Wrigley Heights Condo Project Approved Despite Neighbors’ Pleas

A Wrigley Heights condominium project got the go-ahead from the Long Beach Planning Commission last week, despite an emotional plea from residents who worry that more density and traffic from the three-story, 26-unit development will destroy the ambience of their residential neighborhood.

“It would be a shame to ruin the neighborhood. This is only the start of something terrible,” said Wrigley resident Doris Cox, speaking on behalf of more than 120 neighbors who signed a petition opposing the project at 421 W. 33rd St.

Commissioner Elbert Segelhorst concurred with Cox. “I think it’s terrible that we allow them to come into this neighborhood and wreck it.”

The developer, Steven Doty, said he had spent two months talking with residents, and time was running out on his construction loan. Doty had obtained the 120-day loan approval prior to an April 4 commission meeting at which residents won a two-month delay on the project.

“I’m standing here today and I’m gasping for air,” begged Doty’s attorney, Tim Cameron.

Although Wrigley Assn. president Brad Ward said residents had voted not to oppose the project, he added that density was the main concern.

“If we’d realized the property was zoned R-4, we would have opposed it before this project (came about),” Ward said.

Commissioner Nancy Latimer summed up the commission’s position. “I feel I’m caught in the middle . . . the developer has used good judgment, and to change his plans would cost a lot, and I also hear a neighborhood that’s concerned,” Latimer said.

The project finally received the commission’s unanimous approval, with the stipulation that the third story have a 20-foot setback to diminish its visual impact from the street.

The developer said the requirement will reduce the number of units and affect the financial feasibility of the project, but he agreed to the change.

“We want the community to be happy; we don’t want unhappy neighbors,” Doty said.