City News

This page features information, news, issues and initiatives impacting our neighborhood, the 3rd District, the city and other historic preservation organizations and neighborhoods in Long Beach, California. This page is not meant to be a complete source of information, so please stay engaged and involved in the broader community and help us help you by keeping the BPNA aware.

11/27/2022

BPNA ASKS CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION TO NOT APPROVE AT ITS MEETING THIS MONTH A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR ARCHITECT IRVING GILL DESIGNED HOUSE AT 2749 E. OCEAN BLVD

The BPNA board submitted this letter (click here) to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) in opposition to a proposed 2-story addition to the rear (north) side of 2749 E. Ocean Boulevard. This 1918 home is arguably one of the most historically and architecturally significant homes in our Bluff Park Historic District neighborhood, designed by world-renown architect Irving J. Gill (1870-1936) who is considered a pioneer of modern architecture. The hearing will take place during the CHC Meeting, open to the public, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 5:00 pm.

If you agree with us or have other thoughts, let the commissioners hear from you. The CHC Meeting starts at 5:00 pm PST on the last Tuesday of each month. 

Note: Written comments must be received before 1:00 pm on the day of the meeting in order to be reviewed by all the commissioners in-time. You can attend in-person, call in, or watch online and make comments during the meeting in any of these formats.

The Commission needs to hear from YOU. Your voice is important and could make all the DIFFERENCE.

AGENDA, PLANS, STAFF REPORT, AND RELATED INFORMATION FOR THE CHC MEETING
https://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=952471&GUID=A9645CE7-8F42-4261-9DA4-C2DC34B46294. Note: This link is updated with additional written public comments as they are received.

EMAIL COMMENTS IN ADVANCE

Email [email protected]  no later than by 1:00 pm on the day of the meeting. We in the BPNA would appreciate being cc’d at [email protected].

SPEAK UP DURING THE MEETING IN-PERSON OR ONLINE OR VIA PHONE

Public comment will be available (with a strict 2-3 minute limit) to those who attend in-person and those who call in or watch live online. If watching online, click on the “Raise Hand” button when public comment opens. Once called upon, you will be asked to click on the “Unmute” button to begin speaking. If attending in-person, you will be asked to line up at the podium. Keep mindful of the time limit.

ATTEND IN-PERSON

There is nothing more powerful for civic engagement than attending the meeting in-person. If you can, please plan to attend in-person.

Location: City Council Chambers, 411 W. Ocean Boulevard

Parking: Free in the structure at 332 W. Broadway, between Chestnut Avenue and Cedar Avenue. We suggest you allow at least 10 minutes to walk across the street and pass through security.

Health Alert: Face masks and physical distancing are not required but welcome.

ATTEND FROM YOUR INTERNET-CONNECTED COMPUTER, TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

https://longbeach-gov.zoom.us/j/95441932207?pwd=WTFINzErRTAxQy9ZbHZSMVg0VUFWdz09

ATTEND BY TELEPHONE (AUDIO ONLY)

Call 213-338-8477. Meeting ID: 954 4193 2207

FOR MORE INFO

https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/preservation/chc/

Photo Credit: Megan Barry for BPNA

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8/15/2022

BPNA THANKS CITY COUNCIL FOR SUPPORTING EFFORTS OF THE BPNA’s BLUFF PARK HISTORIC LAMPPOST PROJECT

The BPNA Board submitted this letter (click here) to the City Council thanking them and asking for ongoing support to further advance the progress of the BPNA’s grassroots, community-based initiative, the Bluff Park Historic Lamppost Project, with its broad-based support and value it brings to the entire city. More than 100 “signees” added their support in just a few short days to the first letter dated August 8th, and by the next week an addendum was submitted showing the number of names to have nearly doubled to over 200! Thanks especially to Councilwoman Cindy Allen, Mayor Robert Garcia, Councilwoman Suzie Price, and the entire Long Beach City Council.

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7/4/2022

BPNA ASKS CITY COUNCIL TO CORRECT DISTRICT MAPS THAT DIVIDE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

The BPNA board submitted this letter (click here) to the City Council asking that the southernmost boundary dividing District 2 and District 3 be moved in a minor way from Paloma Avenue to Loma Avenue to preserve and protect the wholeness of the Bluff Park Historic District neighborhood and its residents.

Agenda Item 22-0758 (click here) will be heard with public comments during the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, beginning at 5:00 pm. The meeting is open to the public both online and in-person at the Civic Chambers, 411 W. Ocean Blvd, with free parking available.

If you agree with us or have other thoughts, let the City Council hear from you.

For the full Council Agenda and materials and for information on ways to participate and comment, click here or paste the link below:

https://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=986466&GUID=8BDF6AD4-3497-42EF-BEE7-8F202E3D6DC7

https://longbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

To participate in the meeting via Zoom, dial (213) 338-8477, Meeting ID 995 2966 0860, for go online https://longbeach-gov.zoom.us/j/99529660860

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7/4/2022

BPNA SUPPORTS PRIORITIZING THE LB POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE FY 2023 CITY BUDGET

The BPNA board submitted this letter (click here) to the City Council acknowledging the value and role of the Long Beach Police Department in maintaining public safety and supporting additional efforts for Community Policing as the Council deliberates on the Fiscal Year 2023 City Budget.

Item 22-0752 (click here) and Item 22-0764 (click here) will be heard with public comments during the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, beginning at 5:00 pm. The meeting is open to the public both online and in-person at the Civic Chambers, 411 W. Ocean Blvd, with free parking available.

If you agree with us or have other thoughts, let the City Council hear from you.

For the full Council Agenda and materials and for information on ways to participate and comment, click here or paste the link below:

https://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=986466&GUID=8BDF6AD4-3497-42EF-BEE7-8F202E3D6DC7

https://longbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

To participate in the meeting via Zoom, dial (213) 338-8477, Meeting ID 995 2966 0860, for go online https://longbeach-gov.zoom.us/j/99529660860

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3/28/2022

BPNA RESPONDS TO ALTERNATE WINDOWS & SIDING MATERIALS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS

The BPNA board submitted this letter (click here) to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) related to City Staff recommendations on whether and under what circumstances to consider alternate materials for windows and siding in historic districts and for landmark properties. The recommendations will be heard during the CHC Meeting, open to the public, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

If you agree with us or have other thoughts, let the commissioners hear from you. The CHC Meeting starts at 5:00 pm PT on the last Tuesday of each month.  Note: Written comments received after 1:00 pm on the day of the meeting may not be reviewed by all the commissioners in-time. In that case, you can attend, call in, or watch online and make comments during the meeting.

The CHC conducted a Study Session on the topic last month. SEE BELOW for more info and the BPNA board’s letter then.

AGENDA FOR TUES., MARCH 29 CHC MEETING
https://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=952471&GUID=A9645CE7-8F42-4261-9DA4-C2DC34B46294

STAFF PRESENTATION

http://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=10669746&GUID=757E8104-FF56-4537-960A-15002F470916

COMMENTS

Email [email protected]  no later than by 1:00 pm on the day of the meeting.

WATCH, ATTEND, OR COMMENT DURING THE MEETING

https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/preservation/chc/

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2/21/2022

BPNA SUBMITS LETTER TO THE CHC FOR ITS STUDY SESSION ON ALLOWING ALTERNATE WINDOW & SIDING MATERIALS

In reference to the entry below, the BPNA board submitted this letter (click here) to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) in consideration of its Study Session, open to the public, on Tuesday, February 22.

If you agree or have other thoughts, it is important that the commissioners hear from you. Feel free to pass this along.

The CHC Meeting starts at 5:00 pm PT tomorrow (Tuesday), February 22.  Note: Written comments received after 1:00 pm on the day of the meeting may not be reviewed by all the commissioners in-time for the Study Session. 

See the introductory email below from the City’s Development Services Planning Bureau for additional details and instructions on how to comment, participate, and speak during the meeting using the Internet or any touch-tone telephone.

Note that due to COVID and the recent surge, the CHC meeting will held virtually.  www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/preservation/chc/

The meeting Agenda and related materials can be accessed using this link. Or, alternatively copy and paste the following into your web browser: https://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=935425&GUID=4ECF3ED9-0AE4-40AC-ABCF-90B4B5FC8817

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2/9/2022

CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION TO CONSIDER ALTERNATE MATERIALS ALLOWABLE FOR WINDOWS & SIDING IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND FOR LANDMARK PROPERTIES

The Cultural Heritage Commission will be holding a study session on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, to consider potential policy updates to allow substitutes for historic material requirements, in some instances, for windows and siding.

The study session will include a review of how other cities across California and the country regulate these issues, as well as research on the environmental, economic, and equity impacts.  This study session will include posing of key questions to consider, and no final action will be taken by the Commission at this meeting. We have heard the concerns brought forth by residents asking the Commission and staff to consider changes to these standards, due to multiple factors, such as: increases in material prices, supply chain impacts such as the lumber shortage, maintenance challenges and environmental impacts.

To learn more about what is being proposed, please feel free to review the presentation in advance, linked here: CHC Study Session on Historic Materials for Windows and Siding on 2-22-22.

We encourage you to provide written comment prior to the meeting, which may be submitted to [email protected] or  [email protected]. You can also provide verbal public comment via web or telephonically at the study session.

Note that due to COVID and the recent surge, the CHC meeting will held virtually.  Thus, the City Council chambers will not be open for public participation. For more information on how to participate in this meeting via web or teleconference, please visit: www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/preservation/chc/

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1/26/2022

COASTAL COMMISSION WEIGHS IN ON CITY’S SHORT-TERM RENTALS

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) held a hearing on December 15, 2021, and rendered its decision related to the City’s Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance passed in 2020. The City’s opt-out provision was retained.

The City Council will soon be updating the STR ordinance to reflect the Commission’s requirements.

