Long Beach : Survey Lists Traffic as No. 1 Concern About Port Disney

A recent survey of members of the Long Beach political watchdog group, Long Beach Area Citizens Involved, showed that the membership has serious concerns about the proposed $3-billion Port Disney resort and would like to see the project put on the ballot.

According to LBACI leaders, increased traffic was the respondents’ No. 1 concern. Nearly 90% of those surveyed wanted more citizen input into negotiations between the city and the Walt Disney Co., with almost 70% calling for a private citizen on the negotiating team as a non-participating observer.

Nearly three-fourths of the respondents thought approval of the project should be put to a citywide vote. While 71% noted that increased tax revenue would be a plus, 20% concluded that the project would bring no positive impact to the community whatsoever.

The surveys were mailed in June to 525 LBACI members; 115 responded, survey conductors said.

Disney has proposed building either a theme park and six hotels along the downtown shoreline or an equally massive Epcot-style park around Disneyland in Anaheim. The company is scheduled to announce its decision next year.