SEADIP Is a Disaster

In spite of millions of dollars, years of efforts and numerous public meetings, the effort to revise SEADIP is a failure. The public’s main issues: traffic standstill on PCH and Second Street and Protection of the Los Cerritos Wetlands, have not only been ignored, but will be made worse with 2,584 new housing units, 5 to 7-story buildings and the expansion of bicycle and pedestrian paths through the middle of the wetlands.

Although the Coastal Commission staff has worked diligently and added 16 suggested modifications to the SEASP plan, there are many issues that need to still be addressed.

The new tree trimming policies, water quality protection and need for low-cost overnight rooms are consistent with the requirements of the Coastal Act; however, density, building height, traffic, sea level rise, Native Culture and protection of the wetlands are still not addressed.

The DEIR stated: “The proposed Coastal Habitat, Wetlands & Recreation land use designation encourages trails and public viewing areas and allows for the development of visitor-serving recreation or an interpretive center. Additionally, the proposed Project would increase residential uses, increasing population in the project area. The proposed uses and Specific Plan buildout would attract residents and visitors to the wetland areas. Increased recreational use has damaging effects on wildlife due to trampling, bicycle use, and unregulated movement of domestic animals. The impact of human intrusion into sensitive biological resources could result in a significant impact.”

There is a planned bicycle/pedestrian path across the northern section of the wetlands, adjacent to the Los Cerritos Channel, in spite of the dangers to wetlands flora and fauna. (see map on pg. 123 of Exhibits)

Long Beach has numerous bike trails--one right next to the wetlands on the San Gabriel River. This is totally unneeded. All public trails should be be on the perimeter of the wetlands to protect the plant and animal species.

In addition to the almost 300-page staff report, we were told there is to be an addendum from staff, which will not be available until Monday or Tuesday and can only be responded to during public comment on Thursday. Because of lack of public notice and time to respond, the Sierra Club Los Cerritos Wetlands Task Force is urging the commission to not vote on this project on Thursday, but to hold another hearing to address all of the issues.

The time for written comment has passed, but sign-up for public comment can be done any time before 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. 10/8/20. Go to coastal.ca.gov for information on the agenda and Zoom access.