All of the Bluff Park Historic District neighborhood resides within the coastal zone and is subject to the Commission’s decision. The neighborhood is broken up within 5 distinct “Census Block Groups” which, in some cases, span into other nearby neighborhoods.

Here are some helpful links for more information:

Press-Telegram Article: “Rules guiding Long Beach short-term rentals will change near coast. Access to waterfront key for state Coastal Commission”, by Harry Saltzgaver, January 25, 2022

City of Long Beach Website with Info, Resources, and FAQs on the Operation, Restrictions, and Enforcement of Short-Term Rentals.

CA Coastal Commission: Staff Report on Long Beach’s STR Ordinance, December 2, 2021

City of Long Beach Report to CA Coastal Commission on the City’s Short-Term Rentals, December 15, 2021

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11/16/2021

IF ‘WHOLE & TOGETHER’ IS NOT POSSIBLE, BPNA BOARD SEEKS COMPROMISE

After hearing public comment, the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) is expected to vote up or down on one of two final maps at its meeting this Thursday, November 18, 2021, beginning at 6:00 PM.

“IRC Final Map 1” and “IRC Final Map 2” are not supported by the BPNA Board. They break up and create an uneven balance and voice for historic preservation comparing Districts B and C, across which the neighborhoods in our Community of Interest are split.  

Ideally, we would have liked to see all our neighborhoods being kept WHOLE and TOGETHER, but the Commission abandoned “IRC Draft Map 1” which we strongly supported a couple weeks ago.

We are making a final, difficult appeal to the Commission to delay voting on a final map and set a new meeting date, while also asking the Commission to accept a compromise which one Commissioner proposed to move Bluff Park into District C.

Such a move would at least help to even out the significant imbalance of historic districts and help to maintain the more than 100 years of history with our southeast coastal historic districts and intercoastal neighborhoods with whom we share common efforts for quality of life, public safety, land and water issues, as well as historic preservation.

To read the BPNA Board’s latest LETTER, click here.

Stay engaged, attend, and speak up. Share your thoughts with us and — most importantly — with the Commission. In-person comments at the meeting seem to be more effective than submitting emails and eComments. See below.

WHAT IS THE COMPROMISE.

One small change of moving Bluff Park alone into District C does not significantly impact the population, diversity, variance, expanse, or shape of any District, while helping balance our Community of Interest pertaining to the important aspects of its coastal historic districts.


WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.

Both “IRC Final Map 1” and “IRCFinal Map 2” do not keep to the tenets of Whole and Together.  While our ask would help in part correct that, we will continue to engage, adapt, and build relationships among neighborhoods.

SHOW UP. SPEAK UP.

Comments and perspectives of all kinds are encouraged and necessary.

The meeting starts on Thursday, November 18, at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Free parking is available in the structure off W. Broadway at Chestnut Ave. Face masks and physical distancing required.

While participating in-person is more impactful to the Commission, emails can be sent (ideally by midday) to [email protected] and [email protected].   And eComments can be submitted until 5:00 PM via this link.  However, the later they are received, the less likely the Commission will read and consider them.

DO IT WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME.

Even if you spoke up or wrote in before at prior meetings, please plan to attend and speak up. If you cannot attend, consider sending someone to read your brief comments in your stead, or write in. 

Pass the word. The Commission is listening, and it does matter.

FOR MORE INFO.

BPNA City News (Bookmark this page): Click Here

Redistricting Website: Click Here

Meeting Agenda: Click Here

Submitted Maps & Plans: Click Here

Videos of Past Meetings:  Click Here

View Meeting Live Online (Without Ability to Comment): Click Here

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11/14/2021

FINAL REDISTRICTING MAPS PROPOSED

Last week the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) advanced two final maps to move forward for the Final Adoption Hearing Meeting this Thursday, November 18. 

The BPNA Board does not support either of these maps, because they break up our previously stated Community of Interest. These maps remove our neighborhood and two others from our nearby coastal historic district neighborhoods and intercoastal neighborhoods with whom we regularly collaborate and have shared interests and goals on important issues that are mission-centric related to quality of life, safety, land and water use, and historic preservation.  These maps create an imbalance for historic district neighborhoods and their associations. These maps could potentially weaken the decades-long bonds among our neighborhoods, their associations and residents.

The BPNA Board is continuing to deliberate and meet with our colleagues and leaders in other neighborhoods. We will soon share and post our letters and perspectives, as we have done for the last couple months (see below).  

Over the next few days, please stay engaged and plan to attend and speak up. Visit our website and watch for further communications. Continue to share your thoughts with us and — most importantly — with the Commission. 


QUESTIONS WE’VE BEEN HEARING.

What is expected to happen on Thursday, November 18? The Commission intends to vote yes or no on one of the two maps as being the Final Map.  A map must have 9 votes among the 13 commissioners to pass and in order to be adopted and finalized. More details on the maps and meeting can be found below.

Can the Commission make changes or advance a different map?  The answer depends. 

If the Commission continues with its intended agenda, then the answer is no. Moving neighborhoods to make the necessary changes that would keep our Community of Interest whole and together would not be allowed using the current Final Maps.

However, yes, it is possible that the Commission could approve a new motion, if one were proposed by one of the commissioners, to delay the final adoption and to advance a new map for consideration. 

If the Commission is swayed by strong encouragement from residents at this week’s meeting on Thursday, November 18, then it is possible that a commissioner could make a motion, have it seconded, and get enough votes to accomplish both of the following:

1. Scheduling an additional meeting between November 26 and December 7, and
2. Approving another map that meets our Community of Interest’s needs for final adoption.

The Commission would need 9 out of 13 votes on such motions for this scenario to happen.  Any map selected for final consideration must be posted for public view for a week prior to any final adoption. So, this would all need to happen by December 7 — which is very last allowable day that would conform to the legally established deadline to approve a final map in time for the 2022 election cycle.

In-person comment and real-time participation at the meetings have been more effective than submitting emails and eComments. (See below.)

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK.

During last week’s IRC Meeting, the Commission was shown the changes we desired in District C. What they saw worked fine (according to the City’s staff and attorney) and met all the Commission’s requirements for population, diversity, variance, etc. What they saw respected their needs in the rest of the city.

However, a motion to approve those changes was not accepted nor passed. 

Thus, the Final Maps, one of which is set to be adopted by an up or down vote this Thursday, are divisive and dismissive of our stated neighborhoods’ collective Community of Interest.

Additional information has been in the press, including this recent article in the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

WHOLE AND TOGETHER.

Our key tenets in the redistricting process have consistently been “Whole and Together“:

• Keep Our Neighborhoods WHOLE, and
• Keep Our Coastal Historic District Neighborhoods and Intercoastal Neighborhoods TOGETHER.

This would result in bringing Bluff Park, Bluff Heights, and Carroll Park into the Community of Interest with the neighborhoods of Alamitos Heights, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Naples and the Peninsula. 

SHOW UP. SPEAK UP.

Comments and perspectives of all kinds are encouraged and necessary.

The meeting starts on Thursday, November 18, at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Free parking is available in the structure off W. Broadway at Chestnut Ave. Face masks and physical distancing required.
 

While participating in-person is more impactful to the Commission, emails can be sent (ideally by midday) to [email protected] and [email protected].   And eComments can be submitted until 5:00 PM via this link.  However, the later they are received, the less likely the Commission will read and consider them.
 

DO IT WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME.

Even if you spoke up or wrote in before at prior meetings, please plan to attend in-person and speak up. If you cannot attend, then write in again. Pass the word. The commission is listening, and it does matter.

FOR MORE INFO.

For more information on our past efforts and collaborations with our nearby neighborhoods and associations, or if you haven’t been following our updates and input, check out the BPNA’s City News Page at bluffpark.org/city-news.

BPNA Website City News Page (Including Past Posts & Letters): Click Here

Redistricting Website: Click Here

Meeting Agenda: Click Here

Submitted Maps & Plans: Click Here

Videos of Past Meetings:  Click Here

View Meeting Live Online (Without Ability to Comment): Click Here

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11/10/2021

REDISTRICTING: OUR COMMUNITY OF INTEREST

A letter was sent to the Independent Redistricting Commission yesterday from a group of residents and board members from the following neighborhoods and their associations: Bluff Park, Carroll Park, Bluff Heights, Belmont Heights, Alamitos Heights, Belmont Shore, and Bay Harbour. These individuals have been collaborating throughout the redistricting process in the effort of keeping our neighborhoods WHOLE AND TOGETHER.

Read the LETTER here to see recommendations of adjustments to the Proposed Final Map (IRC Draft Map 2) in respect to District C that will satisfy the requests of the aforementioned neighborhood representatives with minimal effect to adjacent districts and neighborhoods.

For More Information and ways to speak up at the critical meeting today, Wednesday, November 10, 2021, read the entry below.

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11/9/2021

REDISTRICTING: KEEPING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS WHOLE & TOGETHER

Last week the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) voted against IRC Draft Map 1 which the BPNA supported. Instead the commission proposed only one map (IRC Draft Map 2) which breaks up our previously stated Community of Interest. 

It splits our Bluff Park Historic District neighborhood into different districts and removes us from our other coastal historic district neighborhoods and intercoastal neighborhoods with whom we regularly collaborate and have shared interests and goals on important issues. 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 10th, will be the LAST chance that we as the public have to chime and ask for the commission to make needed changes to the final map that will be selected and implemented for at least the next decade.

YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED.

The BPNA submitted its fourth LETTER (click here) recommending small changes to Map 2 that will make big impacts! Other maps and options may be proposed during the meeting, but if we can get enough residents to support our letter and its mission-focused, principled tenets, then we have our best chance of success.

If you agree, please use your own words and the suggestions provided in our letter to craft your response.

SHOW UP. SPEAK UP.

The meeting starts at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Free parking is available in the structure off W. Broadway at Chestnut Ave. Face masks and physical distancing required.

