TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to prepare a "Port Impact Zone" plan to mitigate cumulative port-related impacts in Long Beach neighborhoods.
DISCUSSION
In addition to the positive economic benefits brought to the region, activities and supporting industries related to the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles have created adverse environmental impacts in much of Long Beach. There is a voluminous number of peer-reviewed articles attesting to the health impacts of port-related air pollution. Additionally, noise, light, and aesthetic impacts have also contributed to the cumulative negative impact on Long Beach communities.
To date, the City has dealt with these negative impacts incrementally by evaluating potential mitigations on a case-by-case basis. This approach, while resulting in positive projects for the community, is unlikely to result in a long-term, comprehensive solution . to address these cumulative impacts. Therefore, I propose the development of a comprehensive mitigation plan for port-affected neighborhoods. This plan would knit together a cohesive and effective vision for improving the quality of life for residents who have been negatively affected by port growth.
The proposed comprehensive mitigation plan would evaluate all the work done to date through other studies and reports, engage the community and develop a master plan that could be incorporated into key planning documents such as the Land Use and Mobility Elements of the General Plan. Staff has indicated that the initial preparation of this plan can be accomplished through existing staff resources.
The Port of Long Beach, working with other stakeholders, has identified the areas of Long Beach that have been most impacted by the ports. This area, identified as "Zone 1 a," includes the neighborhoods of West Long Beach, Los Cerritos, Wrigley, Central Long Beach, and Downtown. (See attached map.) Because these neighborhoods have been most affected by port activities, thi...
Click here for full text