An analysis by the Long Beach Harbor Department found suitable alternative locations for development of the new fire and security facilities in the Port, which allows the Berth 55 Fish Market and Seafood Deli, Queen’s Wharf Restaurant, Long Beach Sportfishing and charter boats based at Berth 55 to remain, according to the Port.
Berth 55 has been located in the Port at 555 Pico Ave. since the early 1970s.
Port officials state that other locations will need to undergo further environmental scrutiny to “assess their suitability.” Until that is complete, “no final decision can be made on the locations for the new facilities,” Port officials said.
The fireboat station is a replacement for Fire Station No. 20, which was in the path of the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project. The security facility would serve Long Beach Police Department officers based at the Port.
“Our study found that we can meet the Port’s security and fire-protection infrastructure needs without asking the Berth 55 businesses to relocate,” said Al Moro, the Port’s acting executive director. “And we’ve already established temporary facilities for fire and police operations displaced by the new bridge construction.”
In 2012, the Harbor Department had proposed placing a combined fire station/security facility at what is technically known as “Berth C55″ after giving the businesses a 180-day eviction notice. The Port, however, agreed to “reassess” its situation and grant a temporary lease extension after longtime patrons, including west and central Long Beach residents and business owners, petitioned to save the establishment.
Queen’s Wharf Restaurant owner Larry Maehara said in a statement that he is “relieved” and “delighted” about the Port’s announcement, adding that he is “eager” to move forward with renovating the restaurant with new carpeting, paint and bathrooms.
Sources: POLB, Berth 55
