thumbs_up The clock is supposed to start today—the day the Environmental Impact Report for the Second+PCH project is scheduled to be released—on a 45-day period of public comment. But GreaterLongBeach.com readers got a head start yesterday, and their comments were in mid-45-day-period form:

What does [lead developer David] Malmuth care how this monolith will violate zoning codes and destroy transportation on my side of town? Malmuth lives in San Diego, where he seldom, if ever, creates monstrosities that impact his quality of life. / MIKE RUEHLE

I really hope this project gets passed as originally designed; the current SEADIP zoning reflects the attitudes of a car-dependent culture of nearly half a century ago. Long Beach is moving toward more urban living (which I think is much better for the people and the environment). The added traffic reflects the anticipated added value to this area. I associate traffic with vibrancy and life in a neighborhood—it’s not always a bad thing. This development will bring so much more to the area than what is currently there (or possible with current zoning) that the trade-off of some extra traffic is worth it. If you’re so concerned about the possibility of a couple extra minutes spent in your car getting through one of the largest intersections in one of California’s largest cities because of a new development that will bring world-class architecture, retail, public space, and amenities to the currently under-served area, then perhaps you should consider a move to a smaller town. Or get on a bike. Long Beach doesn’t have time for your outdated and narrow-minded views on what happens to one of the most important parcels in town. / BAKTAAH SORKHABI

Mr. Sorkhabi, I realize you’re only about a year or two out of Cal State Long Beach (according to your LinkedIn profile), but some of us who have lived in Long Beach a bit longer than you—and who are invested in this city so much that we actually OWN property here—happen to think that discussion should be part of the development process. If you don’t like that, I’m sure you can go somewhere else. / THEO DOUGLAS

David Malmuth, you are so cavalier about what you want and how you are going to get it. Why don’t you, as Mike Ruehle states, go back to San Diego and work your “magic” where people can tell you every day how they feel about your projects? Instead, you choose to build melancholic monoliths and then tell us who live here not to worry—you will change the character of our neighborhood because you will change the current zoning that has served us very well. In addition, tell the Lins-Taki Sun that if they put a lot of money into that property, they withheld a lot more money to deliberately let the property become a slum (no kidding they are slumlords) and if you either read the reviews or visit the site, you would say they should be ashamed. Don’t tell me they deserve a “payback” for what they did to this “iconic” hotel; they deserve to get what they gave us—ignominy. / DAUGHTER OF DIOGENES

Seems to me David Malmuth is getting a bit nervous and antsy about this project—of course, he’s been working on it for six years—first with Lennar (who bailed) and now with Second +PCH (where two key members of the team bailed). A frantic grab for support is now on line: A video of Malmuth speaking with the written message “Students at CSULB have the chance to help us make Second and PCH happen and all they have to do is join the web site and comment on the project. AND as a thank you for your interest we’ll be giving away 5 brand-spanking new-iPAD 2’s. Summit your letter of support now. Fill out this form, (a form letter to Mayor Bob is up) and we will send a letter for you.” Marketing or exploitation? Did Dave Wielenga find out how Malmuth intends to “amend” SEADIP, and with whose help—one can only guess! I can understand how frustrated Mr. Malmuth must be with our protective SEADIP zoning. That parcel is zoned for a height not to exceed 35 feet and residential is not allowed. He doesn’t mention the citywide SEADIP survey which showed the citizens wanted no more height or density there. In fact, the No. 1 choice by respondents was a destination hotel; retail came in way down the list. The revised EIR will be interesting, and Malmuth cannot blame the city if it isn’t to his liking. As explained, the EIR is written with the information the developers give them. Last time, it just wasn’t good enough. / LARRY