Neighbors press planning board on parking, notice and safety around proposed 741 East Bridal subdivision

The Long Beach Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposal by the Cody Corporation to subdivide a long‑vacant parcel on East Bridal/East Broadway into four lots for single‑family homes. The applicant described plans for four elevated, FEMA‑style three‑story units with two‑car garages and curb cuts on Wilson, Coolidge and East Bridal; the applicant said parking would be on private property rather than on the street.

Several neighbors spoke against the proposal, saying they had not received proper notice, that the lot has been used informally as a play area and that adding four homes would worsen seasonal parking shortages and safety for children and school buses. Kathleen Sullivan, who said she has lived two doors down for 19 years, told the board: "If you do this, parking will totally be so bad for the residents that we are there on the President's Streets." Other residents raised similar points about parking, construction noise and compatibility with block character.

Board counsel and staff reiterated that tonight’s proceeding addresses the subdivision only — whether the lot can be cut into separate parcels — and not a final development plan. The board explained that if the owners file building plans that do not comply with zoning, any future project would require variances and additional review by the zoning board and, if necessary, a return to the planning board for site‑plan review. Staff advised neighbors to submit written comments and evidence to be added to the record.

The board did not vote to approve the subdivision tonight. Staff noted that if the board does not vote at this meeting, the item is likely to be placed on the next meeting (the transcript records a projected January 8 date for further action). The board signaled it would gather more information — including transportation/traffic input — before rendering a decision.