Shouldn’t the property be restored as part of the wetlands?
The project site is not now, nor has it ever been wetlands, so it will not result in the loss of any wetlands or impact wetlands located on the west side of Studebaker Road.

Isn’t the property better suited for a storage facility or an office building?
The Design Center represents a unique land use opportunity that will benefit local neighborhoods by providing close-by home improvement and garden center shopping experiences. Historically the City of Long Beach has lost millions in sales tax revenues to neighboring cities from similar projects.

Storage facilities do not generate sales tax revenue and office buildings rely on nearby restaurants and retail centers to attract tenants.

The 16.7-acre property is privately owned and will be developed. It is currently zoned for general industrial purposes and an alternative plan exists for an inter-modal trucking facility at the site.

Have leaking fuel tanks contaminated the soil on the site?
The materials on site are petroleum based and limited to a small area (about two feet wide and one foot deep) at the base of existing fuel tanks — from prior treatment of tank exteriors to prevent corrosion and rusting. This contamination is minimal and site preparation and tank demolition will be done in accordance with state and federal regulations prior to any new land use.

Will day laborers loiter near the property?
Because a Design Center is much less contractor-oriented there is little demand for day labor assistance. Also, the high-income demographics of East Long Beach mean that most day laborers would need to travel a long distance by foot or bus to reach the property. The Lowes store on Bellflower Blvd. best illustrates why this should not be a problem.

Won’t traffic congestion on Studebaker Road increase?
The Design Center will address both future and existing traffic impacts — improving conditions from where they are today after the project is complete. The project includes more than $2 million in traffic improvements, which include:

• Restriping northbound Studebaker Road at the south project driveway and the SR 22 eastbound ramps to provide three through lanes
• Installing pedestrian improvements on Loynes Drive
• Converting the existing westbound right-turn lane at Studebaker and 2nd St. into a through lane and constructing an exclusive westbound right-turn lane
• Installing a traffic signal interconnect system from 2nd St. to SR 22 ramp — allowing progressive flow to the freeway onramp
• Synchronizing traffic signals with Caltrans on 2nd St. from Marina Dr. to Studebaker, reducing delay and stacking at PCH and 2nd St.
• Synchronizing traffic signals on PCH between Studebaker and 7th St. for both weekday and weekend conditions.

Won’t the project adversely impact a failing sewer system near Loynes Drive?
Project implementation includes installing an additional neighborhood sewer line paralleling the existing 270-foot section, thus removing the existing capacity constraint.