For those who cannot attend and speak, eComments can be accepted until 5:00 pm via this link. Emails should be ideally received by midday and sent to [email protected] and [email protected].

WHOLE AND TOGETHER.

In the spirit of compromise, the BPNA believes the Proposed Final Map (IRC Draft Map 2) is workable and can be simply updated in 5 easy adjustments without significant disruption to the rest of the city. Our key tenets continue to be Whole and Together.

• Keep Our Neighborhoods WHOLE, and
• Keep Our Coastal Historic District Neighborhoods and Intercoastal Neighborhoods TOGETHER.

This will result in bringing Bluff Park, Bluff Heights, Carroll Park, and Lowena Drive into the community of interest with the neighborhoods of Alamitos Heights, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Naples and the Peninsula. See images below and shown online using this link for Map 76918: https://districtr.org/plan/76918

The positive impacts of these minor changes will be that an amended Proposed Final Map (IRC Draft Map 2) …

• Respects and leaves untouched your handiwork in the other Districts of D, E, F, G, H, and I.
• Brings five coastal historic district neighborhoods together and binds the inter-coastal communities together.
• Creates equivalent populations andretains diversity makeup in Districts A, B, and C.
• Corrects the division of some neighborhoods that came from discrepancies in actual neighborhood boundaries.

In the Proposed Final Map (IRC Draft Map 2), we kindly please ask that you make the following minor adjustments:

1. Between E. Ocean Blvd. and E. 4^th St., move the western border of District C to Junipero Ave.
2. Between E. 4^th St. and E. 10^th St., move the western border of District C to Redondo Ave.
3. Between E. 10^th St. and E. Anaheim St., move the western border of District C to Ximeno Ave.
4. Between E. Anaheim St. and Pacific Coast Highway, move the western border of District C to Termino Ave.
5. Between E. 7^th St. and E. 10^th St., move the eastern border of District B to Cherry Ave.

FOR MORE INFO.

Check out the BPNA Board’s past efforts and collaborations with our nearby neighborhoods and associations in the entries below.

Link to the Redistricting Website: Click Here

Link to the Meeting Agenda: Click Here

Link to Submitted Maps & Plans: Click Here

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11/2/2021

REDISTRICTING: BPNA BOARD CHIMES IN AND SEEKS OTHERS TO DO THE SAME

The Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) scheduled an additional meeting because it had not finished its work last week and is considering some additional, new and amended maps. These maps can have significant impact.

The next (and nearly last) meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 3rd, starting at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Free parking in the structure off of W. Broadway at Chestnut Avenue. Face masks and physical distancing maintained.

For those who cannot attend and speak, online eComments will be accepted until 5:00 PM via this link. Emails should be ideally received by midday and sent to [email protected] and [email protected].

WHOLE AND TOGETHER.

The BPNA board has submitted its third LETTER (click here) with the key tenets Whole and Together:

• Keep Neighborhoods WHOLE, and
• Keep Coastal Historic District Neighborhoods TOGETHER.

ONE MAP WORKS.

Of all the current maps being considered, only “IRC Draft Map 1 Amended 10.27.21” is supported by the BPNA Board because it keeps whole and together the historic districts and inter-dependent neighborhoods of, in alphabetical order. Alamitos Heights, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bluff Heights, Bluff Park, Carroll Park, Lowena Drive, and Naples.

Only “IRC Draft Map 1 Amended 10.27.21” in the all new District C …

• is closest to meeting the needs and mission of BPNA, our neighborhood, and those with whom we collaborate.
• keeps together the 5 coastal historic district neighborhoods.
• maintains the decades long relationships of the aligned adjacent neighborhoods, residents and organizations.
• has a diverse demographic makeup.
• supports many shared interests for quality of life, public safety, land use, water resources, preservation, & more.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.

It is important that you share your thoughts with the commission.

If you agree with the BPNA board, provide a personal message, as simple as supporting our letter to keep neighborhoods whole and keep coastal historic districts together along with their adjacent collaborative neighborhoods, as shown in District C of  “IRC Draft Map 1 Amended 10.27.21”.  

DO IT WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME.

Even if you spoke up or wrote in before or at other meetings, speak up again. Pass the word. They are listening, and it does matter.

SAVE THE DATES FOR THE FINAL MEETINGS.

Proposed Final Map Selection: Wed., November 10, at 6pm

Final Map Adoption Hearing: Thurs., November 18, at 6pm.

FOR MORE INFO.

If you haven’t been following our updates and input, check out the BPNA’s City News Page at bluffpark.org/city-news.

Link to the Redistricting Website: Click Here

Link to the Meeting Agenda: Click Here

Link to Submitted Maps & Plans: Click Here

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10/26/2021

BPNA BOARD ASKS THAT REDISTRICTING FOLLOW TENETS OF “WHOLE AND TOGETHER”

The next and nearly last meeting of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) takes place on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, starting at 6:00 pm, at City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Free parking in the structure off of W. Broadway at Chestnut Avenue. 

For those who cannot attend and speak, online eComments can be sent in until 5 pm via this link.  Emails should ideally be received by midday and sent to [email protected] and [email protected].

THERE IS LITTLE TIME LEFT.

With a mission-centric focus, the BPNA Board takes the view that established neighborhoods should be kept WHOLE and that coastal historic district neighborhoods, such as the Bluff Park Historic District, be kept TOGETHER.

WHOLE AND TOGETHER.

Inter-dependence is the key to neighborhoods thriving. Experience and common sense indicate that dividing neighborhoods and their associations across disparate council districts leads to inconsistencies and inefficacies.

With the BPNA’s decades-long history of working with leaders and residents in other historically designated landmark neighborhoods and our surrounding neighborhoods with whom we regularly collaborate and engage on important topics (such as, quality of life, safety, land, water, and preservation), the BPNA Board feels that the NEW “IRC Draft Map 1” is closest in keeping our neighborhoods whole and together.

The other proposed maps do not meet that tenet and are divisive of the integrity of our neighborhoods, historic districts, and their associations.

BPNA CHIMES IN AGAIN & HOPES YOU WILL TOO.

The BPNA Board submitted this LETTER (click here) in support of our neighborhood. Please share your thoughts with the IRC. They are listening, and it does matter.

FOR MORE INFO

If you haven’t been following our updates and input, check out the BPNA’s City News Page at bluffpark.org/city-news.

Link to the Redistricting Website: Click Here

Link to the Meeting Agenda: Click Here

Link to Submitted Maps & Plans: Click Here

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10/19/2021

BPNA BOARD CHIMES IN ON REDISTRICTING AND RECOMMENDS OTHERS DO TOO

Just in time for the critical Independent Redistricting Commission Meeting on October 20, 2021, at 6pm at City Hall, the BPNA Board submitted this letter (click here) asking the Commission to consider maintaining entire neighborhoods within the district and our relationships with each other, as we collaborate and coordinate on events and projects of common interest.

Your opinion matters and is vitally important. Take this opportunity while you still can to share own your thoughts.

The more voices the better! Additional information is at longbeach.gov/redistricting.

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10/17/2021

REDISTRICTING: IT’S TIME FOR YOUR VOICE

Big changes are being proposed to the City Council Districts, including ours, based on the 2020 US Census and public input. Make your voice heard in a variety of ways.

The time to respond is now before the final maps are set and approved by the Independent Redistricting Commission. What is decided will have long term impacts on representation, local issues, and communities of interest for the foreseeable future.

On September 14, the BPNA board submitted a Community of Interest Form (click here). The board continues to be engaged since the draft maps came out a few days ago and for last several months has been encouraging individuals to become more aware and involved in the process.

More info is at longbeach.gov/redistricting

Pasted below is a summary e-blast from 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price sent on October 16, 2021:

Dear Neighbor, Hopefully you’ve heard a little about the current redistricting process and how important it is. But, if you haven’t, here in Long Beach we have an Independent Redistricting Commission made up of residents from all across the City. These residents will be in charge of redrawing our City Council District lines as a result of the recent US Census that noted where population shifts have occurred in the last 10 years since our last redistricting. This is an important process, and it is essential for residents like you to be involved. Redistricting affects who your elected representatives are, and what areas they represent, which can have significant long-term impacts for you and your whole community. With these lines being so important, the Redistricting Commission is asking for your help and for you to propose maps that you think would be best. The commissioners do not know every block or every street, or even every neighborhood, which is why it is important that residents like you provide your input on where you think the lines should be drawn, and which neighborhoods you think should not be separated. These neighborhoods that should be kept together are called communities of interest, and are how the commission decide which areas should be kept together, and which areas should be separated. So, it is important that residents like you provide input on your neighborhood, and how you think lines should be drawn so that communities you think should be kept together are kept together. The Redistricting Commission depends on resident input in this process, without which they could draw lines that separate neighborhoods, or divide areas that should be kept together leading to less of a voice for you and your community. So, please be a part of the redistricting effort and make sure the commission hears your voice.

Link: Wednesday Oct. 20 Redistricting Commission Public Input Meeting This coming Wednesday October 20th at 6:00 PM at City Council Chambers (441 W. Ocean Blvd.) the Redistricting Commission will be holding its first meeting where they will comment on the draft maps, and residents will also have their first opportunity to comment on these maps. If you have opinions, input, comments, or concerns about the existing draft maps, now is your chance tom comment on them, and help shape the maps.

