TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution making certain findings regarding the construction of certain public improvements along Queensway Drive and surrounding areas with funds from the North Redevelopment Project Area. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
Portside Partners, LLC (Developer) is currently developing two separate hotel projects in the general area between the Queen Mary and the former site of the Naga Restaurant along the South Waterfront. The Developer is completing construction of a new 178 all-suite Residence Inn by Marriott on the site of the former Naga Restaurant. In addition, on the east side of the Queensway Bridge, the Developer is re-Iaunching the former Coast Hotel into a boutique hotel named Hotel Maya. In total, the Developer is investing more than $90,000,000 into these projects.
As part of these' two projects, the Developer proposes to enhance public access to the South Waterfront area with the assistance of the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (Agency). Included in these public improvements will be the extension of a pedestrian public access walkway along the waterfront from the public South Boat Launch north of the Residence Inn, past the Hotel Maya, and to the Special Events Park adjacent to the Queen Mary (Exhibit A - Site Map). This will provide continuous community access to bayside dining, boating, and bicycling along the waterfront.
The Developer has also prepared a landscape plan that provides significant public enhancement along the coastal walkway, providing nodes for pedestrians and cyclists to stop and enjoy the views. The landscape plans include enhancing the entrance to Queensway Drive near the South Boat Launch, augmenting existing landscaping adjacent to the Queensway Bridge, and providing additional sign age for the on-street bike path along Queensway Drive and for general wayfinding purposes. The Developer also proposes revisions and enhancements to wayfinding signage in the general area. The Agency is supportive of these ...
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