The experts have spoken and it is now clear to everyone that an independent Redevelopment Agency Board is right for Long Beach. For decades, we as a city have relied on members of our community to voluntarily serve and dedicate their time and expertise to guide the process of redevelopment. These qualified individuals have all been carefully screened by our mayor and unanimously approved by the City Council.

It is now time to move forward. Disbanding the RDA Board and supporting a City Council takeover would destroy our community system of checks and balances, as well as send a chilling message to our other commissions and city partners.

Our next step should be a responsible look at how we can improve our current redevelopment process. Last November, when this debate began, I suggested measures to strengthen the relationship between the RDA and the council. These included streamlining project timelines, establishing an evaluation process to assess past projects, holding quarterly joint council-RDA meetings, and a biannual council study session to review redevelopment projects and to seek community input.

I agree with many of my council colleagues that the RDA must be more aggressive in combating blight and creating more open space.

Let's hope that the City Council will side with the community and the very responsible report just completed supporting the existing framework of the RDA Board.

Frank Colonna
Councilmember, 3rd District
Long Beach