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Statement to press regarding land deal for wetlands
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 14, 2008
| Subject : | Schipske States She is Cautiously Optimistic About Proposed Land Deal for Wetlands Adds that Taxpayers’ Interests Also Need to be Protected |
| Contact : | Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske 562-570-6932 |
Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske thinks the proposed land deal being contemplated in the eastside that could result in the protection and preservation of a significant amount of Los Cerritos Wetlands is a positive step forward in the City for protecting our environment.
“While the City Council has yet to see the details on the proposed land deal that will result in the purchase of wetlands property, I do feel if done correctly it could be the most significant step this city has taken to preserve our environment,” Schipske stated.
Schipske’s Task Force on Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands has been focusing on the impact of the lack of sustainable wetlands for the past two years.
“Residents from all over the city have been working on my taskforce to address the impact of the lack of wetlands in our area. Specifically, the task force has focused on the fact that because Long Beach lacks wetlands our area ponds and lakes are inundated with waterfowl. The overcrowding and the pushing these birds into urban areas has had disastrous effects on our waterfowl. A restored wetlands would help greatly.”
Schipske expressed cautious optimism about the deal while indicating her concern that several issues be addressed before the deal is finalized by City Council: determining the market value for both the wetlands area and the properties owned by the city to make certain they are of equal value; a market appraisal of the oil rights underneath the wetlands area as part of the value for the property; preservation of the city’s rights to oil and minerals underneath any property currently owned by the city; and determination of the cost of cleaning up the wetlands property and which entity will be responsible for the clean-up.
“If we can get past those hurdles then it will be a win-win for everyone.”
Topics: City Council, Los Cerritos Wetlands |
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