Downtown Long Beach-Belmont Shore-Parking Solutions-Long Beach California

Long Beach Community News

Long Beach Parking Solutions

Last month the Long Beach Real Estate Home Blog published an article on Downtown Long Beach Parking.  The article discussed the escalating parking problems caused by the re-development in the Downtown Long Beach area.  One of the potential parking solutions addressed was Vertical Parking.  The article went on and examined an assortment of related potential issues and raised a whole bunch of questions for which there were no immediate solutions.  

Shortly after publishing this article I was contacted by the owner of Apex Skypark.  They are a Robotic Parking Solution company located right here in Anaheim.  He took the time to address the concerns and informed me that they are currently working with the City of Long Beach in an attempt to bring these solutions to the Downtown Long Beach and Belmont Shore neighborhoods.  Well, both communities can certainly use more parking - he piqued my interest. 

An invitation to contribute to the Long Beach Real Estate Home Blog was extended to Apex in an effort to better explain this to Long Beach residents.  We are pleased to welcome Harold W Ashworth, a Long Beach Peninsula resident and Vice President of Apex Skypark.

By:  Harold W Ashworth

I have become intimately involved with The City of Long Beach and their Parking Issues. Working with the Long Beach Re-Development Agency has shown me just how critical parking is in the Downtown Long Beach area. As a Long Beach Resident (The Peninsula) I have experienced many of the same issues everyone else faces as they try and Park on 2^nd Street in Belmont Shore for dinner in the evenings and or dinner on the waterfront at Shoreline Village. Whether it is waiting for the Valet to bring your car or running out to re-fill the meter has become quite the challenge.

That being said - The Automated Robotic Car Garages hits close to home for me as I am involved with a local company right here in our own backyard. Apex Skypark®, Inc., located in Anaheim, builds the Robotics and Systems for this new Technology - New to the USA only. Presently there are only 4-5 Garages operating in the USA but many are either under construction or they are in the design phases. We are currently working with Developers and the City of Long Beach on a couple of locations for this very thing. Long Beach will become the first on the West Coast for an Automated Robotic Garage.

There were some very important and concerning facts you brought up and I will try to address those for you here. First of all you should know that Robotic Parking is not any less than Conventional Parking as far as costs are concerned but we can basically get more into less space. Here are some of the concerns you addressed with my response.

Lots in Downtown Long Beach

• Great Research!! You know your city! There are many lots going away and along with that Parking Spaces

Expensive Equipment

• As I stated the cost many times is equal or less than traditional parking. To build a conventional garage it presently costs the City app. $35,000 per parking space not including the land. If you go below grade the costs escalates quite dramatically. Unlike Traditional Garages that for every level you go up it gets more expensive Automated actually goes down in cost.

Expensive Operations

• The economics are quite interesting actually. In a recent exercise we did for the City we analyzed a popular Parking Lot in downtown and concluded that their Expense per Parking space is $10.91 per day compared to $3.11 for Automated - Substantially less.

Parts Required and availability

• Skypark® components are designed and built with “Off the Shelf” components that are readily accessible from almost any local supplier. This is designed intentionally so the end user will never be faced with this exact issue.

Trained Personnel Engineers and Mechanics

• Each System that is delivered has Personnel fully trained in our facility; additionally we also encourage a local Elevator Trained company to partner with Skypark® and the Customer. Basically the System is a sophisticated Elevator System and any company that works on elevators can work on this System.

What happens if your car is on one of the upper levels and the Equipment breaks down?

• The System is designed with Redundancy. For instance there is not just one Robot and Trolley System. The Robot/Trolley is actually two Robots and if one fails then the other can literally push or pull the other one. There are also other Robots in the System to take over. In the event of Power failure there is a Diesel Generator that will automatically take over within 20 seconds. As a last resort the System has a Manual Override.

What if the Part is unavailable and has to be imported from Japan

• All components are sourced from the USA or have actually been designed by the Team at Skypark®. There is also a Spare Parts Kit included with every System. Periodic Regular Scheduled Maintenance is required which in most cases will prevent any System Breakdown.

How could all of this be kept affordable?

• Using State of the Art Technology and low Maintenance Costs

Who do you call if the System fails?

• Skypark® or the local Authorized and Trained Maintenance Company

What happens if it is very late at night?

• 24/7 is always on Call

24 hour availability?

• YES many times we can look at the System via Computer modem and repair or determine exactly what the issue is.

Time to retrieve your car.

