20 • August 15 - 28, 2014 • The Log
thelog.com AES proposes power plant removal, new development
Decision is pending voter approval.
By John W. Scafetta
REDONDO BEACH — National energy company AES plans to ask community voters for permission to shut down an oversized beachfront power plant that has served the area for more than 100 years to make room for a residential and retail development center. On July 22, AES officials announced
its “Harbor Village Initiative,” which would eliminate the power station and transform the 50-acre site into two dis- tinct districts — a mixed-use zone along Harbor Drive that supports retail, restaurants, art and cultural facilities and a low-density residential zone. “The overall objective is trying to come up with a win-win solution where we are not fighting anyone any longer over a power plant,” said Eric Pendergraft, AES Southland vice presi- dent of business development. “Instead, we’re working together to come up with a new vision for the property that we’re hoping everyone can get behind.” The proposal limits overall develop- ment to 600 new residences, 250 hotel rooms and 85,000 square feet of com- mercial space, while guaranteeing that at least 10 acres will be dedicated to open space and parks. AES officials claim the plan would enhance the
posal that provides enormous benefits for our community and treats AES fair- ly,” Aspel said. “After hosting a power plant for more than a century, Redondo Beach finally has the choice to move on without one. The Harbor Village Initiative is a shared victory for all sides and it has my full and enthusi- astic support.” AES was previously pursuing plans
(Top photo) A street view of the current AES-operated power plant in Redondo Beach blocks the view of the coast. (Bottom Photo) A digitally augmented view of the coastline is what the area would like if AES’ “Harbor Village Initiative” becomes a reality. Plans include an overall development of 600 new residencies, 250 hotel rooms and 85,000 square feet of commercial space.
views of the harbor, in turn increasing surrounding property values. But before voters can decide, AES must gather signatures from at least 15 percent of voters to get the measure placed on the ballot. Pendergraft said AES is waiting for the city attorney to publish a ballot title and a summary of initiatives. Once completed, the gath- ering process can begin. “We certainly have confidence that we’ll gather enough signatures,”
Pendergraft said. “There will be varying opinions about the overall plan, but I think from a big picture perspective what we are proposing should be very attractive to most everyone. We’re very optimistic that it will be broadly sup- ported when it goes to the ballot.” Proponents of the redevelopment, which include Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel, expressed support of the plan. “This is a smart, responsible pro-
to replace the power plant with a new modern plant, which would have left 75 percent of the land available for commercial and residential use. But with new stringent state regulations regarding turbine cooling, the current power plant must be replaced by 2020. Pendergraft said there a few road- blocks within the scope of the project. AES has an existing contract for the electricity produced from the facility that runs through 2018. With the envi- ronmental regulation not requiring compliance until 2020, he explained that there is a possibility that AES will need to continue operating at the facil- ity until new amenities are construct- ed. It’s likely that development on property associated with the new zon- ing wouldn’t occur until 2019 or 2020, he said. Zoning would need to be approved
by the City Council, and a formal envi- ronmental review to ensure compli- ance with the California Environmental Quality Act would need to be completed. In addition, the new land use and zoning plan would be subject to review by the California Coastal Commission.
Tall Ship Festival sails in L.A. By Ambrosia Brody
LOS ANGELES – The Port of Los Angeles will welcome tall ships during the sum- mer’s Tall Ship Festival, Aug. 20 to 24. A quarter of a million people are expected to visit the waterfront during the five-day event.
A parade of sail will kick off the event that features day sails, food vendors, and of course historic vessels. Live music will be provided by various bands with styles
ranging from rock, jazz, sea shanty, big band and Latin. At “Sail Away Village,” guests will be able to board ships, grab a place to sit or stand to watch the ships and they come and go. They will also catch a glimpse of Florentijn Hofman’s Rubber Duck project, which will make its West Coast debut dur- ing the festival on Aug. 20. The port is the first on the West Coast to host the interna- tionally acclaimed duck and only the sec- ond North American city to do so The Los Angeles Maritime Institute will
host a Build a Boat Fundraiser, Aug 23, where teams will build plywood boats and race them. The institute will also have its brigantines on display for tours. Tall ships scheduled to be present at the event include the Irving Johnson, Exy Johnson, The Twin Brigantines, the schooner Fred B, Curlew and many others. Cannon demonstrations, sword fight- ing, knot tying demonstrations, and sail training are only some of the activities scheduled for the event. For more information on the port’s Tall Ship Festival, visit
tallshipsfestivalla.com.
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