Long Beach : Chamber Endorses Disney Resort Plan ‘in Concept’

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the proposed DisneySea project “in concept,” while acknowledging that many unanswered questions remain about the impact of the huge theme park and resort.

A resolution approved by the board of directors states that the chamber will “affirm its full support of the concrete final plan” when the board is assured the project will “positively impact” the greater Long Beach business community.

The chamber’s International Business Assn., which consists largely of port-related businesses, was not ready to go that far. It opposed the motion of support as premature, saying there are too many unknown factors about the Disney project’s effect on the booming Long Beach port.

The $3-billion resort would be built on the Long Beach waterfront, next to the harbor, and there have been concerns that such a huge tourist attraction would interfere with port traffic, as well as greatly increase freeway and street congestion.

“While we are excited about the many benefits the project will provide, we realize many challenges still remain,” said Jane Netherton, chairwoman of the chamber board.