Friday, April 16, 2010

Long Beach Airport Modernization Plan Approved

Groundbreaking for the new Long Beach Airport (LGB) passenger terminal and concourse is on the horizon. On Thursday, April 15, 2010 the project received unanimous approval of the Site Plan Review by the City's Planning Commission.

The Cultural Heritage Commission unanimously approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Terminal Area Improvements on Monday, April 12. The next step towards getting a shovel in the ground is an Approval to Bid and Site Review by City Council; targeted for late summer 2010.

New building construction will total 34,750 square feet, bringing the overall terminal buildings (including existing) to 73,770 square feet. Designed to be compatible with the historic terminal, materials and color schemes will be kept within the Airport's Streamline Moderne style.

"We're focused on exceeding our customer's expectations," said Airport Director Mario Rodriguez, "but not at the expense of our historic building. In fact, we have found a way to maintain and enhance the character of the Long Beach Cultural Heritage Landmark entrusted to us, while providing better customer service for our passengers and our airline partners."

Prior to voting in favor of the project, Commissioner Becky Blair stated that, "the project perfectly balances modernization with art deco."

Mike Kowal, President of Long Beach HUSH2, a homeowner group that previously opposed the project, told the commission that, "this project is fantastic." Mr. Kowal also praised Airport Director Mario Rodriguez and staff for their transparency and their willingness to listen and work with the community.

The concourse project will support 340 jobs and provide modern waiting areas and concessions to exceed customer expectations. Additional amenities include consolidated passenger screening, historic exhibits and a garden and palm court designed to celebrate Long Beach's temperate climate. The project consists of removing temporary trailers used as holdrooms. In their place, one-story permanent holdrooms will be constructed. All improvements will take place on the west side of the historic terminal.

The new passenger terminal concourse is one of four components of the Airport Modernization Plan (AMP). Every phase of AMP was designed with customer convenience and satisfaction in mind. Maximizing the passenger's experience and cost control are LGB priorities.

AMP's first phase is the new 1,989-space parking structure, which is well on its way with construction occurring on the former site of parking lot C. The second phase of AMP is the air carrier ramp improvements, also underway, which includes
greening the commercial ramp. Only one component being the addition of in-ground electric power, which will allow planes to "plug-in," to facilitate boarding and servicing without auxiliary power units, thus reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Phase three is the long-awaited new passenger concourse. Finally, AMP will conclude with the restoration of the historic 1941 terminal.

(City of Long Beach - Press Release)

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