Belmont Shore Residents Association
October 2014 Newsletter
Greetings to BSRA members and Belmont Shore residents,
Thanks to all who participated in the September election; please join us at our next meeting: October 9, 6 pm, Bay Shore Library.
The guest speaker will be Third District Councilmember Suzie Price, who will address the Belmont Pool demolition and replacement, public safety issues, and the City's proposal to install parking "smart meters" on Second Street. She has another meeting to attend the same night, so she will begin speaking at 6pm sharp.
************************************************************
IT’S A NEW DAY!
The Elections are over and there is a lot to look forward to in Belmont Shore. Suzie Price, our new Councilmember, has already demonstrated her responsiveness (preventing the conversion of the home to a parking lot at 205 LaVerne has already demonstrated this); she responds quickly; she understands the concerns of the residents; and, she will speak at our next BSRA meeting.
Terry Endersen has been re-elected President, Jeff Miller has been re-elected Secretary, and Richard O’Connor has been re-elected Treasurer. We have a new Vice President, Max Alavi, who has served as a Member at Large for two years. Returning Members at Large are Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, and David "Coach" Newell; new Board members are Dick Gaylord and Sara Schumacher. The good news is that 161 members attended the meeting and voted.
It’s a new Day in Belmont Shore!
President Endersen made two decisions immediately after his election: one was to hold planning meetings with the new officers and board members so that we have a clear vision and direction, one that clearly represents the Belmont Shore residents. The second decision was to come up with ways of giving the residents more opportunities to express their views and concerns at the meeting. This is a winning combination.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We need members to help with our newsletter and website. We also need members to attend various meetings where matters related to Belmont Shore are discussed. Can we count on you to help? Send Terry an email with your interest. His email address is: [email protected]
See you at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9 – Bay Shore Library, Second St. and Bay Shore Ave.
************************************************************
BSRA News
The BSRA web site has recently been updated; take a look:
http://www.shoreresidents.org
You will find a form to submit comments, to communicate directly with the Executive Board. You will see a new page to introduce you to the board members, and other features too. Explore!
A big thank you to Julie Dean for the new web site design!
************************************************************
City News
Smart Meters
The Belmont Shore Parking Commission discussed the city's plan to install "smart meters" on Second Street; these meters would accept credit cards in addition to cash. The Commission recommended the city install the meters, but without the proposed in-ground sensors, and with no rate increase on the street meters, and increasing the rate in the lots to match the street rate of 50 cents per hour. The Commission recommended charging a "convenience fee" for those using credit cards, to cover the cost charged by credit card issuers. The Commission's recommendations will go to the City Council for a final decision.
Belmont Pool
A Community Meeting regarding the planned replacement of the Belmont Pool facilities was held on September 17; Tom Modica, Deputy City Manager, presented the plans and he and staff responded to questions. The demolition of the existing pool is planned for late October. The projected cost of the new facility is at least $99 million. The current proposal includes a larger building and both indoor and outdoor pools, which can be configured for recreational use and also for organized competitions, such as swimming and water polo. Separate pools are planned for diving competition. The existing green space, trees, and street north of the existing pool (between the pool and Chuck's Coffee Shop) are planned for removal, but will be protected and preserved during the demolition phase, as required by the Coastal Commission. Once the City Council decides on a final design for the pool complex, it will go through an EIR and CEQA review, before going to the Coastal Commission.
This link leads to the project website, where there is a memo explaining the Committee’s recommendation:
http://www.longbeach.gov/citymanager/tidelands_capital_projects/belmont_aquatics_center.asp
Or you may contact Rachael Tanner, Program Specialist, at 562.570.6999 or [email protected]
SEADIP Update
The City's web site regarding SEADIP (the Southeast Area Specific Plan (SEADIP) indicates meetings planned for Fall 2014, but nothing is scheduled. Here is the link: http://www.lbds.info/seadip_update/
Medical Marijuana
The Planning Commission recently discussed a proposed City ordinance that would allow up to 18 medical marijuana dispensaries to operate in the City of Long Beach. Under the draft ordinance, dispensaries would be limited to select industrial and commercial zones in Long Beach and would at least 1,000 feet from schools and parks. The Planning Commission has set a public hearing for this ordinance for October 16th. You can sign up for updates on the medical marijuana ordinance by emailing [email protected].
