by Sean Macken
The condemnation of four properties was first on the agenda of the Long Beach Board of Alderman for a public hearing, as the city had attempted over a period of time to bring these equities into compliance with ordinances at the Long Beach City Hall Tuesday night. Several alderman and Mayor George Bass questioned the status of the property while raising concerns of public safety during the hearing.
Each of the properties (108 Park Rowe Ave., 247 Reinike Rd, 20019 Sunshine Dr. and 118 Carroll Ave.) received a public hearing, were in severe states of disrepair, and at least 2 had suffered fires that have not been addressed. With no representation coming forward for the first three properties during the hearing, the Board unanimously moved to have City Attorney Jim Simpson initiate having the properties condemned.
A representative for the family, who owns 118 Carroll Ave., came forward and asked the board for time to either sell the property “as is,” or to arrange the structure be razed.
Long Beach Ward 1 Alderman Ron Robertson communicated to Mayor George Bass and Board that this property has been on the City’s radar for approximately 10 years with no action by the owner to improve the condition of the property.
After a lengthy discussion, the Board unanimously voted in favor of having Simpson start the process of the property being condemned.
On a lighter note, the Board voted to waive fees and provide Police and Fire Department support to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the Irish-American Society of Long Beach, scheduled for March 9, 2019.
Once approving several personnel issues within a few departments and public works initiatives, the Board approved going into Executive Session with a vague reference to potential litigation. Bass asked the Board to take this action based on potential litigation.
Despite a lengthy absence, the Board and Mayor returned to public session with no actions taken. Before recess, the Board set another public hearing for an additional property which could be a menace to health.
