[CityKid]

I actually agree that midrise development would be great. I think it would be exciting if Long Beach had a midrise development in Spanish style keeping with its roots with a Nob Hill kind of density. That probably will never happen though.

[drisee]

i don't get the last two posts. midrise development is mostly what we have in downtown. why is that your major desire for the area? most all of the new developments are mid rise?

by midrise how many stories are you talking about? 4-5 or like 15-20?

perhaps im defining it wrong.

[CityKid]

^^ For me, 5-9 stories. And dense.

[yibs]

Nobody said people in Long Beach are stuck up, that would be in southern oc, but i guess you've never been to Naples or belmont heights were it gets whiter and more snobby. Nobody is snobby in north, west or downtown Long Beach, but they have no reason too. Ever been to the peninsula? Plenty of stuck up people in long beach, they make it harder for downtown and other areas to be nice when they contribute money to all the council members, and then those council members only care about their issues, and not the cities as a whole.

The east side has homes that cost 5-10 million dollars, we don't have much like that on this side of town. But the dirty beach is what breaks my heart. We would have a much better tourism economy if we had a nice beach, and more things to do. SF is only 7x7 miles, and has so much more to do on a daily basis, but density and an energized walkable city will do that.

http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_8220375

[Truth789]

So even though the real estate market sucks and we are in a down economy, I am still noticing improvement around the city and believe me, each one counts as this city needs lots of improvements!

1. New Bluff Park Sign which is very nice on Redondo and First.... Really will help the Broadway Street with a better feel to the restaurants and stores there...

2. BBCA - Broadway Business Corridor Association on Broadway from Alamitos to Termino (approx) is up and running.... I need to find out more details but at least they are trying to gentrify that area..

3. Vons on Ocean Blvd towards Belmont Shore is being remodeled! Very good to have very nice Supermarkets in the area... instead of trashy supermarkets.... Hopefully psycho vons downtown will get remodeled too...

4. Villa Riveria is looking nice...and they started working on the back now...that is lighting up the area!

5. Blu is getting closer to being done...and is an improvement for the area.

6. Promenade Lyon Rentals being built which will bring more people Downtown despite the real estate market. The more people who can afford the rent because they are responsible people, the more businesses will open up.

7. Promenade has sold out 100%. Good for the Promenade!

8. West Ocean residents are moving in which will be good for the economy locally...more places to open up....

9. Cellar, Quentons, Jazz and Supper Club are opening in the not so distant future....

10. New Restaurant at the Pike...Barbeque place...haven't been there but looks pretty cool... :previous:

[Ruby]

7. Promenade has sold out 100%. Good for the Promenade!

8. West Ocean residents are moving in which will be good for the economy locally...more places to open up....


According to Zillow.com, there were about 15 units in Promenade that closed escrow between 11/28/07 and 1/10/08.

The sales lady in West Ocean told me they sold 85% in both Tower 1 and Tower 2. 60 units in Tower 1 has closed escrow and 20 units are in the process of closing. Tower 2 will be complete by April, 08 and there might be some cancellations similar to Tower 1 but at least the initial numbers look good.

I am encouraged by the resilience of the real estate market in Downtown Long Beach. If this is truly the case, they should soon build the Oceanaire and the Edgewater.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

yibs - I guess I haven't noticed any concentrated stuck-up-ness in any area of long beach but aside from dining etc., I really don't spend much time in Naples and other parts of E LB. I don't doubt what you are saying though.

Not to be a downer, but Pacifica is not doing nearly as well as Olsen. The rumor is they had 7 reservations, but they were all withdrawn when Pacifica lowered there prices.

It's good to hear that West Ocean is doing so well. I hope it's not just part of their sales pitch.

[CityKid]

Are there any photographers that would not mind taking pictures of the recent projects.

[JDRCRASH]

Nobody said people in Long Beach are stuck up, that would be in southern oc, but i guess you've never been to Naples or belmont heights were it gets whiter and more snobby.

http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_8220375

Naples is beautiful. There is a tasty Italian restaurant in Naples...dude, they're ribs are good.::eeekk:

But it is expensive.

[rolinda]

yibs - I guess I haven't noticed any concentrated stuck-up-ness in any area of long beach but aside from dining etc., I really don't spend much time in Naples and other parts of E LB. I don't doubt what you are saying though.

Not to be a downer, but Pacifica is not doing nearly as well as Olsen. The rumor is they had 7 reservations, but they were all withdrawn when Pacifica lowered there prices.

It's good to hear that West Ocean is doing so well. I hope it's not just part of their sales pitch.



I am certain it is just their sales pitch!!!

Here is a question I have about West Ocean.....Tower 1 just closed 1-2 months ago at much lower prices than Tower 2. And thye only received 1/2 occupancy. The builder is not reducing prices on Tower 2....How will those units ever be appraised for higher prices when there has been no appreciation since tower 1? And wow will any lender ever approve a loan on a place that can't get appraised. I'm curious if anyone knows the strategy and how this might work? And will all these other projects slow down based on how quickly or slowly west ocean sells?

[hi123]

Have the press telegram lofts begun construction yet?

[Ruby]

I am certain it is just their sales pitch!!!

Here is a question I have about West Ocean.....Tower 1 just closed 1-2 months ago at much lower prices than Tower 2. And thye only received 1/2 occupancy. The builder is not reducing prices on Tower 2....How will those units ever be appraised for higher prices when there has been no appreciation since tower 1? And wow will any lender ever approve a loan on a place that can't get appraised. I'm curious if anyone knows the strategy and how this might work? And will all these other projects slow down based on how quickly or slowly west ocean sells?

I don't really know for sure the number of the actual sales since they are not yet posted in the assessor web site or zillow.com. All I know is:
1) A frontal unit (3 bd, ~1700 ft) located at ~ 29th floor of Tower 1 facing south/east (ocean and coast) was resold immediately for $1.3 M. The same floor plan in 27th floor is now selling by the developer at $1.32M.
2) The units facing east are in high demand. When I am with the sales office the other day, a lot of the units that I inquire for on the east side are not availabe.

As for appraisal, I suspect they have a different strategy for appraising condo. I guess they first sold the less desirable units at pre-development price; then they can appraise up the more desirable units. As far as I see, Tower 2 will be much more desirable. Units in Tower 1 (30 storey) that couldn't clear Tower 2 (22 storey) has only a partial view since they look directly into units of Tower 2. I can understand why Tower 2 will command a higher price since once you are up in the 8th or 9th floor, your view should be unobstructed. I don't think the appraiser will have too much difficulty arguing that case.

West Ocean is not lowering the price; in fact, their price is much higher now than preconstruction. Only future can tell if their sales can sustain. However, for people who are waiting for a bargin from West Ocean, I am afraid they just have to wait a little longer.

[Truth789]

Give Pacifica a little time. It just started selling a few months ago and is a nice development. The Promenade started selling in June 2006.... That's when I first went to the Sales Office.

Pacifica is a nice development. I know people that have checked it out and really liked it. I have a friend that is considering a couple of their floor plans!

The market is slow.....Long Beach is affected but every week I see improvements in the city........

:whip:

[LAMetroGuy]

MTA block update. The original project, URBAN GROWTH LONG BEACH / RELATED COMPANIES were going to build a 22-story loft- condominium building and a 14-story soft-loft condominium building.

Now, the MTA block has been divided into two parcels and the northern block will have a Starwood hotel, the sister hotel chain to the W called "aLoft".

Here is a render:


http://passionsofazealot.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/aloftlongbeach.jpg
Image source: http://passionsofazealot.wordpress.com/

[LB Life07]

I actually like this development a lot!! even though it's smaller than what was originally proposed it's a nice addition to that block.

[Ruby]

I've been checking out some of the east village restaurants. On one Friday night, we ate in the Utopia and they had only 4 tables. Then we walked around the block and noted that the new French Pate' was almost full but Primes had only 2 tables. It was a pretty busy night; restaurants on Pine Avenue and Rainbow Harbors were all fairly crowded but I can't say the same for the East Village. The 555 and La Musa seem to be doing good but the others are pretty anemic.

[drisee]

I've been checking out some of the east village restaurants. On one Friday night, we ate in the Utopia and they had only 4 tables. Then we walked around the block and noted that the new French Pate' was almost full but Primes had only 2 tables. It was a pretty busy night; restaurants on Pine Avenue and Rainbow Harbors were all fairly crowded but I can't say the same for the East Village. The 555 and La Musa seem to be doing good but the others are pretty anemic.

ya, the east village has struggled to develop an identity for years. doesn't surprise me at all and what you're describing is the usual experience over there. unless primes can keep their doors open because of their bakery i don't see them lasting long. the location isn't horrible but it's completely out of scale for that area.

the east village has so much unrealized potential, kind of sad. the other areas you mentioned survive off tourists and conventioneers, where as the EV is left to its own devices. that's not a bad thing, but that neighborhood just isn't cranking over there so it never proves to be self sustainable and the area doesn't seem to attract the kind of buzz needed to keep it hot and all the businesses happy.

i would be curious to hear what everyone else's impression of the area is.

