By Claire Gunning
Staff Writer
The city of Redondo Beach voted no on Measure B, an option to make the lot the AES Power Plant stands on a high density residential area with condos and tightly packed shops after it is torn down.
The AES Power Plant must be torn down by 2020 due to a 2006 California zoning law because pollution has proved detrimental to sea life. After this measure was vetoed, residents must decide if the lot will be either a park and few commercial areas or a high density area with condos if the vote arrises.
“I live right next to the Power Plant and I am very happy to have the plant removed,” Hermosa resident Joe Dominguez said. “I was unable to vote so I was worried that the people of Redondo would replace the plant with condos and I’m happy they voted no on Measure B.”
Bill Brand is a main supporter of a low density area and park that was not included in Measure B. The final vote was determined by 400 votes out of the 6,772 cast.
“I am so surprised that Measure B did not pass,” Brand said. “AES spent about $1 million in the last three months campaigning for Measure B and the opposition only spent $15,000 which is a huge difference.”
The AES company is a strong supporter of the high density plan, Measure B. The company would have profited from this plan but now that it has not passed they have to reach an agreement with the city of Redondo Beach to determine an alternative plan.
“There was no parkland in Measure B, which is one of the reasons it lost,” Brand said, “The final development will have a large park in it which is what I am fighting for. I am so happy that Redondo citizens want a park too.”
Voting was held on March 3 but, residents also had the option to mail in ballots before this date. According to Brand, Measure B was very well advertised with many posters and fliers handed out to almost every home near the Power Plant.
“When driving through Redondo all you would see would be Yes on B signs,” Dominguez said. “I honestly thought Measure B would pass due to all of the advertising.”
The next step for the Power Plant grounds is undetermined. Whether the land will turn into a park and low density area or AES will try to propose Measure B again is up to voters in Redondo. Either if, the Power Plant does get torn down due to new laws.
“We all look forward to the day that the Power Plant is gone and something more beautiful stands in it’s place,” Redondo Beach resident Paula Dowd said. “Unfortunately, finding a solution that meets everyone’s needs is going to be a challenge.”
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