LA County Explores Changes to Marina del Rey Vision Statement

Los Angeles County redistricting process moved Marina del Rey in the 2nd Supervisory District, which is now represented by former state legislator Holly Mitchell. And with this new representation comes new priorities for redevelopment of the unincorporated community, which county officials have described as the area’s “crown jewel”.

Built in the mid-20th century, the marina is now the second largest man-made harbor in the world, consisting of 401 acres of land and 403 acres of water. The surrounding land, all owned by Los Angeles County, has been redeveloped through long-term land leases into a mix of boating facilities, multi-family housing, hotels, restaurants and other spaces civics.

“Since its creation, [Marina del Rey] was largely developed on a plot-by-plot basis, with the county leasing its land and water to individual private developers,” Mitchell wrote in a motion presented at the July 12 meeting of the Board of Supervisors. “Given the evolution of [Marina del Rey] and the needs of the county’s growing and diverse population, continued development under this piecemeal approach is unsustainable and would prevent a historic opportunity to make [Marina del Rey] accessible to the broadest and most diverse spectrum of visitors and locals since its inception.”

Since 2014, development in the unincorporated community has been driven by the Marina del Rey Vision statement, which aimed to transform the region into a more regional and touristic destination. While recent years have seen the construction of new lodging, hotelsand open public space to the neighborhood, a widespread overhaul proved elusive.

Mitchell, as the new county-level representative for the community, sees an update to the vision statement as an opportunity to not only shape a more cohesive vision for the marina, but also address historical issues such as historic redlining and racist practices in coastal communities. , such as limiting the access of communities of color to the beach.

“By strategically planning the long-term use of county property, we can help achieve important council policies and initiatives, including equity, inclusion and poverty reduction, and justice. environmental protection, providing affordable housing, and improving tenant and labor protections,” Mitchell wrote. “In addition, we have the opportunity to achieve DBH’s strategic goals, including the improving public access to [Marina del Rey]sustained coastal vitality and environmental stewardship.”

Mitchell’s motion, which passed Council, directs county staff to report on potential strategies to modify the 2014 vision statement. Potential additions outlined in the motion include:

• Iincreased inclusiveness and accessibility of Marina del Rey and its waterfront amenities for all county residents and visitors, including via public or multimodal transportation;
• Increased emphasis on community-serving amenities and opportunity to integrate youth-oriented programs;
• Sustainable and equitable development and business practices, including LEED Gold certification, payment of prevailing wage, and compliance with applicable county policies such as Local and Targeted Worker Hire and Labor Peace Policy;
• A community aquatic center open to the public;
• A civic center and one-stop place serving the community, to potentially
• A new consolidation [Department of Beaches and Harbors] headquarters, an improved library and other county resources;
• Increased or improved park and open spaces for public enjoyment;
• Expansion of public recreation spaces at Mother’s Beach and Burton Chace Park;
• Enabling a more vibrant waterfront with a range of free and low-cost recreational and community programs available to all;
• Incorporation of public art elements;
• New and improved visual identification of Marina del Rey as a destination/community, including monument, wayfinding, placemaking/landmark and informational/interpretive signage, etc. ;
• Reduced use of county properties for surface parking lots;
• Enhanced tenant and labor protections;
• Increase in the supply of affordable housing and “missing middlemen”;
• Protection and expansion of wildlife habitats, especially seabird rookeries; and
• Protection and enhancement of strategic scenic resources, particularly the marina and ocean view corridors.

A report is expected in approximately 180 days.