Mystery Odor
A strong petroleum-like odor was noticed and reported by many residents the evening of September 11. The source of the odor was not determined; for more information, see the full story at lbreport.com:
http://www.lbreport.com/news/sep14/stink2.htm
Reports of problems like this can be made to the South Coast AQMD:
http://www.aqmd.gov/contact/complaints
Long Beach Marathon
The annual Long Beach Marathon will take place on Sunday October 12 beginning at 6:00 am. Access to Second Street in Belmont Shore will be limited to the east direction only; Livingston Drive will be closed during the race, so autos cannot travel west on Second Street beyond Livingston. Visit the marathon web site for more details: www.runlongbeach.com
************************************************************
Long Beach Police Department
The Long Beach East Division (Commander William LeBaron) has teamed up with the City's Homeless Services Division, the Parks Department and Public Works for a coordinated and concerted effort to deal with our area's homeless and transient population. There are about 1,000 "chronic homeless" in Long Beach (a large number of these are mentally disturbed, drug or alcohol dependent, or suffering some other disabling condition). Many have been attracted to the Belmont Pier, Belmont Pool, beach area, and Second Street. Homeless Services has been conducting street outreach efforts to find housing, family members, and services for the chronic homeless to help get them off the streets. Long Beach police are dealing with those violating the law, and Public Works and the Parks Department are using signage, new lighting, reconfiguring spaces, etc. to discourage homeless encampments. With individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes, the City Prosecutor, Doug Haubert, is using "stay away" orders to remove these habitual violators from the area.
Belmont Pier businesses and residents are organizing to discourage encampments in their area. If you see problems, violations, or homeless in need, contact Homeless Services at 562.570.4588 or Long Beach Police at 911 or 562.435.6711.
************************************************************
Second Street business news
Shore Public House (in the location of the former BJs) has recently opened.
Plans for Lucille's restaurant remodel have still not been made available.
Urban Table is open (in the location of the former Olives).
The future of the Roe restaurant property remains unknown.
Work is continuing on the Luther Burbank Savings branch at 5346 E. Second St.
************************************************************
Calendar of Events
THU Oct 16 9:00 am, Belmont Shore Parking Commission meeting, Bay Shore Library
THU Oct 16 noon, Third District Neighborhood Associations meeting, LB Yacht Club
SAT Oct 18, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Second Street
TUE Oct 28, noon, BSBA meeting, Legends, upstairs
************************************************************
Thank you to all members who have renewed their membership for FY 2015 (beginning October 1, 2014). If you have not yet mailed your dues check for $10 per member, please remember to do so, or bring your payment with you to the October meeting.
The next BSRA meeting will be Thursday, October 9 at 6 pm at the Bay Shore Library. Come meet the Executive Board members for FY 2015:
PRESIDENT: Terry Endersen
VICE PRESIDENT: Max Alavi
SECRETARY: Jeff Miller
TREASURER: Robert O'Connor
MEMBERS AT LARGE: Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Dick Gaylord, David "Coach" Newell, Sara Schumacher
Newly-elected Member at Large Joann Berardo resigned two days after the election.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU NOVEMBER 13 at 6 pm!
October 2014 Newsletter
Greetings to BSRA members and Belmont Shore residents,
Thanks to all who participated in the September election; please join us at our next meeting: October 9, 6 pm, Bay Shore Library.
The guest speaker will be Third District Councilmember Suzie Price, who will address the Belmont Pool demolition and replacement, public safety issues, and the City's proposal to install parking "smart meters" on Second Street. She has another meeting to attend the same night, so she will begin speaking at 6pm sharp.
************************************************************
IT’S A NEW DAY!
The Elections are over and there is a lot to look forward to in Belmont Shore. Suzie Price, our new Councilmember, has already demonstrated her responsiveness (preventing the conversion of the home to a parking lot at 205 LaVerne has already demonstrated this); she responds quickly; she understands the concerns of the residents; and, she will speak at our next BSRA meeting.
Terry Endersen has been re-elected President, Jeff Miller has been re-elected Secretary, and Richard O’Connor has been re-elected Treasurer. We have a new Vice President, Max Alavi, who has served as a Member at Large for two years. Returning Members at Large are Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, and David "Coach" Newell; new Board members are Dick Gaylord and Sara Schumacher. The good news is that 161 members attended the meeting and voted.
It’s a new Day in Belmont Shore!
President Endersen made two decisions immediately after his election: one was to hold planning meetings with the new officers and board members so that we have a clear vision and direction, one that clearly represents the Belmont Shore residents. The second decision was to come up with ways of giving the residents more opportunities to express their views and concerns at the meeting. This is a winning combination.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We need members to help with our newsletter and website. We also need members to attend various meetings where matters related to Belmont Shore are discussed. Can we count on you to help? Send Terry an email with your interest. His email address is: [email protected]
See you at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9 – Bay Shore Library, Second St. and Bay Shore Ave.
************************************************************
BSRA News
The BSRA web site has recently been updated; take a look:
http://www.shoreresidents.org
You will find a form to submit comments, to communicate directly with the Executive Board. You will see a new page to introduce you to the board members, and other features too. Explore!
A big thank you to Julie Dean for the new web site design!
************************************************************
City News
Smart Meters
The Belmont Shore Parking Commission discussed the city's plan to install "smart meters" on Second Street; these meters would accept credit cards in addition to cash. The Commission recommended the city install the meters, but without the proposed in-ground sensors, and with no rate increase on the street meters, and increasing the rate in the lots to match the street rate of 50 cents per hour. The Commission recommended charging a "convenience fee" for those using credit cards, to cover the cost charged by credit card issuers. The Commission's recommendations will go to the City Council for a final decision.