• Typically in most cases 1-2 min

Fear of retrieving your car in the middle of the night.

• Each Garage has a Safe and well lit Waiting Room

Large influx of people after work to retrieve their car.

• There are many ways to alleviate this multiple Exit Modules, Call Ahead Retrieval, Valet, etc. The System’s Computer is designed to understand that there are certain vehicles that come and go at different times and as those “Peak” times approach the system will move cars from different levels down closer to the Exit points thus creating a smooth and positive experience.

Do You Want to be Published?

Posted on September 02, 2008 19:47:00 by Laurie.Manny

Fun on the Naples Island Canals-Long Beach California Real Estate

Long Beach Community News

Naples Island - Long Beach California

Life and Fun on the Naples Italianesque Canals

Saturday afternoon, August 30, 2008

Another glorious day in Long Beach California.  Does this ever get boring?  Not!  Today I showed duplexes in Belmont Shore and Seal Beach, dropped my client off and cruised around Naples Island taking pictures on the canals. 

I met 2 lovely young ladies, Sophia and Sylvia, who were sunning themselves on one of the bridges.  They were kind enough to agree to let me photograph their sunny faces, so cute!  Imagine my surprise when they asked me “Do you want to see us jump off of the bridge?"  Well, they didn’t wait for an answer, they just went ahead and jumped off of the bridge!  Then dragged themselves out of the canal at a convenient dock. 

The 2 adorable little river rats were having a ball.  I cracked up laughing.  Just had to get pictures of this to share. 2 little hams, didn’t mind, they wanted to make sure I got them mid air.  So, here they are, mid-air…  They are looking forward to seeing their pictures here.  Girls I hope you like them. 

Apparently the girls are well known for their antics as most of the neighbors are used to seeing them do this often. 

There were people swimming and kayaking below and boats passing through, I was very relieved to notice the girls taking extra precautions to make certain the coast was cleared for a safe landing. 

It looked like so much fun, if I were still a kid, I’d have jumped in with them, lol…

I hope you enjoy the video of this afternoons pictures. 

Best,

Laurie

Are you thinking about moving to Long Beach?  Think you might enjoy living on Naples Island, perhaps raising your family there and watching your kids shiny, smiling, joyful faces as they jump off a bridge?  If living on a gorgeous Italianesque canal, having a boat slip and living in a luxury waterfront home appeals to you, contact Laurie. 

Naples Island and Belmont Shore Homes For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Belmont Shore CA Homes for sale under $1000000
• Belmont Shore-Naples Homes For Sale $1000000 to $2000000
• Belmont Shore Naples Homes For Sale $2000000 and up
• Bay Harbour Homes For Sale Long Beach California

Naples Island, Belmont Shore and Marina Pacifica Condos For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Marina Pacifica Condos for Sale Long Beach CA

Naples Island and Belmont Shore Income Properties For Sale

• Belmont Shore-Naples Island Income Properties For Sale

Posted on August 30, 2008 21:04:23 by Laurie.Manny

Back to School - Long Beach Resources

Long Beach Community News

Back to School Resources

The lazy, hazy days of summer are just about over.  September is closing in on us and the beginning of the new school year is just around the corner.  Are you ready? 

The CBS Early Show put together this great segment on cool back to school gadgets:

• Crammer Study & Sound System - Cool Tool!
• Lightweight laptops -EEE PC 900 (only 2.18 lbs., runs Windows XP and plenty of space, it even has a webcam and it is somewhat shockproof) See the video below to view the many features this neat little gadget provides.
• Digital lunch pail/printer - unlikely duo, but it works
• Cheap MP3, only $39 - not a favorite with kids though
• Back friendly back packs with air lifts to lift the weight off your child - those books are heavy! 

Heather Waldmand over at Kidshealth.org has a wonderful article and some great suggestions about the emotional impact of the first day back at school:  "Going Back To School"

10 Tips for Smart Back-to-School Shopping over at great schools is sure to make your transition less stressful.  While you are over at Great Schools check out their polls; learn how other parents feel about important issues. 

Shop where the teachers shop, CM School Supply has bunches of school supplies - at a discount!  Way to go........... Mom has money left over for that first day of school pampering..........a manicure AND a pedicure. 

Discount School Supplies 

Save time and money, by shopping online, at any one of these online discount school suppliers:

• BuyOnlineNow
• Discount School Supply
• ABC Teacher's Outlet
• Early Childhood
• Classroom Direct - Wholesale Supplier - Great idea for large familys. 
• Home Schooling?  Discount Home School Supplies is the place for you. 
• Toy Destination is advertising discount Backpacks and Lunchboxes as well.
• Deal Time has Craft and Drawing supplies to soothe that creative streak, and whole lot's more. 
• Head on over to 1StopSquare for your discount scrapbook supplies.

