If you want your voice to be heard on one of the city's biggest public projects, don't forget to send them to the state by 5 p.m. today.
State officials has been seeking feedback on an environmental report they did on the proposed courthouse project. Slated for completion by 2012, the new courthouse would be a 545,000-square-foot building with 31 civil and criminal courtrooms, county office space, retail space and a basement that will include a sally port or controlled-entry space and an in-custody holding facility.
The state and the Redevelopment Agency are hammering out the terms of a land-exchange agreement that would give the agency 415 W. Ocean Blvd., site of the current courthouse, for future development in exchange for the vacant property bordered by Broadway, Maine Avenue, Third Street and Magnolia Avenue.
While ultimate approval belongs to the state, the agency and the community have been able to inject their views about the project's design. This is one of those opportunities.
First District City Councilman Robert Garcia has been beating the drum on this:
More than 100 residents responded to Councilman Robert Garcia's call for public comments on the new Long Beach Courthouse project currently being planned by the State Administrative Office of the Courts. The number of letters represents more than five times the number of attendees at the only public meeting held by the State on this project, which occurred last Monday, at which fewer than 20 residents were present.
The campaign began just a week ago, and the letters were sent today, just in time for the 5pm deadline.
"The Courthouse project will have a huge impact on our community, and we want to ensure the impact is positive," said the Councilmember. "We want a building that is environmentally responsible, physically inspiring, and well-managed. We want to make sure local jobs are created and public safety protected."
Garcia has posted a form letter outlining these issues at www.robertgarcia.com for residents.
Members of the public can alter, delete or entirely rewrite the letter and put their names on it. After the letters are submitted on the Web site, Garcia said he will forward all of them to the state Monday.
For a copy of the report, visit www.courtinfo.ca.gov/programs/occm/projects_lalongbeach.htm or contact Jerome Ripperda at jerry.ripperda@jud.ca.gov
State officials has been seeking feedback on an environmental report they did on the proposed courthouse project. Slated for completion by 2012, the new courthouse would be a 545,000-square-foot building with 31 civil and criminal courtrooms, county office space, retail space and a basement that will include a sally port or controlled-entry space and an in-custody holding facility.
The state and the Redevelopment Agency are hammering out the terms of a land-exchange agreement that would give the agency 415 W. Ocean Blvd., site of the current courthouse, for future development in exchange for the vacant property bordered by Broadway, Maine Avenue, Third Street and Magnolia Avenue.
While ultimate approval belongs to the state, the agency and the community have been able to inject their views about the project's design. This is one of those opportunities.
First District City Councilman Robert Garcia has been beating the drum on this:
More than 100 residents responded to Councilman Robert Garcia's call for public comments on the new Long Beach Courthouse project currently being planned by the State Administrative Office of the Courts. The number of letters represents more than five times the number of attendees at the only public meeting held by the State on this project, which occurred last Monday, at which fewer than 20 residents were present.
The campaign began just a week ago, and the letters were sent today, just in time for the 5pm deadline.
"The Courthouse project will have a huge impact on our community, and we want to ensure the impact is positive," said the Councilmember. "We want a building that is environmentally responsible, physically inspiring, and well-managed. We want to make sure local jobs are created and public safety protected."
Garcia has posted a form letter outlining these issues at www.robertgarcia.com for residents.
Members of the public can alter, delete or entirely rewrite the letter and put their names on it. After the letters are submitted on the Web site, Garcia said he will forward all of them to the state Monday.
For a copy of the report, visit www.courtinfo.ca.gov/programs/occm/projects_lalongbeach.htm or contact Jerome Ripperda at jerry.ripperda@jud.ca.gov
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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