CARP Calls for Aquatic Center Plan to Include New Pools in Underserved Neighborhoods

Citizens About Responsible Planning (CARP) is prepared to drop its lawsuit against approval of the $80+ million proposed Belmont Beach Aquatic Center (BBAC) provided the City of Long Beach commits to building public pools in underserved Long Beach neighborhoods.

 

The Coastal Commission’s recent approval of Long Beach City Hall’s plan, to spend $80+ million on the proposed Belmont Beach Aquatic Center (BBAC) in Belmont Shore, is conditioned on the city coming up with an effective social equity plan. However, the city’s present plan does not fully address Long Beach equity issues,” says Joe Weinstein, CARP board member.

 

Under the city’s plan, some youth from underserved neighborhoods would be bused to the proposed BBAC in Belmont Shore. “This plan imposes extra travel inconvenience and lost time precisely on folks who are already disadvantaged. In addition, this plan does not address ADA concerns,” says Renee Lawler, CARP board member. “Many handicapped and disabled persons, both young and old, would need to travel 10 miles or more across Long Beach to the proposed BBAC site.” Fran Itkoff, Leader of the Long Beach/Lakewood MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Support Group said, “It is important for our MS family to have more handicap accessible pool facilities available in addition to locations like the Silverado Pool we have used for years”.

 

A more equitable solution,” said CARP’s board member Rae Gabelich, “is for the City of Long Beach to commit to building two or more additional public pools directly in the neighborhoods which need them most. Pools in additional underserved locations would provide more equity and would be better situated to serve all city residents, youth as well as elderly, handicapped and disabled.”