimize the amount of accidents but will provide the much needed green space thus allowing childred to stay off the street and play on some real grass. It would also help reduce the amount of heat collected by mother earth. In a society that is focused on green alternatives for transportation, building, etc. you sure wouldn't think the issue would be how to make the cars happy. For anyone that doesn't know Brian....I have had the pleasure of knowing Brian for several years now and his intentions are nothing but good!

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Greggory — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:29:22 -0000

Okay, so on the one hand we've got experts on each side with differing opinions about the traffic impact of the proposed park, and on the other hand we've got unanimity about the park improving the quality of life and a redo of the intersection improving its safety; and we've already got money set aside to do the park. So, it sounds like the stall is due to the mud of the status-quo thinking.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

mike guardabascio — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:01:52 -0000

also, another great article, dave.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

mike guardabascio — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:01:23 -0000

there's a nice google maps shot at that post link of where the park would be as seen from overhead; good clarification for anyone who's confused about the logistics.

make it happen, long beach.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Robert Garcia — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:47:16 -0000

Also....check out this link to read over 65 comments of support on the project from local residents....

http://www.lbpost.com/newsdesk.php?id=44&it...

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Dave in Alamitos Beach — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:45:44 -0000

This is so irritating just to read, I can imagine how Brian and Bonnie Lowenthal must feel. This particular quote just frosts me: “If losing a street worsens the traffic, we can’t do that.” I've got news for Roseman, the traffic is already terrible, and this small change would mean virtually nothing. Besides, it's traffic SAFETY he should focus on, not traffic reduction. Armory Park might slightly increase traffic congestion, but it would no doubt heighten traffic safety.

Oh, and a small note to Jimbo - the fumes are already there whether you're breathing them in a park or in an asphalt jungle.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

m_steiner — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:37:13 -0000

Great Article! This area is desperate need of a park and would be a diamond in the ruff for this location. I believe this could also fix the wierd traffic situation that it currently poses. This addition along with the musem accross the way is one more thing that is needed to get rid to help get rid of the blight in this area.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Mike — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:33:11 -0000

Traffic engineering is not a rational science that many may believe. There are a lot of assumptions that are subjective and vary from different traffic departments. Creative opportunities exist and should be explored at this intersection. I am happy Pat West has provided the leadership to force this issue to be reexamined.

Mr. Roseman alludes that a park will hinder everyone's mobility, for only one benefit, a park. However right now the outlined streets are only designed by Mr. Roseman to move traffic which is only one benefit at the expense of other amenities such as pleasant walkable sidewalks, viable street fronting businesses and a park.

Traffic accidents are horrible and with my experience at this intersection there are still a lot of accidents occurring, in fact I'm not convinced the number of accidents have been reduced since Engineering has upgraded this intersection. One easy study would be to see if accidents have actually been reduced and if so by how much.

I was recently involved in a serious accident at Hill and Redondo, where I was waiting at a red light and a car slammed into me at 40 miles per hour, with out breaking. My car was totalled, I required medical care and have missed work and play. My neighbor was also seriously hit at this intersection two years earlier. The officer at the scene stated that because there are three intersections (Hathaway, Stearns and Hill) very closely spaced, drivers struggle with "visual separation" between this intersections. This means that drivers cannot separate the signals because of their close proximity and therefore miss one of them, putting the driver and others at serious risk. This would be the same issue at MLK and Alamitos when driving on 7th Street.

We have two knowledgeable professionals that should forget about past disagreements and roll up their sleeves to come up with a viable solution that makes the intersection safer for motorists (note another accident occurred the day the District wrote this article) and benefit businesses and the community.

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Robert Garcia — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:28:53 -0000

What's amazing to me is that EVERY person I have ever spoken to in the Downtown community supports this idea. Over 20 community associations and groups support this project including the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, the West End Community Association, and the DLBA.

What is it going to take for this thing to happen? I hope that with a new City Manager, we will see some movement on the park proposal....

Re: THE BATTLE FOR ARMORY PARK | The District Weekly

Gunther — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:26:44 -0000

to jimbo, stop being such a hater. i personally love that it's a gateway for all different parts of downtown long beach. like someone else said, attacking this guy's character is just callous.

at juan, congratulations for another really lame comment. you're complaining because people are playing pick-up soccer games inside chavez park??!! isn't that part of what you do in a park. and that park is pretty big...plenty of room for everyone to stretch out. there's a group of guys that play makeshift soccer games at bluff park that i see quite often. and i'm telling you, every time i see them it just makes my blood boil, playing soccer in the park is just wrong wrong wrong. please stop activating the park you bad little soccer players, so that they bums, bangers and addicts can get their park back.

to everyone else, great comments. i'm proud to share the streets and parks with you.