[SantaCruzGuy]

Is the old Press Telegram building going full throttle? I have not seen much progress other than some scaffolding on the back side of the building...Is that project still building the two towers as proposed, or is it having financial trouble like any other project around the U.S.?

[Ruby]

ya, the east village has struggled to develop an identity for years. doesn't surprise me at all and what you're describing is the usual experience over there. unless primes can keep their doors open because of their bakery i don't see them lasting long. the location isn't horrible but it's completely out of scale for that area.

the east village has so much unrealized potential, kind of sad. the other areas you mentioned survive off tourists and conventioneers, where as the EV is left to its own devices. that's not a bad thing, but that neighborhood just isn't cranking over there so it never proves to be self sustainable and the area doesn't seem to attract the kind of buzz needed to keep it hot and all the businesses happy.

i would be curious to hear what everyone else's impression of the area is.

I really like the area. It has a small town fill which reminds me of Berkeley but of course to a much lesser extent. The little convenient stand, the mood swing jewelry and a tastefully decorated florist shop all signal the personal touch of the mom and pop business. It gives the area a cozy and homely personality which is very different from the chain stores in Rainbow Harbor and sports bars along Pine Avenue. It seems this area is not in the master plan of the city development. Unlike other places in downtown, there is no convenient public parking and the curb lighting is very dim. Without good city planning and support, I am afraid this area will continue to suffer.

[yibs]

I live near the so called east village arts district. The concept is a good one, but it just doesn't seem to work. You can't take a shitty part of town, rename it an arts district, and expect things to just change. It takes a lot of involvement from the local residents, and a lot of time for something great to emerge. Long Beach sadly took to long to realize these things because they always depended on the navy, boeing, etc for the economy.

I agree lots of people come here for conventions, but ask yourself this, would they come here if there wasn't a convention. The answer is probably no. Think to yourself, would you come to long beach if you were looking for a resort beach type vacation? I would be massively disappointed once i found out that i can't even get in the water. And that we have a lot of trash on the beach. We need more tourists who come here because they want too, and not because their company is doing a convention. :)

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

Is the old Press Telegram building going full throttle? I have not seen much progress other than some scaffolding on the back side of the building...Is that project still building the two towers as proposed, or is it having financial trouble like any other project around the U.S.?

It looks like the developers are proposing a project with just one tower... it's going through approvals.

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

Is this good or bad for us? I wouldn't mind seening the arcade and movie theatre go but I like borders... and who needs more chain restraurants. :shrug:

Land panel rescinds Pike deal
LOCAL: City's next move on development at site is unclear.
By Joe Segura, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/05/2008 09:51:26 PM PST


LONG BEACH - The State Lands Commission has rescinded the controversial land-swap deal that cleared the way for development of The Pike at Rainbow Harbor seven years ago, but the city's next move still is in question.

Two closed-door sessions to review potential options in the case with the City Council were postponed, Principal Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin said Wednesday.

However, attorney Jan Chatten-Brown, representing environmental group California Earth Corps, said she believes the city should act soon on the commission's decision. She added that a more environmentally friendly council might move to have the Pike changes put into effect - mainly the removal of a bookstore, movie theater and video-game complex at the south end of Pine Avenue downtown.

"We're hoping the city will do the right thing," she added.

Parkin, however, said there's no schedule for a decision on the city's next step, including the possible submission of a new plan to the commission.

In 2001, the commission allowed the city to exempt 3 acres of the site from those restrictions - where a movie theater, bookstore and video-game complex are anchored.

In return, the city agreed to place tidelands restrictions on 10 acres of undeveloped land near the Long Beach (710) Freeway's Broadway off-ramp.

The revocation of the land swap was approved by the commission without any objection or comment by the city Tuesday.

According


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to a commission report, its staff and city officials have been in discussions on options available to resolve the conflict over the uses at the Pike site. The commission staff said it plans to report any progress in the near future.
The commission's move follows the state's top court decision two years ago to let stand an appeals court ruling that the State Lands Commission did not have the authority to approve such land swaps.

The future of the Pike has been in limbo for years, after environmentalists challenged a city plan to allow private uses of what they consider public-trust property along protected shoreline areas.

The Pike was built on formerly submerged land where development use is restricted to ocean and harbor-related functions, such as navigation, fishing, restaurants and limited types of commerce - mainly the type that provides services to visitors.

They contend that a bookstore, arcade and movie theater are improper uses for public-trust land.

California Earth Corps challenged the swap, asserting that not all Pike features met the tidelands public-trust restrictions.

The city and the commission won the first decision in the case, but the 3rd Appellate District Court agreed with the environmentalists' challenge, ruling the commission lacked the authority to approve the swap.

The city and Developers Diversified Realty, the Pike's owner and operator, appealed to the state Supreme Court, which dismissed the challenge with prejudice in January 2006.

However, as the case was making its way through the appeal process, the state Legislature relaxed the law, approving a tidelands amendment granting the commission broader powers to conduct land swaps. It was authority the courts ruled the state commission lacked, despite decades of decisions, including the Pike land-swap deal.

That action, however, was not retroactive, and did not include the Pike case.

[ChrisLA]

Well I like having the movie theater, I say keep it. GameWorks on the other hand, well I can take it or leave it. But I guess two of my nephews wouldn't like that because they would loose their jobs. Well I guess that at least would put a fire under one of them, and go apply for a management job over at the new ESPN Zone like I had advised him.

[yibs]

The pike has done nothing. I still can't believe that all of those shops are still empty. This has become pathetic. Why wont anyone come? Is it the tidelands issue? Is it not a good place for retail. well both of those are true. Why is pine ave still so empty? I've seen other cities go from nothing to greatness while long beach tries and tries to become something, instead of a west coast joke.

My new reason for not liking long beach is the cops. I never had any issues with them for all of these years, but now they act like nazis, fucking with everyone, when they only need to drive a few streets inland to where the thugs are if they want to fuck with people. This area has changed a lot in the past 10 years, and i don't like it anymore. :(

[SantaCruzGuy]

I'm confused. Are they thinking of demolishing the Pike and coming up with a new project, or are they just kicking out the theater, Borders, and Gameworks? I heard talks of the J. Tunnel coming back because of this, and this and that... it gets confusing...:uhh:
If so, would the new project be better? What do you guys think?
Also, they should move Borders and Gameworks to Pine Ave. that would be great! Fill in those empty locations if they do get kicked out of the Pike...

[staraman]

In regards to the Police/Nazi comment...

"The murder rate dropped 4.9 percent last year, with 39 murders reported in 2007 compared with 41 in 2006. The numbers are the lowest the city has seen since 1974, when the city was home to 132,412 fewer residents, according to police." -Press Telegram

Well they must be doing something right?!

[Ruby]

I am really tired of the lawsuits that have been littering the newspaper.
1) Parents and Long Beach School District suing the city for the airport improvement.
2) Environmentalists and residents sue City for the Home Depot construction along Lyones.
3) Environmentalists sue City and commission for the Pike use.
4) Truckers association sueing the port of Long Beach on the "clean air act".


Most of these lawsuits are frivolous and do not represent the interest of the majority of the people in Long Beach. The most ridiculous one is the Pike one which will kick out the Border, Movie Theatre and the Gameworks. Have these people lost their mind? It is not whether these stores are the best that can be built, but decisions of the city and those favored by the public can be repealed by a few using some loop hole in legality. Our livelihood now relies on a few lawyers and judges which feel free to interpret the law to their own benefit. In the mean time, miliions of the tax payers money are wasted and development projects are either installed or cancelled. No wonder we are the most law suit happy country in the entire world.

I happen to like the Borders and the Theatre. What can the resdients of Long Beach do to keep what we like here?

[Ruby]

I talked to the Surfrider (LB chaper) and the aid to Suja Lowenthal today on this issue. Apparently, the City and the Tideland did a land swap way back, approved by the land Commission. The City got the 3 acres in Pike for retail development and the Tideland got 10 acres of land around the LA river mouth. Based on the agreement of the land swap, the city can develop the Pike land without the restictions of Tideland guideline, which would have limited the use to Marine related activities, defined as those that can bring people to admire the Marine Life and Shoreline of Long Beach. Under this guideline, the only business that will fit the category is probably the hotel and restaurant. All other retails are deemed illegal use of Tideland. With the land swap, the City was hoping to attract more retail without the restriction of Tideland use. The California Earth Corps which basically consists of one man, filed a lawsuit against the Land Commission in 2001, stating that it doesn't have the authority to approve such a land swap. The lower court sided with the City while the 3rd district ruled in favor of California Earth Corps. In the meantime, the lone ranger who was the founder of California Earth Corps moved from Long Beach to Hawaii and the Pike was built while the ligitation was ongoing. The law was also altered to give the Land Commissioin the authority to approve a fair land swap.

