TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department in the amount of $2,500, offset by the Fifth Council District One-time District Priority Funds transferred from the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department to support a critical need safety improvement in the Fifth Council District.
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Community Garden located in El Dorado Park East on the South Side of Spring Street has been a community staple, giving neighbors access to sustainable gardening plots and organic produce since 1974. They are a non-profit community organization consisting of 300 members and donate over 60,000 pounds of vegetables to the Long Beach Rescue Mission and other Long Beach charities throughout the year. The land the community garden operates is leased City property operated under our Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department.
In the last two years, there has been an increase of thefts of community garden tools, property and personal items, including building break-ins costing thousands of dollars in damage and loss. In a recent site visit with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), East Division, recommendations were given to help secure the property and deter future incidences. On top of LBPD increasing night patrols to the area, the community garden board will consider clearing areas to expose common access points to the property (for security camera visibility) and will create and maintain a Response Plan for when future occurrences happen. It was also suggested that a light be installed on the utility pole located on the most southeast corner, along the freeway and within the Nature Center property.
Supplemental funding is needed to address this critical safety need:
Location Improvement Cost
Most southeast corner along the freeway and within Nature Center property Installation of a light on the SCE utility pole number 4717614E $2,500
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Ma...
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