Long Beach : Restaurant Proposal Stalled for Lack of Parking Spaces

Two entrepreneurs who want to open an Italian restaurant on a deteriorating street corner in Belmont Shore have angered local residents who claim the area lacks adequate parking.

Long Beach City Council members, who listened for two hours to about 20 residents speaking for and against the project, said they support upgrading the north side of 2nd Street but delayed granting the owners a permit in hope that they can help locate additional parking space.

The owners of Louie Louie’s, who also run their business in Orange County, would convert two vacant store fronts and an existing bar into a 180-seat restaurant with rooftop dining. With the exception of 26 spaces formerly set aside for the three businesses, only street parking is available.

The restaurant and the city are considering providing valet parking in lots normally closed during evening hours.