| Message from the Executive DIrector |
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The Coalition to Save the Marina has an alternative vision for Marina del Rey. We want to see the Marina develop in a community- and environmentally-friendly way. The Coalition together with other concerned citizens submitted part of this vision, a draft alternative plan for Mother's Beach, to the Design Control Board at a special night meeting on January 25th 2006. We recommend that the County provide a wide range of water related activities open to everyone at Mother's Beach. Beyond that, we envision an extensive remodeling of the tired, older Marina buildings instead of a demolishing of these structures. New high rise apartments and hotels, with their traffic, view, wind, and environmental impacts, would not be permitted. The Marina would be upgraded in quality, not in density through overbuilding. The Los Angeles County vision for the Marina is virtually the opposite. The County's plan, described in their Asset Management Strategy Program (AMSP), proposes 20 major private development projects and makes virtually no reference to citizen or environmental concerns. It calls mainly for large new hotels, new privately developed high rise apartments and shopping centers. The Coastal Commission review of the County’s AMSP concludes that its "primary objective. . .is financial; its purpose is to encourage additional development in the Marina." (Revised Commission Staff Recommendations, 7/20/06, p. 102) Since 1996 more than 20,000 residential units along with many large shopping centers and malls have been constructed in and around Marina del Rey. Hotel occupancy has decreased by 30%. There is no need for additional housing, hotels, and shopping centers (maybe just a Trader Joes). In fact, the Coastal Act provides that residential housing is not a priority in the Coastal Zone. In keeping with this mandate, the Coalition and other support groups have created our alternative vision. It will better serve the public. Although the Marina was originally dedicated to boating recreation, we are now all in the same boat. A galvanized and cohesive effort is needed in order to offset the special interest County/Agent developers who march to the beat of a different drummer. We need your help now! David DeLange, Executive Director Coalition to Save the Marina Inc. |