Homeowner Group Opposes Berth Offer

Wilmington Home Owners (WHO) was greatly concerned to hear that the Port of Los Angeles is proposing to offer Hiuka (a scrap metal business) Berth 147 in Wilmington as a site for its business. It appears WHO has not succeeded in getting its adamant opposition to Hiuka’s presence close to the Wilmington community across to Ezunial Burts and the harbor commissioners.

It is our intention to oppose any berth offered to Hiuka except one location either in the southeast side of Terminal Island or on Pier 300.

Our objections to Berth 147 are as follows:

1) It is only three-quarters of a mile from San Pedro residents and one mile from Wilmington residents.

2) The negative effects of noise, dust and debris will still affect our community.

3) Hiuka’s unsightly operation would be in full view of, not only the residents of San Pedro and Palos Verdes, but passengers of the cruise lines operating out of the port.

4) The entrance to the area of Berth 147 is narrow and the risk of collision could be reduced by the location of Hiuka to either of our recommended sites.

5) A cursory visit to Berth 147 raised (questions about) the current condition and potential costs associated to upgrade major negatives on this proposal, including the dock.

6) We were advised that the Harbor Department is preparing to expand its maintenance yard. The increase in traffic associated with both the expansion and relocation of Hiuka to Berth 147 would result in severe traffic problems. This includes interference with the approach to the proposed waterfront access at Banning’s Landing.

7) It would seem logical that Neptune Street would be reopened to facilitate Hiuka’s truck traffic. Would not this reopening cause problems with the current users of this area?

WHO realizes that our community’s proximity to many large businesses is unavoidable and that change is inevitable. Our ultimate goal is to improve the living conditions in the community and to feel assured that our commercial neighbors have the same goal. We wish to develop a working relationship with all those who affect the quality of our life. We are prepared to work diligently with anyone who is willing to mitigate to the fullest extent the negative aspects of proposed changes. We are also determined to oppose those changes which either further degrade our environment or which have not been mitigated to the fullest extent.

JO ANN WYSOCKI

President

Wilmington Home Owners