Riverpark Coalition Reaches Lawsuit Settlement: “David Versus Goliath”

Photo courtesy of Riverpark Coalition.

On Aug. 16, 2023, Riverpark Coalition or RPC had reached a settlement with IntegralCommunities LLC, developer of 712 Baker St. The project is located in Long Beach, on a brownfield site previously owned and utilized by oil operators and adjacent to the Los Angeles River and 405 Freeway. RPC filed the lawsuit as a direct response to the deficiencies of the Final Environmental Impact Report: mitigations and aspects of the development that fell short of safeguarding health and responsiveness to community needs.

The RPC’s aim of securing more park space and greater adherence to the City of Long Beach’s Horse Overlay “H” zoning were not fully achieved. The community-based organization was able to secure a number of concessions from the developer in a three-pronged approach: 1.) The development itself; 2.) The on-site, “private-public” park; and 3.) Alternatives for enhancements and greater connectivity with neighboring Los Angeles County open space, in which on-site solutions were unavailable and/or reasonable compromises had to be made. The value of the settlement exceeds $1 million dollars and includes a donation to RPC.

Highlights of the settlement include (but are not limited to):

Developer shall record a covenant for the five-acre extension of the existing Baker Street Park to be publicly accessible in perpetuity, despite being on private property.

Developer shall construct a soundwall and plant trees and shrubs continuously along the Baker Street Park extension, as a sound barrier and to mitigate dust and particulate matter.

In order to conform to the City’s “H” zoning and in keeping with its equestrian legacy, the Developer shall construct a Public Equestrian Rest Area or PERA on the neighboring county parcel.

Failure to provide the soundwall and/or PERA amenity triggers a developer-imposed remuneration.

Juan Ovalle, Riverpark Coalition President:

“This settlement is a remarkable achievement for a nonprofit, community-based organization comprised of volunteers. It sends a message that people matter; open space matters; quality of life matters. The planning decisions that are made now affect the future of our children, our community and our city is worth fighting for. Inching closer to park equity standards, the surrounding, west side neighborhoods will get added park space. The struggle for usable, open space and ecological restoration within the lower Los Angeles River revitalization zone continues and more may be achieved at Wrigley Heights River Park – North. ”