Drive around Long Beach and you’ll see signs in yards from people who have passionate feelings about the city’s Land Use Element, and it’s no wonder because the document will impact the city’s infrastructure and building development for decades to come.
The Long Beach Planning Commission recommended approval Monday of the contentious Land Use Element, which means the issue will next be considered and voted upon by the City Council.
Many homeowners oppose aspects of the Land Use Element that would allow developers to build denser projects on certain properties.
After hearing nearly five hours of comments from the public, commissioners went through each of the nine council district to suggest changes to the proposal put forward by city staffers.
“I know not everybody is happy with everything that was done,” Planning Commission Chairman Erick Verduzco-Vega said. “Just so everyone knows this item will go before the City Council. There is still plenty of opportunity for everyone throughout the city of Long Beach to ask as many questions and suggestions of staff as you deem appropriate.”
The commissioners spent nearly an hour proposing changes to the Land Use Element.
For example, Commissioner Andy Perez recommended reducing the proposed maximum building height from five to three stories on 7th Street between Walnut and St. Louis avenues.
“I just want to make it consistent along that corridor,” Perez said.
State law requires cities to periodically update their General Plan to set policies, goals and directions the City will take to achieve civic leaders’ vision for infrastructure and building development. The Land Use Element is a component of this update and will be implemented through 2040.
For current homeowners or those looking to buy or sell single-family residences in Long Beach, the development of new multi-family projects over the next 20 years could impact their neighborhood’s on-street parking, traffic, and views.
Click here watch the video of Tuesday’s Planning Commission hearing.
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