Two Lawsuits Challenge Demolition of Naval Station

Two lawsuits were filed Monday against the Port of Long Beach to block its planned demolition of the closed Naval Station to make room for a cargo terminal.

One filed by Long Beach Heritage, a preservationist organization, charges that city and port officials broke the law by not fully considering alternatives to the project. City officials have approved a plan to pave the base and turn it into a cargo container terminal for a Chinese steamship line.

A second suit, filed by Compton, contends the port has proceeded with its plans without dealing with potential increases in truck and train traffic. That suit echoes one filed last week by the city of Vernon.

Preservationists contend the city would be wasting the recreational facilities on the site and the military buildings designed in part by renowned architect Paul R. Williams.

Port officials declined to comment on the new suits.