City of Long Beach to Conduct Bikeway Improvements on Alamitos Avenue
The City of Long Beach has announced the commencement of construction along Alamitos Avenue in the downtown area, led by contractor All American Asphalt. The project, starting this week, aims to extend the street’s lifespan through enhanced connectivity within the city’s bike lane network. The improvements include buffered bike lanes, new traffic markings, crosswalks, and signage and are scheduled to finish by early January 2024. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, with parking restrictions and intermittent closures expected. The city urges residents to use alternative routes during construction and reduce water runoff into the streets. For further information, the community can contact Joy Contreras, the Department of Public Works Community Relations Officer, at Joy.Contreras@longbeach.gov. Learn more here.
Long Beach Council Set to Allocate $25M for Convention Center Upgrades
The Long Beach City Council is poised to approve a $25 million allocation from the Tidelands Fund for essential repairs at the Convention & Entertainment Center. The funds will cover overdue HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, and other critical repairs. These renovations, vital for the center’s functionality and aligned with the “Elevate ‘28” plan for the 2028 Summer Olympics, have been long overdue, as highlighted in reports showcasing the deteriorating conditions of the infrastructure. The initial allocation aims to address immediate concerns and extend the roof’s life by 30 years, with plans for subsequent funding and bond sales to cover the estimated total cost of $50 million. These bonds will be repaid over 30 years, with anticipated interest partially offset by revenue sources like Transient Occupancy Tax, energy savings, and Convention Center parking revenue. Learn more here.
Community Members Invited to Meeting for Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project
The City of Long Beach is hosting an in-person community meeting on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center for comprehensive details about the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project. This project focuses on enhancing traffic safety, multi-modal connectivity, and preparation for the Olympic Games. Attendees will receive updates on the bridge design, funding, and construction timeline, along with information about related projects in the area. The event welcomes feedback and offers interpretation services in Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog, welcoming both adults and children with light refreshments available. For inquiries, email contactLBPW@longbeach.gov with the subject line “Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project.” Learn more here.
Long Beach Airport Celebrates Centennial Year with Marconi Mural
The Long Beach Airport commemorates its 100th anniversary with a new public art installation titled “A Flight to History.” The mural, by artist “Marconi”, graces Parking Structure A and showcases Long Beach’s aviation legacy. Unveiled shortly after the Airport’s centennial, the 60×30-foot mural depicts the Historic Terminal surrounded by local icons. The artwork was selected through a nationwide call, with Marconi receiving $10,000 for the project. The Airport plans to display smaller works by five runner-up artists in a post-security exhibit. This initiative aligns with the City’s Percent for the Arts Program, underscoring Long Beach’s commitment to enriching the city’s cultural landscape. More information is available at lgb.org/destinations or lgb.org/100th.
Long Beach Hosts Virtual Meeting for Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project Updates
The City of Long Beach is organizing an online community gathering to deliver the latest developments regarding the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project. Scheduled on Zoom for Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m., the meeting will feature significant updates on the construction schedule, shoring installation, bridge construction, and demolition progress. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage, ask questions, and offer feedback at the conclusion of the presentation. Registration is mandatory via https://bit.ly/clbcolorado, and requests for interpretation services must be submitted by Dec. 8, 2023, through contactlbpw@longbeach.gov. For further inquiries, reach out to TidelandsCIP@longbeach.gov, referencing “Colorado Lagoon Open Channel,” or visit the project’s webpage. Learn more here.