Link to Map AProposed District 3 Lines in Map A

Link to Map BProposed District 3 Lines in Map A

Link to Map CProposed District 3 Lines in Map A

The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission has held a number of meetings focusing on various districts as they seek input from the community on the new district lines they will be drawing. This occurs every ten years after the US Census is completed in order to ensure population changes and shifts are accounted for. So, they are asking for your help as Long Beach residents to play an important role in the development of the new district maps by submitting your own draft maps with a newly updated mapping program, as well as information on what your “community of interest” is. New Mapping Tool for Residents to submit and Comment on Maps: https://districtr.org/event/Long_Beach The commission is asking residents to explain and create maps of their own community of interest based on your experience, perception, and preferences about your community. A community of interest is really just a neighborhood, or area that you feel should not be divided between two district because of those neighborhood’s similarities. Common social and economic interests that should be included within a single City Council district for purposes of its effective and fair representation as a potential voting bloc in current or future elections. Such groups include (but are not limited to) groups with cultural or historical bonds, shared economic interests, shared racial, ethnic or religious identities, neighborhoods, school districts, media markets, transportation districts, opportunity zones, business improvement districts, communities concerned about environmental hazards, or a shared vision of the future of a community. Ultimately the Commission will base its decisions on where to redraw district lines, from the input they receive from residents like you. So, it is up to you to be engaged in this process and provide your comments on your community. Additional useful links: Recent Grunion Gazette Article on Redistricting Recent Long Beach Post Article Recent Press Telegram Article Link for more Background on Redistricting For more information visit www.longbeach.gov/redistricting.

Upcoming Independent Redistricting Commission Public Input Meetings Draft Maps Selection: Wednesday: October 20, 2021 at 6:00 PM at City Hall Community Feedback on Draft Maps: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM Proposed Final Map Selection: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 6:00 PM Final Map Adoption Hearing: Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 6:00 PM

Parking Map to Attend Meeting

Parking Directions: If attending the meeting, park in the City Hall Parking Lot (332 W. Broadway) at the corner of Broadway and walk west across Chestnut then south toward City Hall and enter the plaza between City Hall and the Port Headquarters toward City Council Chambers at the far end of the plaza where the meeting will be held. I encourage you to arrive early. To provide public comment, enter City Council Chambers and walk up to the front on the left side is the City Clerk’s desk. Let them know you would like to sign up for public comment for Agenda Item #3. Once the item is called for discussion they will introduce public comment and will call on people as it is their turn to speak, and you’ll be asked to walk down to the podium to address the Commission with your comments and input.

If you have questions please feel free to contact my office any time at (562) 570-6300 or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely, Suzie PriceCouncilwoman, Third District

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9/7/2021

PETITION TO PROHIBIT UNHOSTED SHORT-TERM RENTALS – Deadline: 9/30/2021

The following message is from the City of Long Beach Development Services Department and its Code Enforcement Bureau with more info at https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/enforcement/strs/:

In general, a short-term rental is when the owner of a house, condominium, or apartment rent their property for 30 or fewer consecutive nights.  There are two types of short-term rental activity: hosted and un-hosted.  An un-hosted short-term rentals are where the owner does not live on property while guests are present.   

Local residents are reminded that the application period for the Petition to Restrict Un-Hosted Short-Term Rentals has been extended until September 30, 2021. The annual application period traditionally runs from December 8 to June 7. Here are some general details regarding the petition process:

·     Petition Purpose: The petition serves as a tool for neighbors to prohibit un-hosted short-term rental activity from occurring in their neighborhood. Un-hosted means that the individual who holds a short-term rental permit for the property/unit does not live on the property while guests are present. The petition does not apply to and will not affect hosted short-term rentals.

·     Neighborhood Areas: Applicants can only apply for the neighborhood their property resides in. The geographic area of neighborhoods in Long Beach are defined by Census Tract Block Groups as determined by the 2010 U.S. Census. Use the URL below to access an online mapping tool that can be used to determine which Census Tract Block Group a property resides in:

https://longbeachca.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a317d15dea8c49038287de63f8cd247d.

·     Conducted by the City: Any residential property owner may apply.  Once an application and application fee are received, the City will mail each residential property owner in the Census Tract Block Group an individual petition to the address on file based on publicly available property records.

·     Petition Timeline: Signedindividual petitions can only be returned via US mail and must be postmarked by the date listed on the petition (approximately 30 days after the mailing date) in order to be counted. The City will provide a pre-paid envelope with which to return the petition.

·     Successful Petitions: A petition will be considered successful if a majority of the mailed petitions are signed and mailed back to the City.

·     Application: The petition application and additional instructions are available at longbeach.gov/strs under the “Petition to Restrict Un-Hosted STRs” accordion.

For more information about this announcement or other information regarding short-term rentals, please call Scott Baldwin at 562.570.6820 or email [email protected].

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8/19/2021

CITY BUDGET 2022: Share Your Thoughts

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7/20/2021

REDISTRICTING COMMISSION: More Opportunities to Get Informed and Involved

The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission wants to make sure your community is part of the redistricting conversation. Come learn about the 2021 redistricting process and tell us about your community!

The next meeting is this Wednesday, July 21, 2021 6:00 PM, Poly High School Auditorium and Online, 1600 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. Or you can join online at: https://live.kudoway.com/k8/240117201947/join. More dates and locations are listed below.

Meetings Will Cover:

• Redistricting Basics
• Communities of Interest
• Online Mapping Tool
• Opportunity to Speak about Your Community
• In-Person Mapping Activity

Sign up to Speak! https://longbeach.gov/redistricting/agendas-meetings/public-comment/

What is the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission? The Independent Redistricting Commission is made up of 15 community residents that are responsible for adjusting the council district lines for population changes shown in the Census.

How to Get Involved? Please visit the Redistricting website to sign up to speak at a meeting, submit a Community of Interest Form, or submit a map of your community.

Can’t go to this one? You can attend any of the upcoming meetings to let us know about your neighborhood! Every meeting will cover the same information. All meetings are Hybrid, and you can participate in person and online!

Upcoming Schedule:

• July 28, 2021, 6:30 PM  (District 8) – Longfellow Elementary (Hybrid)
• August 4, 2021, 6:30 PM  (District 5) – McBride High School (Hybrid)
• August 11, 2021, 6:30 PM  (District 9) – Location Pending
• August 18, 2021, 6:30 PM  (District 4) – Location Pending

Sign up for updates: bit.ly/RedistrictLB2021

To learn more, please visit www.longbeach.gov/redistricting

If you have any questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office: [email protected] (562-570-6787) or [email protected].

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6/25/2021

REDISTRICTING COMMISSION: Public Meeting for the 3rd Council District – July 7, 2021 @ 6:00 pm

The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission Outreach meeting will take place on July 7, 2021 at 6:00 PM for City Council District 3. For information on how to participate in the meeting, please visit the How to Get Involved page.
The schedule of upcoming meetings is available on the Agendas & Meeting Videos page.

To stay connected and for more info, visit https://longbeach.gov/redistricting/.

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6/24/2021

MESSAGES FROM THE LBPD PRESENTED AT BPNA BLUFF PARK COMMUNITY MEETING – June 23, 2021

Key takeaways from last night’s Bluff Park Community Meeting, from Long Beach Police Department Patrol Bureau Deputy Chief Michael Lewis and East Division Community Liaison Ana Maria Rios:

• 5 Key Points in Calling the Police
• Safety & Information Brochure
• Download and use the free “Go LBPD” and “Go Long Beach” apps for your smartphone

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6/22/2021

MESSAGE FROM 3RD DISTRICT COUNCILWOMAN PRICE ON DENSITIY & HOUSING POLICIES

NOTE FROM THE BPNA: The message and map below were sent as an e-blast from the 3rd District Council Office on June 22, 2021. It discusses and shows potential future impacts on density in the eastern-most and western-most blocks of the Bluff Park Historic District. Existing zoning in those areas allow for multifamily low-density development, and that differs from the central area of our neighborhood which is designated as R2L (single family). The changes in zoning happened many years ago and allowed the construction of the existing larger multi-unit apartment and condominium complexes on the eastern-most and western-most sections of our neighborhood’s boundaries. ———- Dear Neighbor. Recently local housing policy has been a topic drawing a lot of interest among residents throughout the City. Last week the Planning Commission voted to recommend Council to consider changes to the Zoning Code that would offer incentives to developers to build more affordable housing units in the city. With the goal of ensuring everyone is able to discuss this topic with the same factual information I have worked with City staff to provide some simplified information on one of the topics that is getting a lot of attention before it comes to the City Council for discussion. I believe it is an essential part of my role as a Councilmember to ensure residents are well informed and able to participate actively in our democracy, so regardless of your opinion, it is important to me that you be well informed on the topics that will shape the future of the City we all care about and want to see succeed. As a start to the conversation, please note:  The ordinance, would only apply to project sites that are already zoned to allow five or more housing units, meaning the proposed law would not impact most single-family neighborhoods. What this ordinance would do: As most of you probably know, the state requires that every city create more housing and set specific targets within a predetermined period of time. Some of these requirements are targeted at the creation of affordable housing. This ordinance is meant to facilitate the city meeting that goal.  The proposed ordinance is a complex mix of options that builders can use to incorporate affordable units into otherwise market-rate developments, so that the projects can still pencil out financially. Some of the incentives include city fee waivers, allowing added height and reducing — or, in the case of projects that are 100% affordable housing, fully eliminating — parking requirements. Please note, as stated at the outset, this ordinance would only apply to project sites that are already zoned to allow five or more  housing units. Properties are only eligible if the property’s zoning or PlaceType allows both residential uses and allows five or more housing units to be built. What this ordinance would NOT do:• Will not Rezone properties• Will not Upzone low density residential (R1/R2) properties or allow residential uses in areas planned solely for commercial use (Community Commercial PlaceType, for example)• The ordinance does not change existing zoning• This ordinance does not change any underlying zoning• It does not increase allowable density to five units per lot• The five units baseline is an eligibility criterion• Properties zoned R1 and R2 are not eligible• Commercial only properties are not eligible. For more information I would encourage you to read the attachments included below:  PowerPoint Presentation to Planning Commission Other Related Documents Frequently Asked Questions Further Details from Planning Department: The proposed Enhanced Density Bonus (EDB) involves changing the City’s Municipal Code to establish regulations that allow increased density, development standard concessions and other incentives for projects in exchange for increased levels of affordable housing and other desired amenities, such as on-site childcare.  The purpose of the EDB is to facilitate the development of mixed-income, multifamily housing to help address the need for more market-rate and affordable housing throughout Long Beach. Projects would only be eligible for EDB bonuses and incentives if the zoning or Land Use Element (LUE) already allows at least 5 housing units to be built on a site. Therefore, the EDB would not apply to single family or low-density residential zones. Likewise, the ordinance does not apply to areas planned solely for commercial use, where no residential uses are permitted. This would be a voluntary option for projects when including affordable units in otherwise market-rate projects. The bonuses and incentives are meant to help offset the cost of providing the affordable units without the use of limited public subsidies. The proposed ordinance is temporary and will help the city meet a projected housing demand of 26,502 units through 2029, as required by the State in the upcoming Housing Element cycle.  Cities are subject to a growing number of financial and legal penalties for lack of compliance with Housing Law due to the worsening housing shortage. The City’s Land Use Element (LUE) sets the blueprint for the EDB. Eligible projects are most likely to be located on corridors, centers and transit stops where the LUE Place Types already planned for development to occur, largely in the form of mixed use projects. For illustrative purposes, this map shows in stripes which areas are likely to be eligible for the EDB based on the LUE:

If you have questions please feel free to contact my office any time at (562)570-6300 or by email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Suzie Price, Councilwoman, Third District

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6/14/2021

Enhanced Density Bonus Ordinance: Planning Commission Public Hearing on June 17 @ 5 PM

The Planning Commission, on Thursday, June 17, 2021 @ 5pm, will be discussing “amendments to Long Beach Municipal Codes relating to impact fee waivers for affordable units…and to establish an Enhanced Density Bonus ordinance to facilitate the development of mixed income multi-family units housing Citywide…” You can find more information at the following links:

• Notice of hearing for Enhanced Density Bonus
• Environmental Report
• Transit Maps
• Maps where enhanced density could apply:
  • Map # 1
  • Map # 2
• Notice of intent to adopt negative declaration

Submit comments or questions to: [email protected], or Cynthia de la Torre, Planner, at [email protected] or (562) 570-6559

For information on how to participate in the meeting visit: http://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/commission/

Content Credit: Belmont Heights Community Association. Photo Credit: Long Beach Development Services.

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5/02/2021

Public Notice for City Maintained Tree Policy Hearing on May 10, 2021

Public Notice from the City of Long Beach related to the approved policy (Application No. 2009-01) allowing the City of Long Beach to provide annual and emergency tree trimming activities for the City-maintained trees within the local coastal permit areas (Appealable and Non-Appealable Areas of City Jurisdiction, excluding State Permit Jurisdiction).

In response to the provided feedback, a modification is proposed to add two (2) policy provisions to an approved Local Coastal Development Permit (Application No. 2009-01 [LCDP20-033]). The modification would add: 1) reference to established professional standards and clarification about standards for pruning of palm fronds and 2) a requirement for nesting season surveys prior to the scheduled rotation of tree trimming.

The City intends to hold a Zoning Administrator public hearing on May 10, 2021, at 2:00 pm PDT, for approval of the modified policy and the LCDP, and we would like to extend you an opportunity to participate. Written comments may be submitted to [email protected]. To participate in this meeting, please visit: www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/current/zoning/administrator/ For more information, contact Maryanne Cronin, Project Planner, at [email protected] or (562) 570-5683.

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5/02/2021

Mills Act Historic Preservation Program Update

The Director of Development Services Oscar Orci provided an update to the Mayor and City Council on April 26, 2021, on the plans for current and new Mills Act contracts and inspections. Click here to read the Memo.

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4/20/2021

MESSAGE FROM THE LONG BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT (LBPD) ON CITY PREPAREDNESS

The Long Beach Police Department provided an update on the Police Department’s preparedness efforts in response to multiple ongoing national law enforcement related events.  Although at the time of this writing, there is no intelligence indicating there will be demonstrations or unrest in our city, the City is kindly urging everyone to remain vigilant and prepared. Let’s all remain kind and caring to one another and to preserving the peace.  To read the LBPD’s message to community, click here.

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4/5/2021

MEETINGS ON THE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE: APRIL 6, APRIL 28, AND MAY 1, 2021

On Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 3 p.m., the Long Beach City Council will hold a special meeting on the Housing Element Update. Information on how to view the meeting live, provide public comment, or watch a recording of the study session, visit: http://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=855949&GUID=04175E6C-35F5-450A-A263-C9F8F98D05B3 or click here to view the meeting directly: https://longbeach.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=84

The Long Beach Planning Bureau invites you to join us for one of two community meetings regarding the Housing Element Update.  Both meetings will cover the same information, including a project update and opportunity to provide feedback.  Additionally, two virtual community meetings on the Housing Element Update will take place on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 and Saturday, May 1, 2021:

Wednesday, April 28, 5pm-7pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83403457727
Dial-In: 833 548 0282 (Toll-free)
Meeting ID: 834 0345 7727

or

Saturday, May 1, 11am-1pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88621533592 
Dial-In: 833 548 0282 (Toll-free)
Meeting ID: 886 2153 3592

More information on these meetings is found at: http://longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/advance/housing-element-update/stay-informed/. 

To learn more about the Housing Element and share your thoughts through a virtual open house, by recording a video, or sending us a photo or email comment, visit the website: http://longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/advance/housing-element-update/  

About the Housing Element Update:

The Housing Element provides the City with a roadmap for accommodating the projected number of housing units needed to house existing and future City residents and guides future decisions that impact housing for the next eight years. The City is currently drafting an update to the Housing Element to fulfill requirements under state law. Your feedback is crucial to ensuring the update reflects the wants and needs of Long Beach residents. Opportunities to provide your feedback virtually anytime are included below. Additional virtual meetings and opportunities will be available later this spring, as the City continues its work in developing a draft plan.

If you have any questions about the Housing Element Update, you can also reach out via email at [email protected] or contact the Planning hotline during regular business hours (8 am to 4 pm on business days) at (562) 570-6194.

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3/23/2021

CITY OF LONG BEACH SEEKING INPUT ON LAND USE ELEMENT

The City is undergoing an 18-month public process to update the Housing Element of the General Plan, as required by State law. The Housing Element Update will build upon and revise, as appropriate, the goals, policies and programs of the existing Housing Element to ensure that the City can meet the housing needs of all Long Beach residents through 2029, when the plan is scheduled to be updated again. A “Virtual Open House” provides a detailed overview of the Housing Element and update process, and asks for your feedback on various topics including what the Housing Element goals should be for the 2021-2029 update.

For more info and opportunities for input on the City’s website, click here.

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3/19/2021

BPNA BOARD OPPOSES SB-9 AND SB-10 OF THE 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE SESSION

The BPNA Board submitted to our 33rd District Senator Lena Gonzalez in consideration of two California Senate bills that have the potential to impact development in neighborhoods including ours by restricting local control. Click here to read the BPNA Board’s letter.

To read the proposed language of SB-9, click here.

To read the proposed language of SB-10, click here.

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2/17/8021

NOTES FROM EAST DIVISION COMMANDER’S LBPD FORUM

Here are public notes that were provided by the East Division Long Beach Police Department after its quarterly forum on February 17, 2021, with neighborhood and business leaders. The BPNA was pleased to participate. Read about strategies and information that can help you and the police in partnership keep our city and neighborhoods as safe as possible. Click here. For further information and questions, email [email protected].

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1/28/2021

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THE BELMONT BEACH AND AQUATIC CENTER

The Belmont Beach and Aquatic Center project will be part of the Coastal Commission public zoom hearing on February 11, 2021 at 9 am. To live stream the meeting on February 11th please click here: https://tinyurl.com/CoastalCommission

The former pool will be replaced with a new state-of-the-art aquatic facility that will include pools for recreation, teaching, competition and therapy. Concession areas to be available during indoor events will be included in the design.

The project goals include:

• Provide community aquatic space for both teaching and recreation.
• Provide aquatic competition and practice space for swimming, diving and water polo.
• Maximize the use of this prime beachfront location by fostering access and a sense of civic presence.

For more information click here: https://tinyurl.com/BHCA-BelmontPool (Source: Derrick Muska, President, Belmont Heights Community Association)

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01/04/2021

Public Notice for City Maintained Tree Policy Hearing on January 11, 2021

For more information and to submit your comments, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/LBTreeTrim3

UPDATE: Revisions sent to the BPNA on January 8, 2021, were the following:

• Revisions to terminology to clarify the areas applicable to this policy are: “Appealable and Non-Appealable Areas of City Jurisdiction, excluding State Permit Jurisdiction”
• Revision to condition #11.a for consistency with the text of the CDP No. 5-08-187 for types of replacement trees.

Please contact [email protected] or call 562-570-5683 if you have any questions. The link to the ZA hearing can be found here: http://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/current/zoning/administrator/

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10/15/2020

Filming Notice Received for October 19, 2020

The BPNA received notice of upcoming filming in our neighborhood and elsewhere nearby on October 19, 2020. The BPNA thanks Biscuit Filmworks and Location Manager Weston Marsh of Mat Men for the charitable donation to the Bluff Park Historic Lamppost Project.

The BPNA encourages filming companies when possible to make charitable donations to the association for the role we all play in accommodating and making our neighborhood and its homes a desirable filming location.

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10/11/2020

Halloween Fun & Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Trick-or-treating is canceled this year due to public health directives to keep everyone safe from the virus that causes COVID-19. Instead, the neighborhood will be making its own “pumpkin fun” in the BPNA’s first-ever It’s the Great Pumpkin, Bluff Park (click here).

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has put out Halloween celebration guidance (click here), and the image below is from our 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price.

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09/17/2020

Filming Notice Received for September 24-25, 2020

The BPNA received notice of upcoming filming in our neighborhood and elsewhere nearby on September 24-25, 2020. The BPNA encourages filming companies when possible to make charitable donations to the association for the role we all play in accommodating and making our neighborhood and its homes a desirable filming location.