Even after the Pike was built, due to the impending ligitation, no major retailers except Borders wanted to make any investment and take the risk to move to a place where they might get kicked out eventually. The limited retails on Pike (except restaurants) are primarily short term leased in case the ruling is against the City and the land swap. Now the ruling has become a reality, the City is trying to form a plan to propose another land swap which might be more acceptable to the court and the Environmentalists so we can keep the existing establishment.

The tideland take away our beach and water front, in exchange for dirt that we can build only hotels and restaurants. With the beach long gone and without good retail and other entertaining attraction, who is going to come? You can't just attract tourist with only restaurants to admire a waterfront which has become some pile of tidelands. This is so ridiculous. If they take away the beach, at least let people build something equivalent to attract tourists. The Aquarium of the Sea and Queen Mary are classified as Marine related activities but they are not equivalent to our beach and did little to attract tourists so in my mind, that was not a fair swap of asset either.

The Pike design is not up to par and with this ligitation looming over its head, no wonder it is not going anywhere. Which major retailers would come since they might end up as collateral damage in this litigation mess? Regardless of what's happened, I really like the Borders and hopefully, the deals they come up would allow us to keep it. I believe the Environmentalists, the City and the Land commission should come up with a solution that will best serve the residents of Long Beach instead of promoting their personal agenda. It doesn't make sense to destroy the environment to give way to huge development; on the other hand, not every pile of dirt and stagnant water is worth protected. They should listen to what the people of Long Beach really want instead of pusuing their personal vendetta which is not endored by the public.

The Sega continues .....

[luvLBC]

you know it sadden that the whole situations with the pike being sued. i understand it all about the environments and land swap deal. i will tell you this... me and my partner loves going there, even we moved to Lakewood temporarily and defiinetly will move back to my hometown LB within next year. We lived close to Lakewood Mall and few theaters. We always drive down there just to watch movies at Cinemark and love to hang out at Borders and eat at the restaurants there, which is so convenient. We been starting hanging out there since they open The Pike and we watch those restaurants being built and we had eaten each of the restaurants. We are waiting for the Laugh Factory to open up soon and some new restaurants open up soon. We still need more retails however to keep the foot traffic going and also watching the new boutique hotel being build up. I will be devastated if this movie/border/gamework being torn down just because of the land swap deal. Think about it....what about all the new neighbors who just move in in the new condos building. where were they be hanging out and walking distance??? whatever happen to the logos "Work, Eat and Play". come on people. let us enjoy the entertainments and that the reason why it is worth a drive to go down there and enjoy the nightlife. Keep the Long Beach alive. For those people blogging negatives about Long Beach. give us a break will ya. Love Long Beach!!!!!!

[drisee]

i see this as an opportunity to get rid of that whole horrible project, aka the pike. perhaps this is a backdoor to make that happen so that we can start fresh with a project that makes more sense for the area as opposed to this lame outdoor wanna be mall.

i like borders and the movie theatre too, but i would rather see them located somewhere else in the DT.

[yibs]

The murder rate is down thankfully because not as many people want to become thugs and gang bangers like they did decades ago, not because of anything the cops do. All they do is sit at Modica's or starbucks, and mess with people who have done nothing to them. The press telegram is also city run news. It's like fox news, but for long beach democrats. Police can't control a murder rate, they can only respond to it once it happens.

But the port has announced they don't want to redirect the la river, but to enforce laws to not let trash in the river. People have been trying to do that for many many years, and as you can see after every rain how much that has worked. Our homes would be worth a lot more if our beach wasn't so dirty, But then some wouldn't be able to live here because the price would be so much higher. that could be a good thing or bad thing depending on who you are.


http://www.lbreport.com/news/mar08/polbwat.htm

[yibs]

What nightlife are you talking about at the pike? Mai tai bar? v20? LOL

We don't have that much to do here in downtown. We could use more diversity. Does everything have to pop/rap clubs? Please tell me about all of these great places to go in DT? We have a few cool places, but we don't really get any great concerts, because were between LA and OC. I get sad walking around the pike seeing all of those upper stores empty. I would get out and mingle in DT if i had a reason too, but sadly i usually don't, and end up going to another local city for nightlife. I also hate all of the restaurants on the waterfront. Famous Daves was pretty good, and i like parkers light house, but chilis, bostons pizza, outback steakhouse, tokyo wacko? I've been to all of them, but they all were very disappointing, and i think long beach could of done a lot better with the choices of restaurants, but remember the city made the pike for tourists. I tend to find my self eating at one of a kind places on 4th st, 7th st, Anaheim. Thats where all the best restaurants are.

[Ruby]

i see this as an opportunity to get rid of that whole horrible project, aka the pike. perhaps this is a backdoor to make that happen so that we can start fresh with a project that makes more sense for the area as opposed to this lame outdoor wanna be mall.

i like borders and the movie theatre too, but i would rather see them located somewhere else in the DT.

I don’t hang out too much in the Pike but I love the Borders since it is the only bookstore in the neighborhood. If they can relocate it to North Pine, I am all for it but I am afraid that once it is gone from the Pike, it’ll never come back. This city appears to be so dysfunctional sometimes. City Council, LB School District, Environmentalists, parents, residents, local businessmen and big time developer are all getting sued or trying to sue one another. Almost every good idea is tempered and a lot of good projects are either stalled or canceled due to opposition by one of the many groups. The old saying of “too many cooks spoil the soup” holds so true in here.

I don’t fully understand the restrictions placed on Tideland but if development is only limited to hotels, restaurants or Marine related activities, why would anyone even bother to develop or redevelop the Pike or the Queen Mary? All we’ll ever get from the Tideland is hotels, restaurants and more restaurants. While I have enjoyed all the fine restaurants around the area, the only retail place that I can hang out is really the Borders. I'll be extremely heartbroken the day that they actually take down my beloved bookstore. :wah:

[JDRCRASH]

I like the Pike shopping center. It's just fine where it is, in my opinon. The only excuse to tear it down I think is to make another Pike Roller Coaster.

[LAMetroGuy]

Honestly, does anyone really think that it will be torn down, this is just a lawsuit to get money in the wallet of someone. Once they are paid off, it will be business as usual... end of story.

[mikedor]

This is our chance to speak our minds to, and hear the visions of our elected Long Beach dignitaries regarding the current state and future plans for downtown. Be there and be heard.

http://www.lbpost.com/newsdesk.php?id=239&where=#924

[CityKid]

Has anyone noticed an increase of foot traffic since West Ocean opened? Also, how are the mid-rise projects and other in-fill projects coming along? Does anyone have pictures? Thanks in advance.

[yibs]

I know this is off topic, but please come by the car wash at 15th st and cherry to support the funeral costs of 11 year old Jose Bailey, I'm sure you guys have heard about this story. He was shot and killed by gang members at 15 st and cherry. The family is in desperate need of funds to pay for the funeral. I don't know how anyone could shoot a precious 11 year old kid. The car wash will be held this saturday and sunday. Just come by and donate what you can. And please write a hand written letter to the mayor demanding that they do something about this trend. This is the 4th child murdered in long beach this year by thugs. Help clean up our city, so we that contribute to society in positive ways can live in peace.


Thank You

[regboi21]

My name is reggie and im sorry about the loss of the 11 year old boy but he is in a better place now with god, jesus and the angels in heaven and i wish his greiving family well.

[LB Life07]

It seems as if kids being killed or shot is a horrible trend that is taking place all over the LA area due to the gang problems right now.......it's really sad to see things happen this way! Aside from this I saw bulldozers clearing the ground at one of the west gateway sites, looks like they were getting ready to begin construction. Does anyone know which one this is, I remember that it was only one that was still supposed to be a go after the other two pulled on there plans.

