City leaders discuss potential development of waterfront as Gateway Project nears completion

By Toni Miles

City leaders say the City’s multimillion dollar Gateway Project is nearly complete. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)

As the City’s multimillion dollar Gateway Project nears completion, City leaders gathered for a work session in June to discuss potential development and an updated vision for the city’s waterfront involving a discussion with representatives of Bellamare Development, as well as an ADA Transition Plan and Transportation Master Plan by Overstreet & Associates.

Gateway Project Nearing Completion

During the June meeting, Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce said the City’s multimillion dollar Gateway Project is just a few weeks from completion, with the parking lot and beach access outfitted with turtle-friendly lights designed to help protect coastal wildlife while providing safe and efficient lighting for residents and visitors.

Other recent improvements include the installation of public showers and the completion of the tile work on the Gateway Tower. In addition, at press time, landscaping crews were installing irrigation systems and landscaping elements throughout the project area.

City leaders say these ongoing improvements represent another important step toward the completion of the Gateway project, which will enhance public access, provide new amenities and create a welcoming gateway to the City of Long Beach.

Bellamare Development

The Mayor and Board of Alderman also explored plans for a proposed mixed-use harbor development that would activate waterfront space on the Harbor’s east side, as presented by Bellamare Development representatives. While details and renderings are still being fleshed out, the vision is to create more attractive amenities for tourists visiting Long Beach, while also giving local residents more reasons to enjoy the local beachfront and public spaces.

Initial concepts include opportunities for small retail businesses, food vendors, family gathering areas and enhanced public amenities. The proposal under consideration could include Airstream-style retail units, designated food truck spaces, playground equipment and modern public restroom facilities. The goal is to create a destination that complements the harbor’s maritime character while supporting local economic growth.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen have agreed to further discuss the project, considering what a potential lease with the developers would look like.

The parking lot and beach access area has been outfitted with turtle-friendly lights designed to help protect coastal wildlife while providing safe and efficient lighting for residents and visitors. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)

ADA Transition Plan and Transportation Plan Presented by Overstreet & Associates

Also at the June meeting, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen discussed an ADA Transition Plan and Transportation Master Plan with Overstreet & Associates, the engineering firm that has played a significant role in numerous Long Beach infrastructure and waterfront initiatives.

The plans presented by Overstreet & Associates focused on accessibility, sidewalks, transportation, safety and long-term planning in regards to the Harbor and Beach area, as well as the heart of Long Beach in the downtown area, including the Jeff Davis Avenue corridor.

Harbor Restoration Completion Estimated to be within a Year

Landscaping crews have installed irrigation systems and landscaping elements throughout the project area, all part of the City’s Gateway Project. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)

According to Mayor Pierce, Harbor restorations should be complete within the next year.

“Lord willing, I think we’re in good shape to move forward on the Harbor. We should be completed somewhere around the first quarter of next year [2027],” said Pierce. “We’ve got other projects in the pipeline. I’ve got $2.5 million for the western jetty, to put a bulkhead on the western jetty, and then $2.5 million for the northwest bulkhead for the harbor. My future vision is that we use that for retail and to really liven up that area and to bring a lot of new things for the people of Long Beach and the Gulf Coast to enjoy.”