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09/08/2020

Tree Trimming Protocol Proposal for the City’s Coastal Zone

A public notice was received about a tree trimming policy proposal. “…a protocol for tree trimming for all City-maintained trees in the Coastal Zone. The City will be adopting the Coastal Commission’s guidance for when, where, and how trees will be trimmed in the future.” Per City Planner Maryanne Cronin. For questions, contact her at [email protected] or (562) 570-5683.

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09/04/2020

BPNA Board Supports Police Reform in the City Budget Discussion

Read the letter the BPNA Board sent to the City Council to show support for community policing in their deliberations over the 2021 City Budget.

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08/30/2020

5G Wireless Telecommunication Antenna Installations Rolling Out in Long Beach

Residents informed the BPNA of public notices received, for example, this notice, for proposed installations of 5G wireless antennas on existing cobra street lights in the neighborhood. In collaboration with our residents and the City’s Public Works Department, letters of appeal were submitted, including the BPNA Board’s letter. We are heartened and appreciative that the City and Verizon are engaging positively and productively with the BPNA in looking for some possible alternative sites that will not impact the Bluff Park Historic Lamppost Project.

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08/23/2020

A Message from the ‘Friends of Bixby Park’ (FOBP)

“As many of you know Bixby Park is a hot spot for drug dealing and public drug use, making it feel unsafe for everyone–including kids and seniors. The city does not have an ongoing plan to keep drug dealers away from the park, and community center staff are not equipped to confront drug dealers, nor should they be put in a dangerous position to ask a drug dealer to leave the park. We need city authority to make our park safe.Please support the dedicated efforts by our community residents to keep the park safe for everyone by taking a moment to fill out this survey for the City Budget.” If you agree, please write in a request to fund park ranger police presence at Bixby Park.

Click Here to Complete the City’s Budget Survey with Your Thoughts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LBBudget

05/17/2020

Short Term Rental Ordinance Coming to City Council on Tue May 19, 2020

The Long Beach City Council Agenda for Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 5:00 PM was released, and the proposed short term rental (STR) ordinance is listed as Agenda Item #16. 

MEETING RESOURCES & LINKS 

• Link to 3rd District City Councilwoman Suzie Price’s E-Blast about the City Council Meeting
• Link to the City’s page on the Short Term Rental Ordinance, including FAQ’s and workshops held over the last couple years.
• Link to the staff report with the Short Term Rental Draft Ordinance.
• Link to the entire City Council Agenda. 
• Link to e-comment for this meeting. It will open for comment under the e-comment tab on the right side of the screen. See the meeting link for the May 19, 2020.
• The meeting can be viewed on Long Beach TV or on the Legistar Platform. The link will become active under the video tab as soon as the meeting starts.

ORDINANCE SUMMARY

(Source: Derrick Muska, President, Belmont Heights Community Association)

An individual may have one (1) primary residence STR and up to two (2) non-primary residence STRs in the City.

• Hosted stays in a STR are not limited
• Un-hosted stays in a primary residence STR are limited to a maximum of ninety (90) days per year
• Un-hosted stays in a non-primary residence are not limited 
• Maximum occupancy in any STR shall not exceed ten (10) persons

Large-scale events such as commercial parties, weddings, fundraisers, and conferences, are permitted, up to 6 times per year, as long as a STR occasional event permit has been issued.

The total number of non-primary residence STR registrations shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) dwelling units unless otherwise directed by the City Council by ordinance or resolution. 

Residents may initiate an “opt-out” petition (not allow STRs) based on census block groups or census tracts. The estimated cost of such a petition is $1,000 to be paid by the petitioner(s).

4/28/2020

Vinyl Windows and New Primary Residence: Items Coming to the Cultural Heritage Commission on Tue April 28, 2020

The BPNA board presented the following letters to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) after deliberation with residents and in consideration of maintaining the historic integrity of the Bluff Park Historic District:

• Appeal for Vinyl Windows at 2206 E. 2nd Street (click here)
• New Primary Residence & ADU at 38 Temple Avenue (click here)

3/15/2020

COVID-19 and BPNA

Special Message and Update as of March 15, 2020

In response to the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and cautionary advice for everyone’s good health and wellbeing, the BPNA Board has made changes to our scheduled events and meetings, as described below.

If you or others have need for help , please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the BPNA. To Contact Us, click here. We encourage you to stay up-to-date on the current health and safety recommendations in our community:

• Subscribe to the regular email updates from our 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price (click here).
• Visit the City of Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services Website (click here). and the Centers Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Website (click here).
• Follow the City of Long Beach’s City Facebook Page (click here) and Health & Human Services Facebook Page (click here).
• Sign up to receive emergency notifications from the City via your mobile phone or email address at Alert Long Beach (click here).

This month’s BPNA Bluff Park Community Meeting & Social has been CANCELLED. We hope to have the special presentation on new and upcoming City projects rescheduled for a future meeting.

The annual Board Elections will STILL OCCUR as was previously announced via e-ballot, in accordance with BPNA’s Bylaws, along with the annual Budget Ratification, by our current Voting Membership. In order to vote and/or run for one of the 3 board officer positions, make sure your household’s Membership status is current. Click here to join or renew now while there is still time.  By no later than Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 7:00 PM PT, let us know of your intention to run by completing the checklist steps noted on the calendar event page for March 25th’s Community Meeting (click here). By the end of that night, current Voting Members will receive an email with information and instructions in order to cast their votes. The voting period will end on Wednesday, April 1, at 11:59 PM PT.

Next month’s “Lampposts & Lines At The Top” Artful Fundraiser Event, benefiting the BPNA’s Bluff Park Historic Lamppost Project, has been POSTPONED. Once a new date has been confirmed, we will post it online (click here) and hope you can join us. We deeply appreciate the charitable donations, sponsorships, and ticket purchases and will honor and make good use of them for the rescheduled event. In the meantime, we are continuing to move forward with the City of Long Beach and our partners and community on the exciting plans the 2nd phase installation.

2/19/2020

Have a Historic Home and interested in learning about the Mills Act Tax Abatement Program? Check out an upcoming workshop:

1/17/2020

Short Term Rental Ordinance & Belmont Pool Proposal Coming Before City Council on January 21, 2020

There will be two important items previously discussed at Bluff Park Community Meetings coming before the City Council meeting this Tuesday January 21, 2020, beginning at approximately 6:30 pm Pacific Time.

• Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Belmont Pool Proposal

CONTINUE READING BELOW to find out more about the details and links to the agenda items and proposals, about how to make your voice heard in advance and/or during the meeting, and about free parking and transportation to the meeting offered by 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price.

Link to the Council Meeting Agenda (Click Here). (Or paste this URL in your web browser: https://longbeach.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=757929&GUID=1BACA125-CF27-4232-BC7C-F8CECE59AF27&Options=&Search=) As always, please be mindful that the agenda is subject to change, so check this link for any updates.

Belmont Pool Proposal is agenda item  # 20 (Click Here).  (Or paste this URL in your web browser: https://longbeach.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=757929&GUID=1BACA125-CF27-4232-BC7C-F8CECE59AF27&Options=&Search= )

For some background info on the Belmont Pool Proposal (Click Here). (Or paste this URL in your web browser: http://www.belmontpool.com/about_the_project.php )

A City Ordinance Regulating Short-Term Rentals (such as, for example, those offered through Airbnb, Inc.) will get its first reading and public input as agenda item # 23 (Click Here).  (Or paste this URL in your web browser: https://longbeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4304107&GUID=A48B5F1D-7562-4F93-A4C2-AE5DCFDBF9C3&Options=&Search= )

For some background info on the City’s Ordinance Regulating Short-Term Rentals (Click Here). (Or http://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/hn/st-rental/ )

HOW TO COMMENT

Email or call in your comments and thoughts on these or any other agenda items directly to 3^rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price. Email [email protected] and [email protected] or call (562) 570-6300.

Alternatively, write in your E-Comments via the City’s Website (Click Here) no later than 4:00 pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. (Or paste this URL in your web browser: https://longbeach.granicusideas.com/meetings/3064-city-council/agenda_items )

Attend and Speak at the Council Meeting scheduled to start at 5:00 pm — with these specific two agenda items expected at or after approximately 6:30 pm — on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, in the Civic Chambers, 411 W. Ocean Boulevard. Note: The agenda and times are subject to change and council meetings can run quite long, so plan accordingly. Note: Each public speaker must complete a Speaker’s Card in advance. (See below.)

Limited free parking is available at the old Broadway parking structure and at the Courthouse garage.  

Free Bus Transportation with free parking is available from the Leeway Sailing Center, 5437 E. Ocean Boulevard, at 6:00 pm. The bus is a complimentary service being provided by 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price.  To ride the bus, reserve your spot (Click Here). (Or paste this URL in your web browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-bus-ride-to-long-beach-city-council-meeting-registration-89127381397  )

All public speakers for any agenda item must complete a Speaker’s Card and turn it before the Mayor announces the specific agenda item. Ask for and turn in a Speaker’s Card from the City officials sitting at the front table on the left-hand side (from the audience’s perspective) of the floor of the Civic Chambers.

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE

Watch the Meeting Online Live in real-time (Click Here) from most internet-enabled devices. (Or paste this URL in your web browser: http://www.lbtv3.com/media/player.asp?id=20 ). Data charges may apply.

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12/17/2019

29 Kennebec Ave Development: Hearing on Application for Variance on the Setback along E. 1st Street

For more info on this property, see the earlier entries below. The City’s Planning Commission on Thursday, December 19, 2019 @ 5:00 PM, at the Civic Center, 411 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, will be taking up the hearing on the owner/developer’s application for a variance to the special setback requirement along E. 1st Street. Open to the public.

