[ The port of Long Beach redeveloping more than 500 acr.. ]

The port of Long Beach redeveloping more than 500 acres of former navy
land for cargo handling purposes

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved the environm
ental documentation necessary to redevelop more than 500 acres of form
er navy land for cargo handling purposes. The vote cast by board membe
rs comes on the heels of the U.S. Navy’s “record of decision” on Ma
y 26 that deemed that the city of Long Beach reuse plan presented the
best use for former naval properties by converting the land into cargo
terminals.
The decision designated that the properties also may be used for ship
repair facilities and other uses previously approved by the Long Beach
City Council. It was released after a 300-day environmental review of
the proposed facilities. The review studied alternative uses for the
properties in addition to cargo terminals.
The board’s action will allow the port of Long Beach to develop appro
ximately 300 acres for one or more container terminals and provides ad
ditional acreage for storage of petroleum and “breakbulk”cargoes suc
h as lumber and steel. As part of the plan, the Long Beach Police Depa
rtment will be able to use a 256,500 square-foot former shipyard build
ing for a new headquarters. Acreage also will be set aside as a ship r
epair facility, but the exact size of it will remain flexible until pr
oposals are received from potential operators.
In a related action, the board also authorized the port staff to adver
tise for bids on the removal of hazardous materials from 95 non-histor
ic structures within the formal Naval Station and breakwater known as
the Navy Mole. The materials to be removed include lead paint and asbe
stos containing floor and ceiling tiles, insulation and mastic.
The removal of hazardous materials is expected to begin in August and
will mark the beginning of development of the new terminals. The const
ruction is expected to generate more than 3,500 temporary jobs and the
various cargo terminals approximately 1,000 permanent jobs once compl
eted.
The board’s action will allow port staff to begin negotiation with po
tential tenants for use of the various cargo terminals.