[SantaCruzGuy]

It is not just LA... It's a national thing... San Diego and Nor-Cal is having a huge problem too. I am Latino, and when I lived in SC I could not wear red or blue out in the streets because I would be harassed all the time. AND THAT IS IN SC!!! I would walk down the street and gangsters would stop and yell, "Hey you mo***f*****r where are you from". The gang problem all around the nation has become more scary because now they are even attacking innocent people. Black vs. Latino, Asian vs. Black, Latino vs. Asian and Black, etc... It is ridiculous! I am even afraid to wear an Angels, Padres, Giants, or a Dodger shirt because now they are all being used by gangs. It's sick.:yuck:

[Tanster]

dont put to much to sauce on your taco man. it aint that bad

[ChrisLA]

Aside from this I saw bulldozers clearing the ground at one of the west gateway sites, looks like they were getting ready to begin construction. Does anyone know which one this is, I remember that it was only one that was still supposed to be a go after the other two pulled on there plans.

Yeah I noticed that too, since I live just about 3 blocks away from those empty lots. Long Beach is so slow about developing this area. I've been here 8 years and they have tried with several attempts to redevelop this area. I want to know why there is a problem? This is prime real estate, so what gives. :shrug:

I sure hope this is the real deal, so at least that area does not look like such a dead zone. My hope is they will be some nice cafes on facing Magnolia Avenue. I know there is enough customer base to support it, being that its near the courthouse, and the local residents (like me) just walking distance from that corner.

[drisee]

If i'm not mistaken the project you guys are referring to that broke ground is the west gateway project. I wouldn't get too excited about it though as it's another stucco pile of shit development that we should burn down rather then celebrate. IMHO.

And please don't say it's better then nothing, because nothing is better then crap. nothing leaves you hope, crap leaves you nothing to hope for.

[yibs]

The west side of town has always been somewhat of a dead zone. Retailers and small business owners must not feel comfortable about the area. The area mostly has workers from the trade center, and the courthouse, but is beyond dead at night, and that would probably worry some business owners about possible customer base during night time hours, when pine ave and other streets have all of the places to eat. They did build some low cost housing on the west side. My friends told me along time ago that the city designated that area for lower income housing, but i don't know if thats true. I know that steve wynn had a project for behind the trade center, but he scraped that project, and moved it to another city. Whenever i exit the 710, i drive through the west side, and its always dark and dead, and its been that way for along time. Plus, the further west you go, the more polluted it gets from the port, and the rail yard. I don't really think of that as prime real estate. i think of places in Naples, and the peninsula as prime real estate in this city. :)

[regboi21]

If downtown long beach was designated for low income peeps then how do the city officials expect more upscale business to come to downtown i think that central long beach should have been designated for the lower income no disrespect towards them.

[yibs]

Good question, You should ask your local city council member, I'm still waiting for an answer from Miss Lowenthal, but i wont get it. But i think the state can force cities to build low income housing, even if the city objects to it. It's kind of like when the state parole board forces long beach to house massive amounts of sex offenders, and all the city can do is watch, But lower income people need places to live too, and we don't have the right to say you can't live downtown because you're poor. Ocean blvd has expensive condos, and across the street you have halfway and drug rehab homes. Very diverse if you ask me, but its not the diversity that i was looking for. No offense to parolee sex offenders and drug addicts. We don't have a big downtown, but the majority of it is lower to middle income households and will be that way for along time. But its been said before, What high class city has a walmart in the heart of its downtown? None that i know of. The link below is of union square in SF. Its something that long beach should strive for. A vibrant energized shopping district where you can find anything and everything. I would love to see long beach try to do something like that, but its seems that the city is content with cityplace, and its walmart.

http://www.unionsquareshop.com/

[Ruby]

I noticed lately that a crane has been going up at the Pike near the Borders. Does anyone know what are they building?

[ChrisLA]

I noticed lately that a crane has been going up at the Pike near the Borders. Does anyone know what are they building?
Hotel!

[PromenadeIrishmen]

Fellow Promenaders, Pacifica, others in the area.
I wanted to follow up on something that I mentioned in the last HOA meeting regarding forming a Promenade Neighborhood Association. Now that we have a critical mass with the Insurance Exchange building residents, the Pacifica residents and others in the area, we need to come together to develop an organized front to address the issues that we face in here in the downtown area with city officials.
The owner of the Cellar nightclub has offered his facility for us to hold an initial meeting with the neighbors in the area on the night of Tuesday April 28th. However, we need to do a considerable amount of planning prior to that meeting. So, I wanted to reach out to see who would be interested in participating in planning for this meeting and the overall neighborhood association. We are looking for anyone who has an interest or experience with managing neighborhood associations. We are planning a meeting with a few people from the Insurance Exchange Building this Tuesday 4/1 @ 7pm to prepare for the meeting on the 28th. So if you are interested, please send me a note or give me a call to let me know if you can meet this Tuesday to discuss this effort. We will be meeting in the club room for this discussion. Thanks!:fingerscrossed:

[yibs]

What issues are you talking about? I live just outside downtown in the Pacific. How are things at the promenade? I never go there, but then again i seem to only go east to belmont and SB. Are they still building stuff over there? Its not the greatest area to walk around, being that its either boring, or you have shady people selling drugs on LB Blvd. lol

[Ruby]

Fellow Promenaders, Pacifica, others in the area.
I wanted to follow up on something that I mentioned in the last HOA meeting regarding forming a Promenade Neighborhood Association. Now that we have a critical mass with the Insurance Exchange building residents, the Pacifica residents and others in the area, we need to come together to develop an organized front to address the issues that we face in here in the downtown area with city officials.
:

I am not sure what is classified as the S. Pine or the N. Pine area? The Promenade and the surrounding area is building up quite nice. I live in Aqua but I walk my dog around the Promenade all the time and I haven't encountered any odd people so I feel pretty safe.

[yibs]

I don't know how they classify it either, but i would rather live on south pine, instead of north pine. North pine is where that triple shooting happened on NYE. and where that Eva Daily lived. who is on trial for driving her kids to murder another. I don't think i would want to live there, but i only live in long beach because of the beach view, otherwise i wouldn't live here.

Its good to know that the promenade is progressing nicely, but i still wouldn't live over there. Just a personal opinion.

[Truth789]

I don't know how they classify it either, but i would rather live on south pine, instead of north pine. North pine is where that triple shooting happened on NYE. and where that Eva Daily lived. who is on trial for driving her kids to murder another. I don't think i would want to live there, but i only live in long beach because of the beach view, otherwise i wouldn't live here.

Its good to know that the promenade is progressing nicely, but i still wouldn't live over there. Just a personal opinion.

Why wouldn't you go over to the Promenade? It's becoming the heart of Downtown. How can you put down Downtown Long Beach when you don't even know how the Promenade is going???

Promenade, Pacifica, Insurance Exchange, Cellar, Blues Cafe....it's cool......and it's not stopping because of the market. The Lyon development is going up. Blu is going up. More retail is slowly being filled in at the Promenade, and will fill in and Blu etc... Trader Joes might(let's all hope) be going into City Place which will make it better. The city council is trying to make it nicer....and every week I am seeing better changes.......:whip:

[rolinda]

is anyone out there a west ocean owner? I have been considering the buidling for some time...my friends have been under contract for a unit for quite some time but are having problems with the builder and are now going into arbitration so they have turned me off somewhat to the situation there, but I am trying to get some other opinions about the place...any satisfied home owners? prices still seem to high to me, which is also a consideration forme.

[SantaCruzGuy]

Trader Joes might(let's all hope) be going into City Place which will make it better. The city council is trying to make it nicer....and every week I am seeing better changes.......:whip:

Where would the Trader Joes go up if it does go into city place?

[yibs]

Trader joe's is not coming to downtown long beach anytime soon. The blue cafe is ok, but its not what i call anything special. last time i went to blue cafe was last year during summer. The vault 350 is basically just rap, but i guess you expect that in downtown long beach. I'm a 2nd st kind of person. Most of my out of town friends think thats our downtown, because its not dead like most of downtown. The heart of our downtown is city place, and our awesome walmart. :koko:

I do my shopping in east long beach and orange county. I don't see any department stores or nice shopping in downtown. Then it comes down to the people at times. I get hit up for money from weirdos and drugged out crazies every time i go anywhere near the bistro on long beach blvd or the farmers market at city place, and i don't like it. say what you want about that, but i don't care to be around that atmosphere. but that doesn't mean that everyone downtown is shady, but most of the people who live on the east side or places like bixby at the country club don't go downtown, and don't really care to unless you goto some of the places on ocean blvd or pine. The laugh factory would help that, but its never going to open because of the tidelands issue.

What retail is at the promenade? I know the star bucks, and tracht's which is nice. blue cafe has been there for along time. what is all of this retail that you speak of? Retail like on 2nd st in belmont? I just get a bad vibe in downtown. So i stay in belmont, seal beach, and other cities in north oc where its not as snobby as south oc. I only go downtown when i have a reason to be downtown, and thats odd because i live just east of Alamitos. What happens with our downtown isn't a concern of mine anymore. I just get depressed looking at a beach that i can't use. : (


http://thedistrictweekly.com/print/news/o-how-happy-we-will-be/

[yibs]

New place on 2nd st in the shore.


http://www.presstelegram.com/lifestyle/ci_8856025

[LAMetroGuy]

I've been there and its not that good... fyi! ohh and its not that new.

