A quick update on the FIS city council study session for this Tuesday, December 13th.  As of Friday afternoon, the study session is planned to take place in the city council chambers at city hall.  It will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Both Jet Blue and other LGB non-commercial airline tenants will be there to fill the seats.  If you can be there by 4:00 - 4:30 we would suggest doing so.  Regardless, your presence is very important for the final outcome.

As confirmed by two studies (2013 and 2016) their is very little economic benefit to Long Beach for allowing this facility to be built. So why would this council continue to support something that could jeopardize our neighborhoods and our investment. 

According to our city attorney report, we could face a legal challenge either way.  That is absolutely correct.  However, would one choose to be challenged by one carrier, Jet Blue, because they aren't getting their way?  Or would a challenge by multiple carriers, that would then include international carriers, be a better legal battle to defend?

We will post the economics comparisons from the two studies tomorrow.

Happy Holidays!!!!!

Dear Long Beach Residents,
 
This past Tuesday, Dec. 6th, our mayor and city council voted 6-3 to hold the FIS study session on December 13th.  At the same time they voted to move forward with the city to begin negotiations with Jet Blue on sizing, financing and other specific details to build the JB requested customs facility.
 
They also instructed the city staff to communicate with our Governor Brown, who must provide a letter of agreement to the CBP (Customs & Border Patrol) with his approval for the FIS facility to be located here in Long Beach.
 
Both of these issues were violations of the Brown Act since this item was not on the agenda and in fact, has been posted to be on the Dec. 13th council agenda.  Mungo and Garcia did manage to confuse the discussion enough to get their 6 votes, but we expect they will have to redo their vote next week.  A complaint has been filed with the DA’s office for their review.
 
This is a POLITICAL choice!  There is not a bureaucratic force, this includes the FAA, that can demand that any airport proprietor change from municipal to international. 
 
The public, each and every one of us, can drive this decision to serve our best interests. How?  By bringing a thousand angry and concerned residents to the council chambers next Tuesday. 
 
We hope you will not assume that your neighbors will take care of it!  If you DO NOT want this council to put us in a compromising position, placing our home values and quality of life in jeopardy then plan to attend the city council meeting on Dec. 13th.
 If you are in need of transportation please call 562 423-1170 or email lbneighborhoodsfirst@gmail.com.
 
Thanks to Councilmembers Austin, Uranga and Supernaw for doing their best to redirect these disingenuous actions.  The remaining six members that did support taking these commitment actions prior to holding their “study session” next week should be held accountable. 
 
Visit lbneighborhoodsfirst.com for the meeting details and share the word with your friends and family across our city.  What happens in one district will eventually impact the others!
 
Stay Involved!
 
Rae Gabelich
LBHUSH2 &
Long Beach Neighborhoods First Team

UPDATED 12/5/16 - please click on button above to read the full Bob Joy Document entitled, Assessment of Jacobs FIS Feasibility Study.

There seems to be a problem with attaching the link to Bob Joy's FIS research post.  Please go to Hot Topics to access his points and use as you see fit. 

The public can take pieces of this document to read to the city council or use in your written arguments to the mayor and city council prior to December 13th.

Sorry for the confusion.....and thank you Bob for taking so much time to analyze the Jacobs study.