TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Public Works Department to determine the feasibility of implementing the Terminal Island Transition Plan, as discussed below and report back to City Council in 120 days.
DISCUSSION
In 2015, the City of Long Beach, Caltrans, and the Port of Long Beach collaborated on the Terminal Island Transition Plan (“the Plan”) to increase greenspace along the Terminal Island Freeway (TI-103). The Plan was drafted in response to “Poor health outcomes and conflicting land-uses around the Terminal Island Freeway” with the goal of “find[ing] innovative solutions to improve the quality of life and health outcomes in [impacted] communities.” The plan included extensive public outreach, detailed explanation of the existing conditions, design concepts, and a plan for implementation and next steps.
The Plan relies on 2010 US Census Bureau Data, CalEnviroScreen 2014 Data, and Statewide Integrated Records Systems. Bounded by the 405 freeway, the 710 freeway, Pacific Coast Highway, and the Long Beach City Limit, The Terminal Island Transition Plan comprises the West Long Beach and Arlington neighborhoods. At the time of study, the population in the study area included 6.4% of the population of Long Beach. Individuals in the study area are subject to more than two times the particulate matter when compared to Long Beach as a whole and 9 times the average for LA County. Additionally, residents of West Long Beach have significantly less access to open space when compared to the average resident of Long Beach or Los Angeles County and are more likely to be impacted by traffic accidents.
The Plan includes extensive public outreach, including four public workshops, as well as stakeholder meetings with local organizations. According to constituents, the number one priority for the project was to “provide environmental benefits to [the] community” through urban forestry, bike paths, and pollution eating plants.
The Plan calls for significant changes in the design and uses around the TI-103, including pedestrian and bike access, ecological restoration and planting, stormwater and drainage solutions, and community programming and uses. The Plan would also create connectivity between Hudson and Admiral Kidd Parks and act as a buffer between residences and nearby commercial uses.
Developed in 2015, the Plan had many of the findings still applicable today such as West Long Beach residents should be provided with increased access to park space and steps should be taken to reduce the impact of nearby commercial uses. It is imperative that we continue the work as laid out in the Terminal Island Transition Plan.
Approval of this recommendation would request the City Manager to conduct a feasibility study to determine the feasibility of implementing the Terminal Island Transition Plan with a report back in 120 days.
The report back should include a menu of options ranging from partial to full implementation of the plan, a discussion of impact on stakeholders, and a discussion of potential funding sources. The feasibility study should also include discussion of how this plan might further the City’s goals for the 2028 Olympics. The Terminal Island Transition Plan document lays out a plan for implementation and funding and should serve as a guide.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on February 16, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommendation requests the City Manager to work with the Public Works Department to determine the feasibility of implementing the Terminal Island Transition Plan and report back to City Council in 120 days. The requested action is anticipated to require a significant level of staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and have a significant impact on meeting other City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERTO URANGA COUNCILMEMBER,
SEVENTH DISTRICT