1,082 concrete blocks, which were set up for the Acura Grand Prix, are expected to remain in place until May 1, 2022, after unanimous approval by the Long Beach City Council Tuesday.
By leaving the blocks up, the Grand Prix Association will save approximately $89,000 in set-up costs for the next Grand Prix, which will take place just seven months from now during its regularly scheduled weekend.
The contract amendment will shave three days from the Grand Prix’s set up time, meaning that nearby residents and businesses will also benefit from reduced noise (which is bountiful before, during and after the event).
In exchange for allowing the concrete blocks to stay in place, the association will use a portion of the savings to do a one-time emulsion treatment on asphalt portions of the track “that will help to make the streets look new again and ultimately beautify the area,” said Christopher Koontz, deputy director of Development Services.
“I think since it’s so close around the corner, that does make sense to keep some of those concrete blocks in place,” Councilmember Cindy Allen said.
The association will inspect the blocks on a bi-monthly basis to remove any graffiti and will add the City to its insurance so that the blocks don’t become a liability.
The blocks are not expected to impact traffic to or from the Pike Outlets or Aquarium of the Pacific since they’re only present on the east side of Pine Avenue. Roadside blocks are present along Seaside Way, Shoreline Drive east of Pine Avenue and the Elephant Lot.
“It was specifically set up where there’s no business activity to prevent problems with ingress and egress,” City Manager Tom Modica said.
Negotiations are still ongoing between the City and the association over their six-year contract, which has an optional five-year extension, after the 2020 race was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the blocks are in the coastal zone, the Coastal Commission will also have to give their approval on the contract amendment.
The next Long Beach City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. at the Civic Chambers, 411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802.
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