[LAMetroGuy]

New place at the Pike, they have added their signage and will open soon!

http://www.pepperspianos.com/

[yibs]

Ok, that saves me from going, and the little smart ass comments were cute. Enjoy the lifeless pike, and its chain restaurants. :haha:

And would that be a laugh factory type coming soon, or is it actually coming soon? Sounds like a cool place. I hope they don't get asked to shut down from the tidelands bullshit.

[mikedor]

Yibs, I'd like to know where you get your info.

"Trader Joe's is not coming to downtown anytime soon."

I was at a forum with the mayor and city manager 2 weeks ago, and the mayor had just come from a meeting with the planners at Trader Joe's. The city is currently in strong negotiations to bring Trader Joe's downtown, and it appears that it will happen very soon.

"The laugh factory would help that, but its never going to open because of the tidelands issue."

At that meeting, the mayor also communicated that the Tidelands issue is practically a non-issue. There are a few political hoops to jump through, and months of litigation before there is any movement forward, and it is highly unlikely that they would reclaim the land or shut down businesses.

Downtown is a great place. I don't have to use my car to get anything I want. Be it Greek food or a workout, or a stroll on the beach. The urban domain allows for all colors to flourish. As for getting upset about panhandlers; get over yourself. Most of those people have a mental disorder or addiction of some kind, and cannot lead a "normal" existence. If it bothers you don't come downtown. It's not for you. I frequent the Shore, I work in OC, but I don't let my snobbiness cloud my vision of what downtown Long Beach is, and has the potential to become.

Your rant is filled with this "us and them" energy that makes me sick. We here in Alamitos Beach (read: Yibs, not all Alamitos Beachers) neither need, nor would be caught commiserating with the scourge that frequents downtown Long Beach. We have our east side and Orange County haunts, so piss off.

The heart of downtown is not CityPlace. If you had to put a heart in downtown, it would have to be the 1 mile radius around the convention center. That building drives Long Beach's service sector economy, and almost every great thing about Long Beach is right there, with the exception of Belmont Shore.

Please, Yibs, I beg you. Don't be so divisive, and hopeless. The mayor, the city manager, and the Lowenthals have great vision for what this downtown can be, and will not fill it with $.99 store compromises.

[LAMetroGuy]

^ Very well said!!!

I frequent both chain and local restaurants throughout LB, Anaheim Blvd., Belmont Shore, Pine, Pike, East Village, etc. That is what makes LB great, the variety. I ride my bike to Golds Gym everyday and I see the panhandlers all the time... I just smile and mind my buisness. They don't bother me... have you been to San Francisco? I can be in front of Macys, and other high end retail stores and there are tons of panhandlers... it doesn't bother me or the other urban dwellers. Its just part of downtown life, deal with it.

I hope Trader Joes comes to downtown LB, we also need a Bevmo and a Coffee Bean. okay, back to work! Work at the Laugh Factory seems to be speeding up and the Piano Bar is almost done, they have added additional signage and it looks like it will be a uniuqe entertainment venue for downtwon. The backstage jazz lounge should also open up soon. Cheers for LB!

[Mikefly562]

What is with this idiodic tidelands issue. Are these environmentalists crazy? I've been hearing a bit about them, it would be horrific if they won and the Pike had to be closed down.

Perhaps all they want is money,. I'm all for protecting the environment and being green, but these radical environmental groups do so much harm, that it is embarassing to the legit environmentalists.

[Truth789]

Where would the Trader Joes go up if it does go into city place?

I am not sure. I heard the Trader Joe's possibility from a person who works with the city to moves people from the dilapidated buildings downtown to other parts of the city that makes way for new construction..

I guess he has some insider information but to be clear he wasn't sure if it was going to happen either...but boy would that be good. Anywhere in Cityplace as far as I'm concerned.

[Truth789]

I had such a good weekend sticking around in the warm weather Downtown. Was at the Boats at Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village. They are opening up a Theatre at Shoreline Village and I saw the sign for the Dueling Piano Bar, looks nice! Plus Laugh Factory, Jazz and Supper Club, and the already opened Cellar which is sweet! That's 5 new Entertainment Places in Downtown Long Beach. Yibs you can go to the trashy north oc....and hang out there but us Yuppy Generation X 2.0's will stay Downtown where it's more Moderate, Diverse, Fun, Open Minded ....and has life unlike boring oc ville ugh.

[Ruby]

I had a nice weekend in Downtown Long Beach too. The drift race on Saturday was fairly noisy but it was still very enjoyable. As I strolled around town with my puppy, I noticed that Mrs. Field has opened in the City Place. I love their chocolate chip cookies so it is a nice addition for me. However, to my dismay, I saw a note on the door of the Primes stating that they are temporary closed until further re-organization. I have only eaten there a couple of times and each time they had only one or two tables. It must be hard to sustain such a big place with so few business.

BTW, I am surprised that they are opening a theatre in Shoreline Village. Isn't that Tideland restricted area too? The environmentalists are trying to remove the theatre and the Gameworks from the Pike. Meanwhile, the Shoreline Village has an arcade and now a theatre in the pipeline. Are they both under the same Tidelands restrictions? Now I am confused.:koko:

[yibs]

Mrs fields cookies reopened at city place? I only goto bouchees bistro on LB Blvd, but i sometimes feel odd paying 20 bucks for a gourmet burger and fries while homeless and lower income people walk around outside. I heard that they might move to 2nd st in Belmont.

I enjoyed the drift event, i thought last years was better, and day 1 of the grand prix was disappointing. More people came out for last years opening day, hopefully today will be better with the concert and everything else.

Article on PT building. 600-700 square foot units are very small. I would go insane living in such a small space.

http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_8979852

http://www.lbreport.com/news/apr08/ptlofts.htm

[SantaCruzGuy]

Downtown was full of life tonight. Live music, lots of people, and it was fun!!! The clubs and bars were full! :cheers: Yibs, stop being so negative...if you really hate downtown...move away from it and move closer to your "lovely" chain 2nd st...

[ChrisLA]

^
This person obvisously has issues. Anytime a person feels the need to put down others or certain hoods on a continuing basics has something lacking. They need this to feel good about their miserable life.

I say simple put them on IGNORE. Have you noticed the conversation is one sided, as most forumers don't bother to reply.

[yibs]

I'm sorry that you guys take my comments so personally. And i think my life is just fine living in the pacific. And you just replied to my post chris. You're too funny! I know my comments are very opinionated, but so what? I don't want to live near 2nd street, I live close enough to hop on the passport down Ocean. I just enrolled in some photography classes at CSULB, that's why i spend most of my time on the east side. And whats with the lovely chain 2nd street comment? You mean like all of those great non chain restaurants at the pike? I'll take Open Sesame over anything you have at the lame pike. Parkers light house is good, and the yard house is cool for drinks at shoreline, but everything else like chilis, bostons, outback, Gladstones, pf americanized chinese. Now thats what i call non chain classiness right Santa Cruz? You guys have more wack chains then any other area in the whole city. lol

And name calling isn't needed. If all you can do is call me names or say ignore her, then you have the emotional problem of not being able to handle criticism of ones city. I've lived in this town longer then most of you, and your going to tell me how it is around here? LMAO! You guys act like little girls crying about why somebody doesn't think like you. Saying move down to 2nd street is funny, because the beach still sucks down there, but the waves are a little bigger, and water is a little cleaner, but its still filth. No high rise living in Belmont, but high rises don't fit in that area.

http://www2.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_9033976

Hope they have better retail then city place. I guess not liking City Place and the Pike makes me a bad or disgruntled person according to Mr Chris LA. Not many people in this town like City Place or the Pike, and all of the great shopping over there. Nothing says a great day of shopping like walmart and payless shoes. with homeless people all around. Have fun living in that dead area on the west side chris. I'm sure its just lovely. And if you want to call your area the hood, then yes i agree. No surprise that nobody goes over there huh chris?