Here are links to the meeting agenda (click here) and the exhibit materials, including the Staff Report and the BPNA’s Letter (click here).

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11/22/2019

Land Use Element (LUE) and Urban Design Element (UDE) Hearing Coming to City Council on December 3, 2019

On December 3, 2019, the Long Beach City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider certification of the revised Program Environmental Impact Report and adoption of the Land Use Element (LUE) update and its companion Urban Design Element (UDE). The hearing will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the Civic Chambers at Long Beach City Hall located at 411 W. Ocean Blvd.   The revised LUE and UDE are based on the final PlaceType and Height maps approved by the Long Beach City Council in March 2018. Since that time, staff has been working to update the documents to reflect the map changes, and has prepared an updated environmental analysis as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Text in the LUE and UDE has been updated with technical changes to align with the final maps, correct minor errors, and address environmental impacts identified through the environmental review process.  

More information is available at: longbeach.gov/lueude2040   For questions, please contact Alison Spindler-Ruiz, Planner, at [email protected] .

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11/22/2019

Short Term Rental Hearing Coming to City Council on December 10, 2019

A Message from Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price:

Over the past year the City has worked to develop an updated policy on Short Term Rentals, often referred to as AirBnbs. This has involved significant community input and research by City staff on how other cities have created successful policies to better manage and regulate these types of businesses. City staff had intended for this topic to be on the agenda November 19, 2019. However, this item has been rescheduled to be heard instead on December 10, 2019. I hope that residents who are interested in this topic will attend the meeting on December 10th to provide their public comment as the City Council deliberates the final details of this new policy. 

Link to Report on Short Term Rental Policy

Please feel free to contact my office with any questions you may have on this by calling (562)570-6300 or by emailing [email protected].

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11/8/2019

29 Kennebec Notice of Application for a Variance on the Setback along E. 1st Street for a Proposed Development

On October 2, 2019, the Department of Development Services received an application related to the development plans for the empty lot at the corner of Kennebec Ave and E. 1st Street, commonly known as 29 Kennebec. The City is now seeking public input on the request for variance.

The BPNA has been engaged with interested residents in the neighborhood, City Planners and the owner/developer and his team since June 2018 and has presented and discussed this development at prior Bluff Park Community Meetings. If you have interest in getting involved with the BPNA or finding out more, please click here to contact us.

Related to this current application for a variance, the City’s Department of Development Services/Planning Bureau invites any questions or comments from the public.  Contact information for the City Planner assigned to this project: Gina Casillas, Tel: (562) 570-6879, Email: [email protected]

BPNA’s Letter to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission on September 9, 2019 (CLICK Here)

Notice of Application for Variance of Setback Requirement on October 2, 2019 (CLICK Here)

10/13/2019

Public Hearing on Land Use Element Coming on October 17, 2019

Meeting Date: October 17, 2019
Meeting Time: 5:00 PM
Meeting Place: 1st Floor City Council Chamber, City Hall
411 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA

Proposed Project: The Planning Commission at this public hearing will consider making the following recommendations for future City Council action: 1) certify the revised Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR 03 16) based on the final set of maps approved by the Long Beach City Council on March 6, 2018; 2) approve the updated Land Use Element to the Long Beach General Plan; 3) approve the new Urban Design Element to the Long Beach General Plan; and 4) repeal the existing Scenic Routes Element to the Long Beach General Plan.

CLICK Here to view document on longbeach.gov)

BPNA engaged with Alison Spindler-Ruiz –  City of Long Beach Planner & Budget Specialist to get clarification on what item 4 (above) means for Bluff Park Neighborhood.   See below for the Q&A Alisons’s answers in blue)

Question: What is the reasoning behind getting rid of the scenic route designation?

Answer: The designation of Ocean Boulevard as “Scenic Route” is not being removed or repealed with the repeal of the Scenic Routes Element. The Scenic Routes Element dates back to 1975 and is generally outdated. The Urban Design Element (UDE) is the contemporary version of the Scenic Routes Element that addresses urban design issues as they relate both to public rights-of-way and facilities as well as private development.

The Urban Design Element expressly retains the designation of existing designated scenic routes, which includes Ocean Boulevard. Following is an excerpt of the relevant language in the Proposed UDE (See page 15 of the UDE under “Scenic Routes”):

Scenic Routes

The existing designated scenic route of Ocean Boulevard and Livingston Drive will continue to be a scenic route within Long Beach. In addition, the system will be expanded to include Ocean Boulevard on the Belmont Peninsula, the Promenade in Downtown, the Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River corridors, Appian Way along the Colorado Lagoon, Marine Stadium, Studebaker Road, the approach road to Rancho Los Cerritos, and the entire stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. These roadways are, or will become by 2030, scenic highways. To that end, the roadways will receive highest priority for streetscape and utility undergrounding funding. Future projects along these scenic routes will be scrutinized for their architectural contributions to the overall aesthetic value of these important corridors.

While the LUE deals with land use, the companion UDE is more encompassing of a wider range of urban design considerations than the Scenic Routes Element and is intended to provide better policy direction for urban design interventions that foster attractive and vibrant places, create more walkable neighborhoods ensure appropriate scale and massing for the neighborhood context based on PlaceTypes; and improve the relationship between buildings and their adjoining streets. For example, the historic district design guidelines are an implementation measure of the UDE, and represent the type of effort the UDE is setting policy direction for.

There are other supportive polices in the UDE such as UD 2-7 (page 26) which calls for protecting designated scenic routes.

Question: What urban design elements (place types) might come about or involve a change from the current situation along E. Ocean Blvd, especially in the Bluff Park Historic District area?

Answer:The UDE provides guidance on appropriate urban design approaches that are tailored to PlaceTypes and existing contexts. The UDE PlaceTypes support the LUE PlaceTypes which for Bluff Park is all Founding and Contemporary Neighborhood PlaceType.  As you can see in the UDE document, starting on page 40, urban design principles for the Founding and Contemporary Neighborhood PlaceType focuses on protecting and enhancing historic development patterns, the existing streetscape and scale.  Furthermore, the UDE has Implementation actions to update City regulations that will further reinforce this policy direction. For example, the historic district design guidelines you mention are also an implementation action of the UDE, but since the LUE/UDE update has taken so long, the City has since prepared historic design guidelines for most historic districts including Bluff Park and they as you know they help guide decision-making on projects in their respective historic districts. See relevant language below:

UDE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY No. 45: Finalize Designated Historic Districts Guidelines document. (page 91 of the UDE)

Many more such supportive policies and implementation actions are contained within the UDE.

Question: Why is this coming to the Planning Commission next week if it was decided last year with the LUE?

Answer:The LUE and UDE are returning to Planning Commission and City Council for final legislative approval.  While Planning Commission (previously) and City Council on March 6, 2018 adopted the final PlaceType and height maps and policy direction, the plan changes required staff to prepare revised environmental analyses. Over the intervening time, staff prepared the final environmental analysis (a recirculated Draft Program Environmental Impact Report released on June 18, 2019) and is now taking all the legislative actions back to Planning Commission and the City Council, in accordance with Zoning Code procedures. The October 17^th action and another action subsequent action by the City Council are required to adopt the updated environmental review, which will finalize the LUE update and adoption of the companion Urban Design Element (UDE).  See more explanation on the LUE/UDE webpage: http://longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/initiatives–programs/long-beach-2040-general-plan/

4/15/2019

Changes to Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Coming to City Council April 16, 2019

The BPNA played a role about 12-18 months ago in the discussion of the City’s ordinance on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), which were mandated by the California Legislature as a way to address the state’s housing shortage.. Here is the Letter to the Councilwoman we submitted in October 2018, Click Here.

Changes to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations will be discussed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. For those interested in this subject, the following highlights some of the proposed changes. A link to the full report is provided below.

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has reviewed the City’s ADU guidelines and submitted modifications related to the Local Coastal Plan (LCP). The CCC’s standard of review is the Coastal Act. Two of the eleven modifications impact minimum lot size and parking requirements.

Staff is recommending amending the minimum lot size requirement for “Conforming ADUs” and “Limited ADUs” outside the Coastal Zone to 4,800 square feet (from 5,200). The change to a 4,800 square-foot minimum lot size citywide creates parity between lots in the Coastal Zone and the remainder of the City.

City Staff is also recommending to apply the CCC’s change to one parking stall subject to the exemptions of state law. Specifically, state law prohibits cities from requiring parking for ADUs that satisfy any one of the following conditions:

1. located within a 1/2 mile of public transit;
2. located within an architecturally and historically significant district;
3. part of an existing primary dwelling;
4. located on a street with permit parking and permits are required but not offered to ADU occupants; or,
5. within one block of a car-share vehicle.

It was determined that nearly all residential property in the City meets the first locational exemption.

CCC revisions to the City’s local ordinance were made in consultation with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The HCD previously contacted staff expressing concern over the lot size standard, indicating a complaint had been made regarding the minimum lot size requirement. Additionally, the City will soon be updating the Housing Element to 2020, as required by State law, and submitting the Housing Element to HCD for certification. Legislative changes passed in 2017, related to housing, placed greater emphasis on a jurisdiction’s compliance with the Housing Element regulations. As a result, cities found by HCD to be non-compliant, may face consequences, including loss of access to housing funds and potentially other funding sources, such as gas taxes.

Complete documents can be found at
http://longbeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3870877&GUID=4FE74CFB-D499-4669-A1D6-11F034F6535F&Options=&Search=

Page 7 has a table that summarizes ADU requirements
http://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=7070739&GUID=D1F62E98-66A5-473C-AD2F-755892FD3BB4

Comments can be made in person at the Council Meeting which starts at 5 pm at City Hall, to Councilwoman Suzie Price via the email district3 @ longbeach.gov, or online using eComment
http://longbeach.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=2474&GUID=28A20A62-2645-436E-B1E5-1D5D9B9D25EB&Mode=MainBody

This summary was provided and adapted with thanks to the Belmont Heights Community Association.

