San Pedro plan for waterfront hits new snag.IT hasn't been easy sailing for the expansive San Pedro waterfront project. In the latest setback, the Port of Los Angeles The Port of Los Angeles is located on San Pedro Bay in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, approximately 20 miles (30 km) south of downtown. Also called Los Angeles Harbor and WORLDPORT LA has put environmental studies required by federal and state regulations on temporary hold. But the port insists the process, already four years under way, hasn't stopped for good and will be resumed in short order. "The notion of this thing being stalled or indefinitely delayed is an exaggeration Exaggeration Bunyon, Paul legendary giant, hero of tall tales of the logging camps. [Am. Folklore: The Wonderful Adventures of Paul Bunyon] Jenkins’ ear trivial cause of a great quarrel. [Br. Hist. of where we are at. We plan on moving into the process within the next few months," said Arley Baker, a port spokesman. The reasons for the hold-up are twofold. The main sticking point sticking point n. A point, issue, or situation that causes or is likely to cause an impasse. Noun 1. sticking point - a point at which an impasse arises in progress toward an agreement or a goal is the number of alternative configurations of commercial and open space that need to be vetted in the environmental studies. Now, five configurations plus one favored by the port are to be analyzed an·a·lyze tr.v. an·a·lyzed, an·a·lyz·ing, an·a·lyz·es 1. To examine methodically by separating into parts and studying their interrelations. 2. Chemistry To make a chemical analysis of. 3. . Port officials believe reducing that number will ease the process. "To the extent that we can look at fewer alternatives, we are going to be in better shape and that is what we are going to be doing in the next couple months," said Baker, who added that whatever time would be lost picking what alternatives to drop could be made up in the long run. The second reason for the delay is a management issue: David Mathewson, the port's director of planning and environmental affairs, only recently took over control of the project from departed director of engineering development Stacey Jones Stacey Jones ONZM (born May 7 1976 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a former rugby league player. He usually plays halfback, but has briefly played five-eighth during his distinguished career, which includes 46 Tests for New Zealand (1995-2006). , who left in April to pursue a job opportunity at an engineering services firm. Baker said Mathewson needs to get "acclimated into the process." The studies are now expected to be completed in 2008, but there's skepticism that the port is making the right choice with the delay. Councilwoman Janice Hahn Janice Hahn is a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing the 15th district. Hahn was elected in 2001 and reelected in 2005, running unopposed. The 15th District encompasses the Los Angeles communities of Watts, Wilmington, Harbor Gateway, Harbor City, Athens on the has said that all alternatives should be thoroughly scrutinized to produce the best plan. Already the port is chugging forward with $18 million worth of waterfront enhancements. In total, the project is projected to cost from $500 million to $800 million and will be phased in over 30 years. Elements include a revitalized re·vi·tal·ize tr.v. re·vi·tal·ized, re·vi·tal·iz·ing, re·vi·tal·iz·es To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy. commercial center at Ports O'Call and a new paseo that will connect downtown San Pedro, restaurants, shopping venues and a four-acre Fisherman's Park. |
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