Long Beach : Recycling Center to Be Built Despite Pleas of Neighbors

The Long Beach Planning Commission has approved construction of a recycling center at 1524 Oregon Ave. over the objections of business owners and residents who say it will attract transients and increase crime.

Arguments that burglary, vandalism and trespassing are already problems in the light industrial district, and that a center would attract transients seeking to recycle for cash, were dismissed by the Department of Building and Planning staff, which set restrictions for parking and keeping the location clean.

Planning commissioners added a final condition--that a security guard be on-site 1 1/2 hours before opening to keep order among waiting customers. Commissioners also suggested that the operator keep normal business hours, rather than the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. maximum allowed in the permit.