And have fun at City place, and the Pike. I have nothing against these areas if they were nicer, and had more things to do. My opinions of downtown are more in the majority, unlike you guys who think more in the minority. Downtown has all of the potential in the world, but i get sad when i see that potential disappear year after year. I hope you're happy with the Pike and City place, which this city will have to deal with for the next couple of decades. I wish we still had the old indoor mall with the sailors and hookers on pine. Remember those days? Or are you guys newbs like so many who have moved into downtown. Don't get so upset at things i say, get out there and make this city better. Maybe I'll see you at city council meetings. Now stop being so emotional about people who criticize OUR city. And the whole city is packed during the Grand Prix Mr Santa Cruz. I watch from my balcony, and everywhere from downtown to 2nd st and 4th st/retro row is packed during Grand Prix weekend. It makes you think you're in an energized city, but it would be nice to have that energy all year round, and not for 3 loud days a year. The Grand Prix is always fun times, except for the race cars waking you up at 7am for 3 days in a row. LOL

[CityKid]

A lot of emphasis on this board has shifted from projects and construction to a soap box of Long Beach's perceived shortcomings.

Can someone give me an update on the projects? Promenade? West Ocean? As a native of Long Beach, I am curious to know how they are coming along but am too far away to see them in person on a regular basis. All comments are greatly appreciated.

Also, that Lyon Project looks pretty cool. Anyone have a rendering?

[yibs]

Sounds like downtown has had a lot of energy as of late. Too bad its the kind that keeps me away. I think we need more police and security to keep businesses safe in that area. I was surprised about seeing the robbery at linden and 1st. Usually the first few streets inland are fine, but once you go past 4th st, its just pawn shops, liquor stores, cash checking places, and empty shops with old housing. I notice the city is tearing down everything in that area, I hope they didn't make the book store move so that they can build another city place disaster. I will miss acres of books. I remember going there when i was a little kid, but i guess it needs to move. Nobody likes to read anymore? Be on the lookout for a thug with a box cutter slashing women who give him money.

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_9090158

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_9101403

[LAMetroGuy]

I was hoping they would at least keep the facade of Acres, I think that it could be resused into whatever they will build there. I like the art deco look.

[ChrisLA]

I passed by the corner of 3rd & Pine and see there is a noticed Its A Grind Coffeehouse will be opening the that spot. Not sure what to think about it at this time. We sure seem to have a lot of coffeehouses in the area. My cousin who also lives in the area keeps hoping for a Coffeebean to open. Me personally I'm happy with Creama because they offer free internet. Although I heard Starbucks will be doing this soon as well to those who use Starbucks Cards.

[LAMetroGuy]

Which corner? North East, South East, or South West?

[ChrisLA]

Which corner? North East, South East, or South West?

Sorry, southwest corner of 3rd & Broadway.

[SantaCruzGuy]

Hyatt proposed for downtown L.B.
REDEVELOPMENT: Board will decide whether to pursue project on Monday.
By Karen Robes, Staff writer
Article Launched: 05/02/2008 11:30:19 PM PDT

The site of a proposed Hyatt hotel at Long Beach Boulevard and First Street.
(Scott Smeltzer/Staff photographer)

LONG BEACH - A new Hyatt hotel may be booking its stay in downtown Long Beach.

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Board on Monday will decide whether to enter into a six-month agreement to negotiate exclusively with Urban Growth Long Beach LLC developer Michael Gallivan, who is proposing a Hyatt Place hotel on a 35,747-square-foot lot at the northwest corner of Long Beach Boulevard and First Street.

The agreement, if approved by board members Monday, would allow the developer to work out more finite details of the project, including its economic feasibility and what can be built from a zoning standpoint, said acting bureau manager David White.

It also gives the developer time to get feedback from area restaurateurs and members of the Downtown Long Beach Associates and the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Carl Kemp, who is part of Gallivan's development team..

After months of interviewing with representatives of other hotel brands and concepts, Gallivan said Hyatt Place's well-known corporate brand and upscale boutique hotel concept best fit the area.

"We looked at what would be the best type of development that would impact the downtown in a favorable way," said Gallivan, who bought 5,979 square feet of the lot seven years ago. (The agency owns 10,145 square feet and a third party owns the remaining 19,623 square feet.)

Gallivan said it was too early in the development process to give a project cost estimate.

A
Advertisement
new Hyatt brand geared toward "multi-tasking business travelers who have successfully adapted to today's '24/7 lifestyle,' " Hyatt Place is one of dozens being built in the country. California locations include Fresno, Riverside, San Francisco and Sacramento.

The Hyatt Place being proposed downtown would feature between 160 and 192 rooms, conference rooms, a retail component, a restaurant/bar, cafe, pool, parking, gym and an eco-courtyard/plaza.

"A place like this feeds people into the King's Fish House and the Smooth's and the Alegria of the downtown and really makes it a more vibrant place than it already is," Kemp said.

The site of the proposed hotel is adjacent to several projects in the Promenade, including the 62-unit Pacifica Promenade and 133 Promenade, a 97-unit condominium project.

The agency also has another exclusive negotiating agreement with a developer proposing a Starwood product called "aloft" by the W Hotel on a nearby site, White said.

City Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal, whose 2nd District falls within the project area, said she is excited to see a boutique hotel in the area, which is lagging in providing a number of quality hotel rooms to support visitors who come to town.

"The need is definitely here," she said. "So I am very much excited that we're making way for a boutique hotel, which is something quite unique and people have the opportunity to stay in one without feeling as though they're lost in a large-scale hotel environment."

The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.

:)

[LAMetroGuy]

I prefer the original Toll Brothers proposal...

[LAMetroGuy]

Seeking a Bigger Picture of Downtown Hotel Development

Most of us have recognized that the slowdown in the residential real estate market has negatively affected development. Half a dozen downtown residential developments in downtown Long Beach have been scrapped: another half-dozen are being redesigned or the schedule to build them has been slowed down. In fact, the only two residential developments currently underway—one on the Promenade and the other in the West Gateway area—are both rental projects. However, not all is lost. Despite the slowdown, the momentum to renew Long Beach’s downtown continues to be realized in the form of several hotel developments. There are, for instance, currently two new hospitality projects under construction in the Shoreline area: a boutique hotel called Avia to be located at the Pike, and a twelve-story Marriot Residence Inn to be located along Queensway Drive, toward the port. Lodgeworks, the developer of the Avia hotel project, is also proposing to build an extended-stay hotel, “Hotel Sierra,” across Bay Street from the new Avia hotel, filling in a key empty lot at the Pike.


Along as well as north of Ocean Boulevard, proposals exist for six additional hotels. As reported in the Press-Telegram, a Hyatt Place and Aloft hotel have been proposed for the block situated west of Long Beach Boulevard, between the First Street transit mall and Broadway. According to Downtown Long Beach Associates, a new Marriot Hotel is being proposed at the southeast corner of Ocean Boulevard and Pine Avenue; additionally, a boutique hotel named Hotel Esterel has been proposed for the west side of the Promenade, between Broadway and Third Street. The Ocean Center building at the southwest corner of Ocean Boulevard and Pine Avenue has recently received approval from the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission to be converted into a boutique hotel with lofts on the higher floors. According to the city website, there is also a proposal for hotel and residential development just west of the new West Ocean residential towers on Ocean Boulevard, across from the city courthouse.



All in all, nine new hotels are either proposed or under construction. Were all these hotels to be completed, they would provide nearly 1,500 additional rooms in the downtown area. These projects would clearly help to maintain momentum for redeveloping downtown Long Beach, in particular by closing gaps in the urban fabric. These 1,500 new rooms would serve our convention and tourist economy—all the while adding a significant amount of pedestrian activity in some of the downtown’s core areas, including Pine Avenue and the Shoreline area.



However, given the sheer quantity of this new development—development of a singular type, the hotel—it behooves us to pause and ask how downtown Long Beach could most effectively take advantage of this opportunity. For instance, it bears noting that the Shoreline Boulevard area represents land designated as a tidelands trust; it is thus public land heavily regulated by the California State Coastal Commission. The city created a specific zoning district to guide development in the Shoreline area, much like the Southeast Area Development and Improvement Plan (SEADIP) focusing on the east side of the city, or the Downtown Planned Development District (PD-30). The planned development district created for the Shoreline area includes all land south of Ocean Boulevard to the water, but also includes land-use limitations for the area south of Seaside Way. This is because those lands are public owned; as a result, they must retain some level of public access. This ranges from public park space and civic amenities to commercial uses such as retail, restaurants and limited office space. Residential development is explicitly disallowed. What is particularly germane is that public access to the coastline can also be fulfilled through hotel development, because theoretically everyone has the right to stay in such facilities.



In other words, an opportunity presents itself to turn an ostensible land-use “restriction” in regard to residential construction into an opportunity to provide the mix of uses necessary to create a 24-hour, active urban environment. Unfortunately, the exclusion of residential development from the Shoreline area has resulted in less-than-vibrant district. Barring rewriting the California Coastal principles so as to allow residential development—a possibility as unlikely as it is ill-advised—hotels present the only option for getting persons on the street to produce a flourishing urban milieu.



