MARINA DEL REY: THE BIG SHOWDOWN
By S.
Denyer
We are headed for a big showdown
that will decide the future of the Marina. The developers argue that the Marina
is prime real estate that is being commercially underutilized. The developers
who are lobbying to win support for massive development of the Marina only see
it as prime real estate that is commercially underutilized. Apparently they do
not appreciate the value of public space.
The same arguments they are making for
their Marina development plans could be used to promote the commercial
development of Central Park in New York City. Certainly, Central Park is
occupying land that is among the most valuable real estate in the world. Does
that mean that it should be turned over to developers? Of course not! No matter
how valuable it may be as commercial real estate, it is even more precious to
New Yorkers as public space. Central Park as park land is fundamental to the
heart and life and soul of the
city.
The Marina is also precious to
Los Angeles. Its value as a public space transcends its commercial value as real
estate. The Marina is functional. It’s dense in population. It has the
interconnecting bike paths, parking lots, barbeque pits, four star hotels and
restaurants. The Marina was well planned and it works. Its land and water were
developed for people to enjoy on many fronts, not merely as a money venture for
a few.
Some smart entrepreneurs are
stalking our public land and I am afraid that our elected officials are
succumbing to their influence.
To
improve Fisherman’s Wharf, first see it as it is: a place where visitors
come in busses. Why not give them more to be involved with - a marine life
museum, or a local historical museum, an open Shakespearean theater, a Japanese
garden and house, a Venice turn of the century style dance/exhibition hall.
Please don’t give it away to some greedy developer. Los Angeles has made
this mistake before. Please let’s not do it again. Move slowly,
don’t be pushed, there is no rush. Have a contest and see what people come
up with. Go public with the
agenda.
Fisherman’s Wharf is
small in scale, which preserves the openness of the harbor. Replacing it with a
large structure would suffocate the marina.
Chace Park can not accommodate the
busses that come to Fisherman’s Wharf. Chace Park is a place for families
and larger groups to come together for outdoor banqueting and fun. It has
already been renovated, and functions beautifully as
is.
Mothers Beach is a local /community
beach, not a tourist destination. It is used by families, schools, and the fire
department, and serves as a launch for small boats. It is a simple, well
functioning spot for the local community. Is there anything wrong with that?
Must we always dwell on making money? The access is fine (go have a look), as is
the parking. Someone is pulling a fast one by telling you
otherwise.
If Los Angeles County needs
more income from the region, why not consider increasing moorage fees for
commercial vessels, recreational boats and yachts? I’m sure boat owners
would not mind paying a bit more, a small sacrifice in order to avoid
overdevelopment and keep the Marina
uncluttered.
Land is not always better
used by making money on it; sometimes it’s the glue that keeps a city
alive.
Please don’t sell our
souls.
P.S. Playa Vista “Area A”, could
be built up as an old western town with a barn for square dancing, great fun for
LA. Dollar a dance, night or day. The tourists would love it. The developers
have no imagination, such a shame. Let’s be proud!
http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/Marina/AssetMgmtStrategy.htm
Posted: Wed - March 1, 2006 at 06:38 AM