Belmont Pool
A Community Meeting regarding the planned replacement of the Belmont Pool facilities was held on September 17; Tom Modica, Deputy City Manager, presented the plans and he and staff responded to questions. The demolition of the existing pool is planned for late October. The projected cost of the new facility is at least $99 million. The current proposal includes a larger building and both indoor and outdoor pools, which can be configured for recreational use and also for organized competitions, such as swimming and water polo. Separate pools are planned for diving competition. The existing green space, trees, and street north of the existing pool (between the pool and Chuck's Coffee Shop) are planned for removal, but will be protected and preserved during the demolition phase, as required by the Coastal Commission. Once the City Council decides on a final design for the pool complex, it will go through an EIR and CEQA review, before going to the Coastal Commission.
This link leads to the project website, where there is a memo explaining the Committee’s recommendation:
http://www.longbeach.gov/citymanager/tidelands_capital_projects/belmont_aquatics_center.asp
Or you may contact Rachael Tanner, Program Specialist, at 562.570.6999 or [email protected]
SEADIP Update
The City's web site regarding SEADIP (the Southeast Area Specific Plan (SEADIP) indicates meetings planned for Fall 2014, but nothing is scheduled. Here is the link: http://www.lbds.info/seadip_update/
Medical Marijuana
The Planning Commission recently discussed a proposed City ordinance that would allow up to 18 medical marijuana dispensaries to operate in the City of Long Beach. Under the draft ordinance, dispensaries would be limited to select industrial and commercial zones in Long Beach and would at least 1,000 feet from schools and parks. The Planning Commission has set a public hearing for this ordinance for October 16th. You can sign up for updates on the medical marijuana ordinance by emailing [email protected].
Mystery Odor
A strong petroleum-like odor was noticed and reported by many residents the evening of September 11. The source of the odor was not determined; for more information, see the full story at lbreport.com:
http://www.lbreport.com/news/sep14/stink2.htm
Reports of problems like this can be made to the South Coast AQMD:
http://www.aqmd.gov/contact/complaints
Long Beach Marathon
The annual Long Beach Marathon will take place on Sunday October 12 beginning at 6:00 am. Access to Second Street in Belmont Shore will be limited to the east direction only; Livingston Drive will be closed during the race, so autos cannot travel west on Second Street beyond Livingston. Visit the marathon web site for more details: www.runlongbeach.com
************************************************************
Long Beach Police Department
The Long Beach East Division (Commander William LeBaron) has teamed up with the City's Homeless Services Division, the Parks Department and Public Works for a coordinated and concerted effort to deal with our area's homeless and transient population. There are about 1,000 "chronic homeless" in Long Beach (a large number of these are mentally disturbed, drug or alcohol dependent, or suffering some other disabling condition). Many have been attracted to the Belmont Pier, Belmont Pool, beach area, and Second Street. Homeless Services has been conducting street outreach efforts to find housing, family members, and services for the chronic homeless to help get them off the streets. Long Beach police are dealing with those violating the law, and Public Works and the Parks Department are using signage, new lighting, reconfiguring spaces, etc. to discourage homeless encampments. With individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes, the City Prosecutor, Doug Haubert, is using "stay away" orders to remove these habitual violators from the area.
Belmont Pier businesses and residents are organizing to discourage encampments in their area. If you see problems, violations, or homeless in need, contact Homeless Services at 562.570.4588 or Long Beach Police at 911 or 562.435.6711.
************************************************************
Second Street business news
Shore Public House (in the location of the former BJs) has recently opened.
Plans for Lucille's restaurant remodel have still not been made available.
Urban Table is open (in the location of the former Olives).
The future of the Roe restaurant property remains unknown.
Work is continuing on the Luther Burbank Savings branch at 5346 E. Second St.
************************************************************
Calendar of Events
THU Oct 16 9:00 am, Belmont Shore Parking Commission meeting, Bay Shore Library
THU Oct 16 noon, Third District Neighborhood Associations meeting, LB Yacht Club
SAT Oct 18, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Second Street
TUE Oct 28, noon, BSBA meeting, Legends, upstairs
************************************************************
Thank you to all members who have renewed their membership for FY 2015 (beginning October 1, 2014). If you have not yet mailed your dues check for $10 per member, please remember to do so, or bring your payment with you to the October meeting.
The next BSRA meeting will be Thursday, October 9 at 6 pm at the Bay Shore Library. Come meet the Executive Board members for FY 2015:
PRESIDENT: Terry Endersen
VICE PRESIDENT: Max Alavi
SECRETARY: Jeff Miller
TREASURER: Robert O'Connor
MEMBERS AT LARGE: Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Dick Gaylord, David "Coach" Newell, Sara Schumacher
Newly-elected Member at Large Joann Berardo resigned two days after the election.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU NOVEMBER 13 at 6 pm!