The question, then, is how Long Beach can focus this new surge of hotel development where it is most needed. The two new hotels at the Pike discussed above—the Avia and the Hotel Sierra—are certainly steps in the right direction. There are roughly fifteen acres of land available for development east of the convention center. Currently an expansive parking lot serving the convention center and performing arts center, this is a stunningly inappropriate use for prime downtown waterfront land that features gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, the Queen Mary, and the downtown skyline. Transforming this area into a hospitality quarter could provide much-needed economic development, as well as bringing pedestrian activity to the Shoreline area.



Thinking through these kinds of possibilities crucial because while a slowdown in residential development currently exists, this is unlikely to last. Some developers are already moving forward with gaining City approval for new construction projects, designed in anticipation of the next real estate surge. Long Beach can negotiate development rights along the waterfront in exchange for securing those proposed sites. Focusing new hotel development in the Shoreline area is one way to work proactively and creatively to take advantage of our city’s greatest asset—indeed, the source of its name. There remains a distressing tendency for Long Beach to “turn its back” on its precious downtown waterfront. Sharing that waterfront with our visitors can help create a vibrant street life, and this could not help but make this city a better place for everyone.

[yibs]

http://thedistrictweekly.com/daily/staff-infection/briefing/pike-land-swap-gets-stink-eye-from-state/

[yibs]

The architects or developers of the Pike are known for suburban developments... which is very obvious. Fixes are coming and should be quick and easy!




What happened to fixes should be quick and easy? This post was from over 2 years ago. What has changed? The place still has no shopping. They should of just put a macys at the pike. That would bring more people in itself then the book store, theater, v20 mai tai, and the lovely crap restaurants that only cater to dumb tourists. Ugh!!!!

[yibs]

[QUOTE=InsExchLoft_dweller;2078977]The Cityplace lofts start around 400K for a 1100 sf unit and go up to around 650-700K for a 1600 sf unit.



That's a lot of money to live next to a brick building used as a halfway house for people out on parole or trying to rehab from drug addiction. Not to mention being next to an Albertson's with all the noise pollution, But you're close to that wonderful area called city place. My condo was under 500k when bought, but nobody wanted to live around here during that time, Now its worth over 1 million. It has gone down over the past 2 years, but my unit never should of been worth 1.8 anyways. I should of sold a couple years ago. LOL

And i think this thread went dead either from me, or from the fact that almost every project that was talked about in earlier pages has been scraped or has been a massive failure, and its somewhat depressing to rehash old projects that will sadly never be.

[LAMetroGuy]

Hyatt Plaza plans move forward
REDEVELOPMENT: Agency votes for a negotiating agreement with developer.
By Karen Robes, Staff writer
Article Launched: 05/05/2008 09:51:59 PM PDT


LONG BEACH - Plans to build a Hyatt Place hotel downtown moved forward Monday when Redevelopment Agency board members unanimously voted to enter into an agreement with the developer. The six-month negotiating agreement allows the agency to talk exclusively with Urban Growth Long Beach LLC developer Michael Gallivan for construction of a Hyatt Place hotel at the northwest corner of Long Beach Boulevard and First Street.

The site - currently a 35,747-square-foot parking lot owned by Gallivan, the agency and a third party - is next to another hotel development, "aloft," a new line of moderately priced, loft-style inns made by the owners of the W Hotel. Preliminary plans for the smaller, high-end Hyatt Place - a new Hyatt concept targeting the modern, multitasking business set - include between 160 and 192 rooms, conference rooms, retail, a restaurant/bar, cafe, pool, parking, gym and a courtyard/plaza.

RDA Vice Chairman William Baker said he was excited about the hotel plans. "We've got interest from a first-class hotel chain that wants to move into our community," he said. "A lot of communities are having a hard time holding on to what they've got." Gallivan said he was pleased to be working with the city on an "incredible hotel" project. "The downtown market is underserved with quality rooms," he said. "Hyatt Place will be a perfect project for you and (I) look forward to your feedback on the site planning in the days to come."

Marshalls plans get OK

Agency board members also approved the third-stage design plans for the Bixby Knolls Shopping Center, where a Marshalls will replace the long abandoned Robert's Department Store in the 4400 block of Atlantic Avenue.

At the last meeeting, board members delayed approval because they had questions about the design and concerns about the color scheme.

Demolishing the Robert's building - seen as mid-century architecture to be preserved - was also an issue for some residents. A representative for the developer, GGF LLC, said the building - which has asbestos and seismic issues - holds no historic significance. Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, who helped negotiate the Marshalls deal, voiced her support for the project. "This has been a long, long road revitalizing the Bixby Knolls Shopping Center, and people challenged me and said it couldn't be done, and here we are in the final loop to crawl through," she said. "I know that you can't make everybody happy," she said. "I just know that (the Marshalls) is going to be wonderful for the 8th District and the surrounding areas."

karen.robes@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1303

[LB Life07]

I think the hotels are great for the downtown market especially since the residential market is down and a lot of projects have been scrapped or placed on hold.......There has been a lot of concern about store fronts remaining empty with the downturn of residential sales but the hotels will ensure that this doesn't happen because it will provide a lot of pedestrian activity to the area. I like the design of the A loft hotel and I guess we'll have to wait and see the design for the Hyatt Place hotel but neither seems like it will be that big! I know height isn't everything but these locations are key spots that could be great for the skyline if a project large enough could fill that space! either way though I'm happy with the type of development that will fill the space and both are coming from some pretty good companies within the hospitality business.

[Ruby]

With the residential market recent downturn, I am glad that the hotel development activities have not slowed down. However, I am concerned on overbuilding of the same business in the same area. Besides just filling the gaps, we need to make sure there is adequate infrastructure and customer base to support the business so they can flourish. If not, we might be robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Downtown Long Beach’s business anchor is the convention center. Our booking is normally pretty good so there is a healthy demand for hotel and accommodations. However, if we start building more hotels without also focusing on the effort to attract new businesses, then with a fixed supply of customers, the net effect will be a stiffer competition among the hotels which can lead to a decline of occupancy in many of the existing ones. The City of Anaheim is planning to expand their convention center and I think we can benefit by doing the same. The Tidelands area cited by LBpost.com is indeed prime waterfront real estate but unfortunately, it is governed by Tidelands restrictions which limit the development to marine related activities. I notice that when the convention center has run out of exhibit capacity such as in the events during the Grand Prix, they actually overflow into the Tideland parking lot. Instead of building up more hotels which do not serve as an active mean to attract business, IMHO, I think we should develope the Tideland parking lot as an expansion to enhance the convention center.

The City of Long Beach is championing a bond to repair the ailing infrastructure and construction of a brand new City Hall. Even though the vanity of a grand City Hall might sound appealing to some, it does very little to generate new business and revenue. I think the bond money would be better used to expand the convention center, which in turn can bring more people to come to our City.

[LAMetroGuy]

Looks like the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency has contracted SEG Realty Advisors to work with retail companies interested in Long Beach. It appears that SEG Realty was able to sucessfully open dialog with key retail tenants as follows:

Downtown: H & M, Urban Outfitter, American Eagle, Talbots, Whole Foods, Fresh &Easy, Trader Joes, Chico's, West Elm (Pottery Barn) and Jamba Juice

Central Long Beach: Fresh & Easy, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Longs Drug, Bank ofAmerica, Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual, LBS Financial Credit Union, Starbucks andIt's a Grind

Bixby Knolls: Marshalls, California Pizza Kitchen, Mimi's Cafe, Houston's, RedRobin and Bank of America for ground lease of parking field


:banana:

http://clblegistar.longbeach.gov/attachments/0f807c25-a85b-40e2-9100-5a9945c89a42.pdf

[drisee]

Open a dialog with key retail tenants??!! What exactly does that consist of, putting in a cold call. Don't hold your breath.

I agree with Ruby about questioning the additional hotels. The convention business is getting any stronger or larger, can't really. So why the need for all the hotels. They'll just eat each other up. I don't agree with adding to the convention center as a solution for creating a more vibrant downtown. Tourists will not create a great downtown. That will come from within and more hotels, a larger convention center or a stadium isn't going to do it for us.

I do like the idea of exploring a new city hall. rethink bum park. that whole area is such a waste of great space.

[LAMetroGuy]

diseree... I'm thankful I don't see life as the glass being half empty... yeah you're right, its just a putting in a cold phone call. :rolleyes:

[InsExchLoft_dweller]

the interesting thing about LMG's link is that most of the retail that seg have been in contact with in Central and Bixby have actually become a reality...

It sucks that the same can't be said about downtown... except for "It's A Grind".

