Belmont Heights Community Association
January 13, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Belmont Heights United Methodist Church – 7pm
Attendance: @25 / Adjourned: 8:20pm
Submitted by Maureen Neeley, BHCA Secretary. January 19, 2010

I. Welcome and Announcements – Dianne Sundstrom, President

II. Treasurers Report –$895 (ad money and membership are still coming in). All residents are encouraged to join BHCA and pay the $30/year dues. This aids in underwriting the cost of our newsletter and other communication expenses.

III. 3rd District Update on Traffic Calming, Sidewalks, Termino Drain
A. Broadway - After meeting with residents for the past two years regarding speeding along Broadway, the City has proposed a plan to add landscaped meridians and bike paths along Broadway, from Nieto to Park. Renderings were presented and input requested. Concerns included Will traffic divert from Broadway to residential side streets? How will people cross from their alleys to the opposite side of traffic? In general, however, most attendees seemed supportive.
B. Ocean, near the convergence of Livingston and Second –
Perceived problem: Currently, Livingston is 3 lanes as it approaches and leaves Second Street. Once cars leave Second going west they race to make subsequent lights, the first of which is at Termino (6-7 blocks further). There is no place to cross at this stretch either.
Possible solutions: Larger, landscaped meridian from Termino to Second Street split. Cross walks at greater intervals. Two lanes instead of three.
Concerns: Cross town traffic may divert to residential streets / Is this narrowing in line with the Coastal Plan? / Will there be a study of Ocean stoplights and their synchronization (should they be synchronized or not)? This plan is in its very early stages and will be shopped at various residential and business meetings in the affected areas in the coming months.
C. Sidewalk and Street Repairs – Potholes are still of great concern. Some residents avoid driving on certain streets because of the potholes. Sidewalk repairs do not necessarily mean trees will be removed, but residents should make sure work on sidewalks is performed well. If not, call Public Works, for our city often contracts out repairs and needs to hear feedback from residents.
D. Pacific Electric Right-of-Way and the Termino Drain – There will be a public meeting on February 11 to present the second part of Phase 1. Also, ideas for the P.E. Right-of-Way reuse are percolating now. Contact Phil Hester and your councilman if you want to be involved.

IV. BHCA Update
A. Broadway/Redondo/Fourth St. Walkabout – Held on September 22 with business owners and residents. Outcome is posted on the BHCA website. Letter to Councilman DeLong was sent in October which requested ideas from the city to address traffic, parking and aesthetics. Another meeting will be called to breakdown concerns into categories.
B. Noted the publication of the BHCA newsletter. Next issue will be delivered in March Will need help with articles, layout, distribution or advertising.
C. Belmont Heights T-Shirts are for sale. Only $15 in deep gray or olive colors. Contact Gordanna Kajer through the website to purchase. Free delivery!
D. Please post suggestions for sidewalk repairs. We had 1 sidewalk repaired last year through our recommendations. Send your concerns to the website by Sept. 25.
E. Hotel at Second/PCH – Draft EIR available in mid-April.
F. Nominations for BHCA Board – Currently being accepted. Send brief bio and position desired to Maureen Neeley, Secretary, via the website. Elections will be held within the first quarter of 2010. Positions available: President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary, and three at-large board members. Total of seven on the board.

V. 2030 Plan Presentation – Steve Gerhardt, Long Beach Senior Planner
Working through the update on the city’s General Plan (referred to as the 2030 Plan), the character and future of Belmont Heights’ built environment can be addressed. The 2030 Plan seeks to provide viable options regarding transportation, housing, health, employment, etc. The city needs its neighborhoods to help implement ideas.
How can Belmont Heights residents get involved?
1. Go to www.LongBeach2030.org to provide feedback. Maps and explanations are available on the website.
2. Look at your neighborhood with an eye towards “What works? What doesn’t work?” and provide input as to strategies and definitions. For example, what should we keep, change or improve about Belmont Heights?
3. The city will be posting updated information on the 2030 website and asks everyone for input. More meetings will also take place. Call Steve Gerhardt if you would like to host a meeting or need more information. 570-6191
Questions/Concerns voiced at meeting:
1. Who is driving the 2030 Plan? The community. Broad input has been solicited, now it is at the neighborhood level. Policy is “broad” and application is “specific.”
2. How do PlaceTypes change zoning? Zoning does not change, but using “place types” to define an area will make sure that zoning matches the General Plan. A Place Type can correspond to more than one zoning area. Place Types can refer to “neighborhood character.”

Meeting Adjourned at 8:20pm

Next Meeting will be February 10th and one topic will be the upcoming 37th Congressional District race. Candidate Peter Matthews asked to present his position to the BHCA.

March Meeting – March 18 @ Roger’s Middle School – please note, this date is not our usual meeting date nor location. Will take place in conjunction with the Belmont Shore Residents Association and will be a 3rd District Candidates Forum. More information will be posted on the website as details are worked out.