Which of these SEADIP issues is of highest priority to you?

Focusing first on the old Hyatt site, I would favor a first class cultural/entertainment that has a high level of financial support and operates outside of peak traffic periods. Long Beach can use a world class venue for the performing arts that would also offer facilities for use by the various programs at CSULB and also help restore music programs in our public schools.

Traffic is a gridlock in the morning and afternoon at 2nd and PCH and 7th and PCH. Prior to any change in the current land use pattern, a plan to mitigate the traffic needs to be developed. That plan needs to include the extension of Studebaker to PCH and an overpass system at 7th and PCH.

The Seadip area should not compete with downtown Long Beach as the proper location for hotels, high rise development or major retail opportunity.

The Gateway to Long Beach could be a thing of beauty and also be protective of the wetland environment which was original to this area. I remember as a child bicycling on the then narrow Appian Way all the way to Seal Beach. There were grasslands, marshes, fish and stingrays, and myriads of birds. Let's restore and develop responsibly, allowing hotel and retail but limiting them in such a way to preserve the history and respect the potential beauty of the land. We aren't looking to become a high-rise Miami Beach-style area. My ideal is to have a nature preserve that all will have access to see through walkways and bike paths, with national park-style hotel and attractive accompanying retail. This area would become a go-to destination, an ocean park rather than citified cement, glass, and steel environment.

Pedestrian access to all areas should be safe and separated from bike lanes. All of the parking, except for handicap parking, should be on the perimeter of open space with safe, easy pedestrian access to all services from parking lots.

It all comes down to finding a redevelopment for the 2nd and PCH corner that does not adversely affect traffic, does NOT adversely affect the wetlands, but DOES provide an open space that connects the area to our beautiful marina and waterfront area. That property could enliven the marina and be a community hub if foot traffic and enough park space was balanced with retail. None of this should come at the sacrifice of the environment. A solution that embraces the natural habitat of the area will more likely draw more people, in fact.

Another aspect that would be great for Long Beach is the incorporation of a civic engagement at that location. The idea of including a science center that was part of the original development plan was incredibly appealing, especially in conjunction with CSULB. As a mother, I would highly recommend a committment from Long Beach to not just seek profit from this development, but to take this opportunity to advance education for the children and adults in our community. Even if if is just a walking learning experience that educates about the wetlands...raise people up!

Thank you for taking the time to hear the people of Long Beach.

Sincerely,
Allison Mocilnikar