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1/26/2019

From 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price:

On Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 6:00 PM,  the Councilwoman will be holding an important community meeting on public safety.

This meeting will include updates from some of the most important City Departments on the topic of public safety in the Third District including the City Attorney’s Office, our Neighborhood Impact Prosecutor, and our East Division Police Commander.

There will be presentations on how various crimes are defined and responded to, as well as how residents can identify and effectively report an incident they witness. Additionally, we will be discussing the changing landscape of state laws related to criminal enforcement and the City’s efforts to appropriately enforce ordinance violations here in Long Beach.

There will also be information on creating and leading Community Neighborhood Watch programs with your neighbors because this is always one of the best ways you can protect yourself and our community from being a victim of a crime.

The meeting will take place at Fire Station 14 (5200 E. Eliot St. 90803). 

Feel free to contact the 3rd Council District Office anytime at (562)570-6300 or by email at [email protected].

For more info, click here.

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12/10/2018

The city is looking for input on the Electric Scooter Share Pilot Program that is now underway.

Click Here to provide your opinion on the city’s survey.

10/15/2018

Filming in Bluff Park (Jane the Virgin) 10/17/2018

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9/25/2018

Short-Term Rental Long Beach City Ordinance Proposal

Public Preview- OCTOBER 10, 2018 @ 6:00 – 8:00 PM

• Short Term Rental City Ordinance (CLICK HERE for More Info): Public Preview: Wed Oct 10 @ 6-8 PM, Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave

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9/25/2018

Breakwater Reconfiguration Study and Options

Informational Meeting – OCTOBER 10, 2018 @ 5:30 PM

• Breakwater Reconfiguration Study and Options (CLICK HERE for More Info): Informational Meeting, Wed Oct 10 @ 5:30 PM, Bixby Park Community Center, 130 Cherry Ave

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7/8/2018

7/8/2018

Project 529 Bike Registration

Update on Historic District Design Guidelines

Bluff Park Historic District Design Guidelines have been revised, and responses to residents comments have been posted. The next step for these draft design guidelines is review by the  Cultural Heritage Commission on Monday, August 13^th, beginning at 5:30 PM, at City Hall, From there it will eventually go to the City Council for its final approval and adoption.

Read the revised draft of the Bluff Park Historic District Design Guidelines

 

Read the City of Long Beach’s responses to residents comments

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5/16/2018

 Six Architectural Treasures in Historic Neighborhoods Selected as

“Great Homes of Long Beach”

LONG BEACH, Calif. April 20, 2018 – Six architecturally distinguished homes, located in unique neighborhoods throughout the city, will be open for public viewing during the 17^th annual “Great Homes of Long Beach” tour on Sunday, June 3, from noon to 5 p.m.

The tour celebrates the rich history and one-of-a kind details of beautiful homes within the Belmont Heights, Bluff Park, Los Cerritos, California Heights and Eliot Lane neighborhoods.  Many of the homes, built nearly a century ago, maintain the original architectural elements, while others have been carefully restored to respect the original design.

Tickets, priced at $40 for the general public and $35 for Long Beach Heritage members, are available at https://greathomes.eventbrite.com.

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5/16/2018

Bluff Park Historic District Design Guidelines – Deadline Extension

The City of Long Beach has extended the deadline to provide feedback on the draft Bluff Park and Bluff Heights Historic District Design Guidelines.  You now have until next Friday, May 25, 2018 to provide any written feedback or comments on the draft guidelines.

All comments and feedback will be reviewed and the City will post a response to comments matrix to the website, along with revised draft guidelines that incorporate public feedback.   The response to comments and revised drafts will be posted on the City’s website prior to these documents being brought forward to the Cultural Heritage Commission for adoption sometime in Summer 2018.

You can review the draft guidelines and fill out the comment form at: http://www.lbds.info/planning/historic_preservation/historic_district_guidelines.asp

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5/16/2018

Help Save the Historic Port of Long Beach Gladding McBean Tile Mural

As construction of the new Civic Center and Port of Long Beach Headquarters moves forward, the efforts of Long Beach Heritage to save the original mural on the former Port Headquarters continues. Our organization has been working on this project for the past 3 years and we have achieved a real measure of success. The mural is a beautiful example of art tile and a very important piece of Long Beach history. The mural was manufactured by the Gladding McBean Company and installed on the Port building in 1959. It measures 74 feet in width and tells the story of the discovery of San Pedro Bay by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 through the development of the Port of Long Beach in 1959. The method used is direct painting on the tile bisque and the detail is incredible. The artist was Paul Marciel Souza. The architects were Warren Dedrick and James R Friend. Long Beach Heritage thinks this piece of history is much too important to lose. It can be re-installed at a different location and continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, much like the WPA mural removed from the Municipal Auditorium and relocated at what is now Harvey Milk Park on the Promenade. To date, the efforts to save the mural have been somewhat daunting. Long Beach Heritage first needed to determine if it was even viable to do so. We hired a very well-respected tile and stone consultant company to research the mural and it was discovered that it could be removed. The Port of Long Beach contributed to the research effort by financing the second phase of the research- a test removal of some tile and the subsequent removal protocol. We have selected the contractor to safely remove the mural, catalog it and pack it for storage. We estimate that this work will cost $150,000. At this point in time we have $100,000 towards that goal. This generous donation was provided by family of Warren Dedrick, one of the original architects. We are already doing outreach for a new home for it, but the timely removal is our main priority. The Port plans on demolishing the building in summer 2018.

Long Beach Heritage respectfully requests your help in reaching our financial goal for saving the mural. The Port mural is an important piece of Long Beach history and deserves to be saved. Your donation, which is tax deductible, will allow us to save this wonderful piece of tile art and Long Beach history for generations to come.

Thank you so much for your support of this worthy project.

Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps and 100% of your donation is tax deductible.

Facebook Donation Page: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2006309849697165/1000940600060402/

Long Beach Heritage is a nonprofit education and advocacy group promoting public knowledge and preservation of significant historical and architectural resources, neighborhoods, and the cultural heritage of Long Beach. Tax ID number #95-3769024

For video detail of mural please go to: https://vimeo.com/268227025–

Karen Highberger, Neighborhood Outreach/Advocacy, Long Beach Heritage-Video Credit, Tom Underhill, tomunderhillphoto.com

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5/16/2018

Seeking Donations of Decorative Items for Bluff Park’s Room at the Bembridge House’s Victorian Christmas

March 3, 2018

The City Council is set to discuss and vote on the LUE (Land Use Element) on this Tuesday, March 6th 2018 at City Hall at 5:00pm. Public comments will be heard then. The The Bluff Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) board encourages all neighborhood residents to share their thoughts at that meeting or directly with our District Council Office at [email protected]

The BPNA board has been actively engaged in discussions for months regarding the proposed LUE and its impact on the Bluff Park Historic District. We asked for input from the community with the LUE survey, and with that we unanimously voted to draft a letter to the Long Beach City Council, and 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price. We asked to designate the entirety of Bluff Park Historic District with the Place Type of “Founding and Contemporary Neighborhood”, with a height limit of 2 stories, and that mixed use (including commercial use) Place Type “Neighborhood Service Center or Corridor Low Density” be removed entirely. We believe that aspects of the current proposal will negatively affect our neighborhood. Our Mission is to promote the historic character and integrity of the Bluff Park Historic District, and that is why we have taken this strong, reasoned and principled position. Please feel free to reach us at [email protected] with any questions.

See below for more information.

Land Use Element General Plan 2040

Map of proposed LUE Plan

March 6th Council Meeting Agenda

Land Use & Urban Design Elements (LUE)

• On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, the LUE plan and maps will come before the Long Beach City Council for final approval.  The City Council Meetings are open to the public and include an opportunity for public comment. The City Council Meetings are held at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802, beginning at 5:00 PM.
• Over the last few months, the Bluff Park Neighborhood Association Board of Directors has been engaged in discussions and meetings about the LUE with residents, city officials, the 3rd District Council Office, other nearby historic neighborhood associations, and various residents and stakeholders.
• Councilwoman Suzie Price attended the Bluff Park Community Meeting on September 25, 2017, and engaged with our residents about hot topics, including a dialogue about the LUE proposal. She is interested in hearing the thoughts of neighborhood associations and individual residents.
• On January 17, 2018, the BPNA President Jeffrey Mallin addressed residents during the Bluff Park Community Meeting about the board’s action to request a change (described below) to the maps for the Bluff Park Historic District, and he encouraged everyone, especially BPNA Members, to provide input and feedback.
• Now is your opportunity to share your thoughts with the BPNA board.

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Seeking Your Input to the BPNA Board on the LUE Proposal

On  January 11, 2018, the Bluff Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) board of directors approved a motion to request from the City Council that the section of the Bluff Park Historic District called out for 5-stories on the western section — between Kennebec and Junipero and from Ocean and Broadway — be reduced to 4-stories.  Refer to the map below in the orange section identified with “5 ST”.

Board members surveyed the area and conversed with the City’s Advance Planning Officer Christopher Koontz. It was noted that 5-story and taller buildings are rare in that section (and aslo elsewhere) in our neighborhood.  There are multiple “contributing historic homes” that must be protected throughout that section.

The board felt that taller buildings run the risk of dwarfing the many historic homes, which are typically only 1-2 stories tall.

The board’s ask in reducing the height would not change the density; however, it would help to better maintain the existing overall massing and scaling of buildings in our neighborhood to what currently exists and help protect the neighborhood against further zoning changes and mansionization.

The BPNA’s stated mission is, in part, to protect the historic integrity and unity of the neighborhood.

The BPNA board invites YOUR INPUT now on its proposal to the City Council.

Please reply to us using the form below by Wednesday, February 7, 2018:

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Seeking Your Input to Councilwoman Suzie Price on the LUE Proposal