New Development Plans Underway in Midtown Long Beach

From the City of Long Beach: Enhanced walkability, improved mobility options for bicycles and transit riders, and new development and housing opportunities along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor will create a thriving community in Midtown Long Beach. The Midtown Specific Plan (Plan) sets forth a strategic path for achieving this vision and redefining a 369-acre area along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor.

“The Midtown area is a critical part of the overall fabric of our City,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The Plan provides a framework and guiding principles for development and revitalization along Long Beach Boulevard that supports a more sustainable future for residents, the economy, and the environment.”

Underutilized properties along this prime transit corridor present a unique opportunity for developing a mixture of parks, strong businesses, and transit-oriented development and housing options that will stimulate reinvestment, promote healthy living options, and enhance the public realm. Affordable housing developments like the Long Beach and 21st Apartments and Long Beach and Burnett Apartments exemplify the vision of the Plan and advance the growth and livability of Midtown.

“Midtown is ready to move forward with this transformation,” said Councilmember Dee Andrews. “This significant undertaking will benefit the community-at-large by promoting vitality throughout our neighborhoods and supporting greater urban amenities, making Midtown an early leader in multi-modal transportation practices.”

The California Association of Environmental Planners (AEP) will recognize the Plan’s vision and contributions to the enhancement and protection of the urban environment with an Outstanding Planning Document award on May 19. This award is presented to a planning document that best accommodates projected population growth to protect California’s environmental resources, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and provide urban recreation and natural open space.

The Plan was also presented the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Sustainability Award in the Integrated Planning category earlier this month.

“This award distinguishes Long Beach among several of the most notable environmental documents and achievements Statewide,” said Amy Bodek, Director of Long Beach Development Services. “The Midtown Specific Plan addresses many factors for the City, including population growth, increased housing opportunities, and transit-oriented development to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The Midtown neighborhoods and commercial corridors will see greater economic opportunities, and nearby residents will also benefit from the enhanced streetscape, public art, and even recycling provisions presented in the Plan.”

AEP, founded in 1974, is a non-profit association of public and private sector professionals, and is committed to improving the processing and implementation of environmental assessment, analysis, public disclosure, and reporting.

For more information or to view the Plan, go to: http://www.lbds.info/midtown_specific_plan/.

Photos courtesy of the City of Long Beach