At the March 22, meeting, rotary members in attendance and guests heard the presentation and talked to Bruno Naulls, Senior Project Manager, Community Development, City of Lynwood, providing updated information on several projects in which he is involved.
Before the presentation and discussion with the speaker, several Rotary activities and issues were briefly discussed. With respect to planning for the annual operation of the fireworks stand in the Food for Less parking lot owned by Plaza Mexico, Ramon Rodriguez mentioned that the City Council at its Mar 20 meeting discussed the possibility of not approving the annual fireworks stands by nonprofit community organizations, including the Lynwood Rotary. Ramon noted that several in the audience stated their objections to the loud noises from fireworks discharged in the community on July 4 and noting the discomfort caused to family pet dogs. Both Ramon and Daniel commented that the loud noises are not the result of fireworks sold at these firework stands (only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are sold). These fireworks only rise a distance of a few feet and make no loud noises that can be heard in the neighborhood. Daniel urged Ramon to attend the Council meeting on Apr 3 and explain that the objections voiced are from illegal fireworks purchased from sources in Mexico and other countries, and that the elimination of the fireworks stands in Lynwood will have no effect on the use of these illegal fireworks used in Lynwood and in other local cities. Daniel mentioned that he attended the Youth act presence at the Sat, Mar 17, 5-K run at Dodger Stadium, 6am- Noon, which was part of the LA Marathon, that was held on Sun from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. Daniel displayed a marathon T-Shirt for volunteers and a badge and neck ribbon for the 5-K runners who completed the course; Also on Sat, Mar 24, Youth act and parents assisted at serving food at a winter shelter for homeless in Long Beach, which involved bringing food for 150 people (new location in L.B.). It was noted that the next Rotary weekly meeting will be at 6pm on Mar 29, and will be at Bateman Hall (although the food will be prepared off site for this meeting). It remains to be determined if any meetings will again be held in the Recreation Building.
Bruno Naulls provided detailed information on a series of pending projects. He distributed a hand out paper with helpful background information. Bruno noted that several of the projects involve ground contamination issues, but that the projects can proceed while the mandated cleanup requirements are pursued.
Northgate Project (South of and adjacent to the 105 Freeway on Long Beach Bl. ); 3.8 acres, 40,000 sq. Feet Grocery store.
Plaza Mexico Expansion (SW corner of State & Imperial ); site plan review; developer agreement with city; 4 stories of apartments consisting of studios and 1 bedroom units, not likely to attract large families; 348 residential units, equaling 800 residents, generating 15-20 million in earned income, resulting in 2-3 million dollars spent on local businesses; 4 stories of residential units, ground floor, 27,000 sq. ft. retail and related commercial use.
Atlantic Housing Project (SW corner Atlantic and Agnes) 4 stories of housing; 1, 2, & 3 bedroom units with total of 67 units
Veteran Housing Project (This is in the so-called triangular property; at Fernwood / Imperial / Alameda)
Also Lower LA River Revitalization Plan; also Bike Trail; also I-710 Livability Initiative. Of note, the River Plan, was initiated by Rendon and includes a Working Group to develop a revitalization plan for the 19 miles of the lower river. Also the bike trail is the recipient of a Urban Greening Grant Program of $2,853,000. And the I-700 Livability Initiative, led by the Gateway Cities COG, with support from LA Metro, to improve transportation related projects, 1 mile, either side of I-710..Daniel suggested that Bruno come back soon with another update on these interesting and important projects within and impacting the City of Lynwood.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club