The Cambodia Town Thrives collective unveiled its draft vision plan for the future of Cambodia Town on Thursday, July 29 to a group of community members at Compound in District 4.
“Our mission is to elevate and uplift community voices to help define and lead what it means to have equitable development in Cambodia Town […] without displacement,” said Susana Sngiem, executive director of the United Cambodian Community.
The draft vision plan outlines a number of potential projects to help uplift Cambodia Town. Marked by priority, the list includes affordable housing developments, a youth center, street trees and vertical gardens, walking and jogging loops, and an improved MacArthur Park vision plan, among others.
“I think that this plan is going to be able to address so much,” Councilmember Suely Saro said at the unveiling. “I just look forward to making sure that we continue cross solidarity work to support equitable reinvestment and community-centered development throughout this district and with the community.”
The plan was a collective effort between organizations like Long Beach Forward, City Fabrick and Walk Long Beach with input from an advisory board that included members of AOC7, Khmer Girls in Action, the Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition and others.
“These are very audacious goals that are represented here and I’m so proud of the group,” said Councilmember Daryl Supernaw, whose district includes a portion of Cambodia Town. “You have a tremendous opportunity to think big and have those giant goals.”
Elsa Tung of Long Beach Forward said the plan is just a draft and invited members of the community to share their input. In addition to the plan, she highlighted the fact that soon a portion of Cambodia Town will undergo rezoning.
The Anaheim Corridor Zoning Investment Plan (ACZIP) has the power to transform the makeup of the corridor. The plan will set forth what types of businesses, housing, and other developments can be located within the area.
“It’s going to be huge,” Tung said. “It’s going to be a big deal for our neighborhood.”
The draft vision plan can be downloaded on the Cambodia Town Thrives website.
