Wrigley Association

1925 Pacific Avenue

Dec 07, 2005

December 5, 2005

Ms. Lynette Ferenczy
Planning Commission
City of Long Beach
333 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802

Dear Ms. Ferenczy:

RE: Case #0508-23

On behalf of the more than one hundred residents and businesses who are members of the Wrigley Association, The Board of Directors formally opposes the permit application submitted by Hope Christian Ministries, Case Number 0508-23 for the use of 1925 Pacific Avenue as a storefront ministry.

The proposed site at 1925 Pacific Avenue is specifically zoned for commercial and pedestrian use. Hope Christian Ministries is NOT an appropriate enterprise for this location. The fact that the permit application submitted by Hope Christian Ministries identifies three exceptions, e.g. a conditional use permit, an AVP and a standards variance for parking?—clearly points to the fact that the church?’s proposed use for this site is non-conforming with the site?’s intended use.

The operation of Hope Christian Ministries would be detrimental to the positive growth of Pacific Avenue as a commercial and pedestrian district. Such churches have a negative impact on foot traffic and on the local business climate, as they are generally closed during the day?—when business and foot traffic is at its peak. Moreover, storefront churches often operate at night and can be a disturbance to local residents.

Long Beach?’s Strategic Plan calls for Pacific Avenue to be developed as a commercial district. Local businesses and many Wrigley area residents have been working hard on plans to form a Business Improvement District and recruit new businesses to the area. To allow Hope Christian Ministries to operate at 1925 Pacific would not only be entirely counter to the Strategic Plan, but would also be entirely contrary to the wishes of area residents and businesses.

The Board further opposes Hope Christian Ministry?’s desire to operate on Pacific Avenue because the area is already severely parking-impacted. The church?’s presence would only worsen the current parking problem on Pacific. According to Hope Christian Ministries, there are 100 members, yet they are asking for a variance to allow them to operate with only 37 parking spots when their type of use specifies a minimum of 47 parking spots.

In addition, members of Hope Christian Ministries have expressed their intention to open a daycare center, provide drug treatment programs and work with the homeless. The church has not, however, applied for the necessary permits for each of these uses. While the church may be considering these programs with the noblest of intentions, Pacific Avenue and Wrigley in general, are overloaded with such service programs. They are a hindrance to commercial enterprises and burden residents with more than their fair share social problems.

For too long, the city has allowed zoning exceptions and permit violations to become the norm rather than the exception on Pacific Avenue. This area already has far too many storefront churches, considering it is not zoned for this type of use. The vast majority of these churches are operating without proper permits in defiance of standard practices in this City.

The city appears to have turned a blind eye to what is occurring on Pacific Avenue. Second Street in Belmont Shore and Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls are the only areas in the entire city of Long Beach with the same type of zoning as Pacific Avenue. Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls are home to thriving business communities and are popular shopping districts. Yet Pacific Avenue, unfortunately, cannot make the same claim?—due in no small part to the fact that the city has allowed far too many organizations that are not in accordance with the specified zoning to set up shop on Pacific Avenue.

Wrigley residents and local business people strongly believe that it is possible for Pacific Avenue to become a thriving commercial area that could contribute to the economic well being and quality of life of the city of Long Beach. We ask that you please help make this possibility a reality and deny Hope Christian Ministry?’s permit application for the site at 1925 Pacific Avenue. Thank you for your time and assistance.


Very truly yours,



Joan Greenwood
President
Wrigley Association