Would you like to see the  2nd and PCH area of Long Beach be more bike and pedestrian friendly? Would you like to see pedestrian paths that allow you and your family to view the wetlands in SE Long Beach?  You ask…what wetlands…I thought those were just oil fields.

The City is undertaking a review and update of the development plan for SE Long Beach that centers on the 2nd and PCH intersection (see area map below).  The area contains wetlands, marinas and retail.  The city is asking…how would you like the area to look in 20 years.

One of the questions begin asked is about bicycle and pedestrian access.

Currently the area has at best poor bike and pedestrian access.

For those of you who visit the area on a regular basis know how difficult it can be to get through the 2nd and PCH intersection on your bike. You know that there are no bike lanes on 2nd Street between Marina Drive and Studebaker.  You know that riding Studebaker in front of the power plant and across the bridge over the 22 is harrowing at the best of times.

And pedestrian access is abysmal.  There are no sidewalks along 2nd Street between Shopkeeper Road and the San Gabriel River.  Other sidewalks are narrow.  There is no easy access access to the wetlands. Did you know that there is one of the largest populations of herons in the US located here.  But it is almost impossible to view.

So what can you do to make a difference in the planning process?

The City has created a website that you can use to follow the study…but more importantly to provide your input.
Currently on the website the City has posted a series of 10 questions designed to get the community’s input on a variety of topics related to the development.  One of those questions directly addresses biking and walking in the area, one address overall traffic and another what people would like to see done with PCH.

What the city has heard so far is that people would like to see the area be more bike and pedestrian friendly.  They want to see the wetlands preserved and restored with pedestrian access. They would like to see high end retail with mixed residential and  perhaps a boutique hotel.  Some have talked about Transit Oriented Development. Others, who are more car centric, have suggested that we consider a “cross town freeway” to make the area more car friendly.  Some have suggested considering a “fly over” or clover leaf at 2nd and PCH.  Still others suggest putting more traffic onto Marina Drive to divert it off of PCH.  Some have suggested extending Studebaker through the wetlands to connect with PCH.

What do you think should be done in the area?  Your input is important.  Please let the city know what you would like this important part of the city to look like in the next 20 years.

For more information on the project there will be a public input meeting this Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Seaport Hotel, located on the SE corner of PCH and 2nd.