My Belmont Heights

Recap of BHCA Public Forum on “Mansionization” 

The BHCA would like to thank everyone who attended the recent forum on “mansionization.” At least 100 people packed the auditorium of Fremont Elementary School on Wednesday, February 28th, 2007.

 Regular Business Meeting

The meeting opened with the regular BHCA agenda presented by Mike Stewart, President. He urged people to become involved with the many groups and activities sponsored by the BHCA, including studying the wetlands issue, the Seaport Marina Development, beautification of the neighborhood, and community outreach. Grace Parris encouraged people to get involved with the newsletter – she needs a calendar/events coordinator as well as article writers and a distribution team.  Mike also reminded people to join the BHCA ($20 per year) in order to support the various endeavors of this neighborhood advocacy group.

 Introduction of Committee

The Heights Preservation Committee then began the Public Forum with an introduction of the committee members: Co-Chairs Marc Coleman and Maureen Neeley, Members Bette McKinney, Dianne Sundstrom, Paul Murname, Marky Morel, Grace Parris, Craig Starnes, and Elizabeth Lambe.

 The Current Situation

After a brief “History of the Heights” was presented, a power point presentation highlighted some of the data surrounding the changes in the neighborhood:

1) The escalation of demolitions and major remodels has gone from approximately 3 per year since 2000 to 7 in 2006 and 7 already in the first two months of 2007.

2) The majority of homes being demolished were first built prior to 1930.

3) Examples of traditional streetscapes were presented, showing set-backs, style of architecture, and size. Examples of the impact of a large modern home to this streetscape was then presented.

4) Some newly-built homes buildings in the Heights were shown.

5) Seven impacts of “mansionization” were discussed, based on data compiled from sources such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and the National Trust for Historic Preservation

 Councilman DeLong

Gary DeLong has been aware of the efforts of the BHCA regarding this issue and applauded the process that the group was following. He was anxious to hear public input and will do what he needs to help facilitate some solutions with the City if that is the direction the neighborhood wants to go in.  He was very pleased with the turnout at the meeting and impressed with the level of community commitment to making the quality of life the best it can be in the Heights.

 Planning and Building Department

BHCA thanks members of the Planning and Building Department Angela Reynolds, Jan Ostashay and Mark Hungerford for participating. The city staff then presented the current standards and policies for demolitions and remodeling in Long Beach and in Belmont Heights. These zoning codes included the fact that as long as there are no requests for variances from a home-owner/builder, there is no neighbor notification necessary when demolitions or remodels are going to take place. There are no restrictions on which buildings can be demolished, despite age, history, or architecture. There are no design restrictions on new construction other than setbacks and height guides.

 Framework for the Next Steps

The BHCA then reiterated that the evening was designed for education and discernment. All audience members were encouraged to complete the one-page survey and add any comments or additional suggestions. This is the tool which the BHCA would use to help guide the next steps in the process.

 Public Comments

The public was then welcome to voice concerns and ideas regarding zoning, design, massiveness, density. At least 45 minutes ensued where everyone who wanted to speak had several minutes to do so. Comments ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other, with the majority requesting ideas on how to adapt current zoning to something more reflective of the Belmont Heights neighborhood.

The BHCA would like to thank everyone who spoke up with their thoughtful comments. The tone was respectful of each other and it was clear that the issue of how our community will grow over the next decades was a high priority with those present. 

The evening ended with the BHCA reiterating the plan to compile the surveys, and based on the results to begin working with the city on creating various options. These options will then be presented back to the greater community through a similar public forum at the April 11th BHCA meeting.

 End Notes

The survey that was distributed at the meeting is on this website under “Mansionization Survey” in the ‘post’ section. Anyone who wants to communicate their thoughts through this tool are welcome to do so. The results of the survey will be compiled and available on this website by March 8th.