[drisee]

diseree... I'm thankful I don't see life as the glass being half empty... yeah you're right, its just a putting in a cold phone call. :rolleyes:

LAMetroguy, my last post wasn't a diss at you, don't take it personally. Just for the sake of conversation, do you think that you might be looking at it with too much of a positive spin? Perhaps you should question it a little more. The downtown hasn't seen results in years so pardon me if i don't believe the same ol' song and dance of "hey, look what retailers we're in touch with".

How many times can you run into the same wall before you start to question if your same ol' theory for breaking through it is working, or if perhaps a new strategy is needed.

[Ruby]

Below is a comparison of the capacity of the convention center for major cities. We can see the stronger the convention center, the more vibrant the associated city can be. Downtown Long Beach is significantly lacking behind and if we want to establish a world class city, we need to expand and build a better convention center.
http://www.ocregister.com/newsimages/Graphics/2008/04/conventionNEWg0429.gif

It is sort of a chicken and egg problem. Every downtown needs a healthy sum of tourist to flourish. During the days of the grand prix, 170000 people came to our town. If we can keep this continuous flux of people traffic throughout the year, retail will grow and then more and more residents will want to live here. I noticed that during the days when there is no booking for the convention center, the area looks rather deserted. We need momentum to keep the place growing and I think the Convention Center can be the catalyst. The waterfront tideland parking lot next to the convention center would be ideal for this development. They've been using the place all the time for temporary accomodation of additonal exhibit. Why not just make it permanent?

As for building a brand new City Hall, I just don't see how it can attract more business or even locals to come to Downtown. I am particular concerned that it will be built with bond money and it would be a challenge when it comes time to pay it back especially if the development cannot generate additional revenue. Also, I do question the strategy of building more hotels before we have created a demand for it. I am afraid that'll unncessarily waste valuable resources and more importantly, availabe prime real estate in the area.

Trader Joe is great and I wish they would come; however, it'll depend on whether their business model will support having two stores that are so close to one another. They already have another one on 2nd street and PCH. In any case, Downtown definitely can use another more upscale supermarket. I was shopping in Albertson the other night and it was packed. Even with many of the counters open, I had to wait a long line to check out.

I have confidence that Downtown Long Beach will continue to grow but due to the recent economy downturn, the pace will be slowed down. Downtown Long Beach was prosperous long time ago and it has lost its glory after years of neglect. It'll take some years to rebuild but its time will come.

[Ruby]

News from LBReport.com

http://www.lbreport.com/news/may08/gabport.htm


News
Gabelich Calls For Formal Discussion Of Possible Charter Amendments -- Including Larger Share Of Port Profits For Tidelands -- For Voters' Decision On Nov. 08 LB Ballot


After Council woman Schipse's last attempt was struck down by the City Council's gang of six, this is another effort by Council woman Gabelich to allocate additional shares from the Port's profits to Tideland funds. I am going to call Suja Lowthenthal again to make sure that she is not going to block it again this time.

[LAMetroGuy]

LAMetroguy, my last post wasn't a diss at you, don't take it personally. Just for the sake of conversation, do you think that you might be looking at it with too much of a positive spin? Perhaps you should question it a little more. The downtown hasn't seen results in years so pardon me if i don't believe the same ol' song and dance of "hey, look what retailers we're in touch with".

How many times can you run into the same wall before you start to question if your same ol' theory for breaking through it is working, or if perhaps a new strategy is needed.

Honey, believe me... I don't take it personally. Like I said, I don't look at the world like you do and I am very happy about that. I truly believe that that some of these vendors/retailers will come to downtown. So just because you have been running into a wall for a while doesn't mean that I need to follow you into the same wall. I can and do question various proposals for downtown, but this news is new news and why not enjoy it before Debbie downers like you come running alone with their negative spin, which could very easily be a positive spin if you only let yourself be free of your negativity.

[Truth789]

I passed by the corner of 3rd & Pine and see there is a noticed Its A Grind Coffeehouse will be opening the that spot. Not sure what to think about it at this time. We sure seem to have a lot of coffeehouses in the area. My cousin who also lives in the area keeps hoping for a Coffeebean to open. Me personally I'm happy with Creama because they offer free internet. Although I heard Starbucks will be doing this soon as well to those who use Starbucks Cards.

Yeah I saw that too....I know there is a Starbucks right there but hey variety.. I wish people would start opening like a SF Boudin's (Sourdough Bread Company) or something like that where we can get food but not have to sit down and have a whole big meal.......

I guess coffee shops are easier to make money off of...I agree there should be other types of places that should open up.... in time...

[Truth789]

Looks like the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency has contracted SEG Realty Advisors to work with retail companies interested in Long Beach. It appears that SEG Realty was able to sucessfully open dialog with key retail tenants as follows:

Downtown: H & M, Urban Outfitter, American Eagle, Talbots, Whole Foods, Fresh &Easy, Trader Joes, Chico's, West Elm (Pottery Barn) and Jamba Juice

Central Long Beach: Fresh & Easy, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Longs Drug, Bank ofAmerica, Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual, LBS Financial Credit Union, Starbucks andIt's a Grind

Bixby Knolls: Marshalls, California Pizza Kitchen, Mimi's Cafe, Houston's, RedRobin and Bank of America for ground lease of parking field


:banana:

http://clblegistar.longbeach.gov/attachments/0f807c25-a85b-40e2-9100-5a9945c89a42.pdf

I spoke to someone at the RDA who said they have been courting retailers....I really hope that success comes from this! :yes:

[Truth789]

LAMetroguy, my last post wasn't a diss at you, don't take it personally. Just for the sake of conversation, do you think that you might be looking at it with too much of a positive spin? Perhaps you should question it a little more. The downtown hasn't seen results in years so pardon me if i don't believe the same ol' song and dance of "hey, look what retailers we're in touch with".

How many times can you run into the same wall before you start to question if your same ol' theory for breaking through it is working, or if perhaps a new strategy is needed.

Drisee I agree with your logic BUT.....I feel we have enterered a time when the critical mass of residents needed to open up new businesses is happening.. this is why I see the new businesses opening....slowly.....

[Truth789]

Sorry for so many posts today but did you guys see this?

"Pedicabs Pedal Their Way into Downtown Long Beach

Downtown Long Beach is now home to pedicabs, a fun and unique transportation option. These iconic bike cabs are a welcome addition to efforts to Go Green in Downtown, as well as an inventive solution to the growing congestion in the heart of Downtown.

For just $1 per 1/10 of a mile, these comfortable and breezy cabs let you see Downtown Long Beach from a whole new vantage point. Specialized tours and reservations are also available, paving the way for countless opportunities for your special occasion to be truly memorable.

Long Beach pedicabs are available in the Downtown area Thursday through Sunday from 6 pm - 2 am and can take you anywhere from the waterfront up to 8th Street and from the 710 all the way to Redondo Avenue.

Bringing the pedicabs to the urban center was made possible by a collaborative partnership between the City of Long Beach, the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Redevelopment Agency. "We’re proud to be part of this public-private partnership, which enables the pedicabs to provide service for Downtown visitors, workers, residents and business owners," said Kraig Kojian, President & CEO of the DLBA. "This alternative mode of transportation is fun and family-friendly. It complements the other great transportation options available in the urban center and adds to the overall experience of Downtown Long Beach - from the East Village Arts District to Pine Avenue and down to the Waterfront."

For more information on the pedicabs, please call (562) 446-5616 or visit www.rickshaws.net."

You can see pictures of the Pedicabs here:

http://www.downtownlongbeach.org/lifestyle/newsletter/2008/May08/Pedicabs.htm

If you want to feel like we are in a First Class City like New York, let's act like it! I will take this pedicab and spend unnecessary money and like it!

:banana:

[Ruby]

Sorry for so many posts today but did you guys see this?

"Pedicabs Pedal Their Way into Downtown Long Beach

Downtown Long Beach is now home to pedicabs, a fun and unique transportation option. These iconic bike cabs are a welcome addition to efforts to Go Green in Downtown, as well as an inventive solution to the growing congestion in the heart of Downtown.



I saw the pedicab parked outside the Rock Bottom the other night. It was pretty cool. I wanted to take it back home after dinner but when I came out of the restaurant, It was gone. I haven't seen it these past two weeks.

[ChrisLA]

Yeah I saw that too....I know there is a Starbucks right there but hey variety.. I wish people would start opening like a SF Boudin's (Sourdough Bread Company) or something like that where we can get food but not have to sit down and have a whole big meal.......

I guess coffee shops are easier to make money off of...I agree there should be other types of places that should open up.... in time...

Was it recently?

The past couple weeks when I passed by that corner I didn't see the sign in the window anymore.