Some common sense by a govt. body

It seems like the public is  constantly bombarded with news stories about government inefficiencies and stubborn attitudes by our leading political parties that refuse to moderate their positions.   With that thought in mind we are happy to report that the City Council of Seal Beach and the land owners of the DMV property have come to a meeting of the minds that would seem to satisfy everyone……or not satisfy everyone…… which is pretty much the same thing.

What follows is a press release by both parties in the dispute.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ed Selich, Bay City Partners, LLC                                                                         Quinn Barrow, Attorney, City of seal Beach

(949) 723-6383                                                                                                                           (213)626-8484

Bay City Partners, LLC and City of Seal Beach Settle Litigation

Agreement is the first step to preserving significant waterfront open space for public use

Seal Beach, CA – March 29, 2011- Last night the Seal Beach City Council took action to assure continued public access to the beach and San Gabriel River Bike Trail. Bay City Partners, LLC and the City of Seal Beach reached agreement over ongoing litigation filed by both parties in 2009. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to dismiss their respective lawsuits.

If the City and California Coastal Commission approve Bay City’s pending proposal, Bay City will convey the southerly 70% of the DWP property to the City.

Mayor Michael Levitt said “This is a significant achievement for the community. Bay City’s concessions on beach access and the bike trail will enable the City to complete the Rivers End Staging Project on time and on budget. In addition, it is the first step in the process toward preserving over 6 acres of open space for public use.”

“This Settlement Agreement is a major step in ending the long and disruptive saga of the fate of the DWP site,” stated Bay City representative Ed Selich. “For more than 44 years, this land has sat in an unproductive and blighted state. Now it will finally come to life with beautiful open space and a residential project in scale and character with Old Town Seal Beach. Bay City looks forward to the day that we can remove the fence surrounding the property so that the grand vistas to the ocean are opened for all to enjoy.”

After almost 18 months of legal proceedings, the parties reached a settlement which is in the best interests of Seal Beach residents and taxpayers.

Key features are: • Stopping costly litigation, • Receiving a sewer access and maintenance easement, • Leasing the beach parking lot access road and bike trail on the DWP property, • Facilitating the receipt of a $2,000,000 Clean Water Act grant to improve the River’s End parking lot and San Gabriel River bike trail, • Preparing a comprehensive environmental impact report on Bay City’s proposal, • City payment of $900,000, and If the Coastal Commission approves Bay City’s proposal, the City purchases the 70% open space for $1,100,000

Bay City has submitted a proposal for a 48-lot residential project. The City will process the applications through the normal city channels, and conduct a series of public hearings. Our city council is to be commended as is Bay City Partners.

Most of the precious river front property on the left will be utilized as open space for the citizens. The development will be on the right side of the above photo and front 1st street.

An email sent by new Council Member Ellery Deaton last week summarizes the battle: “Tonight the City Council approved a settlement agreement with the DWP owners.  This settlement is the conclusion of the Council’s negotiations with Bay City Partners for last couple years.  As a new Councilmember and an 11th hour participant in the process, I supported the work of the Council and voted to end the costly court battles and put the project before the public for their comments and review.  It was very important to me to fulfill a promise I made to our constituents to reach a settlement to this matter, stop unnecessary litigation costs and retain 70% south of Central Way as open space for public use.  This settlement has accomplished these goals.

While it is unfortunate that under this agreement, the City will have to pay for the easement and open space, it is cheaper and more productive to stop litigating and move ahead with the public review process.  We will be paying $900,000 up front for the sewer easement; the $1.1 million agreed to for the open space will not be paid for nor the land deeded over until the project has received all it’s approvals, including Coastal Commission approval.”