By Dolores Quintana
Marina Del Rey is now considered part of Los Angeles County District 2 and is now under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell. Supervisor Mitchell offered a recommendation that would update this vision statement in a way that would address the issues of the community as it is today.
The recommendation is titled “Align Marina del Rey with Los Angeles County Priorities for Equity and Inclusion” which “would direct the Director of Beaches and Ports, in conjunction with the Directors of Regional Planning, public works and arts and culture, the executive directors of the Los Angeles County Development Authority, the Poverty Reduction Initiative and the Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, to integrate using an equity lens, framework and tools, in consultation with other relevant county departments, stakeholders, workers and community members/organizations, to report to the Board in writing” and giving the body a timeframe, 60 and 180 days, to provide the Board with recommendations “for the completion of a comprehensive plan for the best and best use of real estate and water assets in the MoR , in the light e of the county’s guiding equity principles adopted by the board,” which would lead to more inclusive land use in Marina del Rey for all Los Angeles Co unty residents.
Some of these include, as noted in the recommendation submitted to the Board:
Increased emphasis on community-serving amenities and the ability to incorporate youth-oriented programs, including the Ministry of Beaches and Ports On-Water Outreach, Training, Education and Recreation Program ( DBH).
Sustainable and equitable development and business practices, including LEED Gold certification, payment of prevailing wage, and compliance with applicable county policies such as Hire Local and Targeted Workers and Labor Peace Policy
A community aquatic center open to the public; A civic center and one-stop place serving the community, which could include DBH’s new consolidated headquarters, an improved library, and other county resources.
Park and open spaces expanded or improved for public enjoyment
Expansion of Public Recreational Spaces at Mother’s Beach and Burton W. Chace Park
Enabling a more vibrant waterfront with a range of free and low-cost recreational and community programs available to all.
In addition, the recommendation explicitly requested the following:
Incorporation of public art elements
New and improved visual identification of Marina del Rey as a destination/community, including monument, wayfinding, place/landmark creation and informational/interpretive signage, etc.
Reduced use of county property for surface parking lots
Enhanced tenant and labor protections; Increase in the supply of affordable housing and “missing links”
Protection and expansion of wildlife habitats, especially seabird colonies
Protection and enhancement of strategic scenic resources, particularly marina and ocean view corridors
A transparent and community-driven approach to all aspects of any MdR redevelopment
Mitchell’s recommendation emphasizes equity and inclusion for all residents of Los Angeles County, but also contains provisions for the inclusion of public art, better protections for rental housing tenants, and workers, and environmental protections.
The recommendation is adopted unanimously.