Check out these informative articles from Great Schools :

• A Back-to-School Supply List to Get You Started
• 10 Tips for Smart Back-to-School Shopping
• The Debate Over Dress Codes and Uniforms
• Choosing Your Child's Back-to-School Clothes
• Shopping With Your Tween or Teen
• When to Get Your Child a Cell Phone
• Start Your School Routine Now
• Back to School: Avoid Morning Meltdown
• Jinx the Kindergarten Jitters
• 10 Tips for Adjusting to a New School
• Five Key Skills for Academic Success
• How to Stay Involved in Middle and High School
• Study Skills for Middle School and Beyond
• 10 Ways to Jump-Start College Planning
• What Are the Latest College Trends?
• Help Your Child Eat a Healthy Lunch
• Tips for Buying a Backpack and Carrying It Safely
• How to Get to School Safely
• What Makes a Great Parent?
• 10 Easy Ways to Help Your Child's School
• Parent-Teacher Conference Prep
• Is It ADHD? The Teacher and Doctor Disagree
• My Child Is Easily Distracted
• Get Ready for Middle and High School Reading
• Study Skills for Middle School and Beyond
• How to Read With Your Child
• Get Your Child Excited About Math

Posted on August 30, 2008 06:00:00 by Laurie.Manny

Long Beach Mortgage Rates Report for August 29, 2008

Weird things are happening in the mortgage-backed securities market.  Strong buying, in the 30 year-fixed rate loans, has dropped rates .25% since my last report,  The ARM rates, however, have RISEN.  A weird phenomenon, indeed.  I’m only quoting two loan programs (the others make no sense):

Mortgage rates  for August 29, 2008.  Loan amounts up to $417,000:

5/1 ARM              5.750%

30 Year Fixed      6.125%

All rates offered to the borrower with 1 point cost.  Rate quotes assume a purchase transaction with a 20% down payment, 720 credit score, and full income qualification.  Rates are subject to fluctuation.  Custom rate quotes and rate lock advice are available by calling (858)-777-9751.

Short-term, this is about as good as it gets.  I think we’ll see some higher rates, in the next 7-10 days, with rates coming back down to this level by the end of September.  I’m befuddled for the 3 month trend so I’ll stay neutral.

MORTGAGE RATE TREND:

Next 7 days:      Higher 

Next 30 days:     Neutral

Next 3 months:    Lower? (I’m stumped)

Long Beach mortgage rates report is offered courtesy of Brian Brady.  Contact Brian for more information about a home loan.

Posted on August 29, 2008 09:39:41 by Laurie.Manny

Sunday Afternoon in Belmont Shore - Long Beach California

Sunday Afternoon in Belmont Shore

Long Beach California

August 24 2008

Today was the most gorgeous day here in Long Beach.  Is it any wonder why we all love it here so much?  I was out showing homes today to a new buyer, when we were through I drove into Belmont Shore and up Bayshore along the canal.  It was about 5:30 in the afternoon and many people were enjoying the beach.  Adults and children alike were in the water swimming, paddling around on boogie boards, and kayaking, others were relaxing on the sand.  Small boats were slowly making their way down the canal…….it was perfection.  It is what Long Beach is all about. 

I parked the car, grabbed both cameras and walked onto the bridge above the canal.  The tide was high, several boats that had been out for the day weren’t able to make it back under the bridge to return home were turning around to travel another route home.  People were out on the water having fun, the sun was glistening and the water was an incredible azure blue, as was the sky.  Today was a gorgeous day here in Long Beach.

In the background music could be heard, a 3 piece band had set up on the end of one of the docks on the other side of the bridge.  Nice background for the end to a perfect day, thanks for adding a beat to it. 

Residents of Belmont Shore and Naples Island were walking to the beach with sand chairs tucked under their arms planning on finishing their day off relaxing on the sand while the sun sank in our sky.  What a great way to end the day and a wonderful weekend. 

Relocating to Long Beach California-Resource Guide

Belmont Shore Homes For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Belmont Shore CA Homes for sale under $1000000
• Belmont Shore-Naples Homes For Sale $1000000 to $2000000
• Belmont Shore Naples Homes For Sale $2000000 and up

Belmont Shore Condos For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Marina Pacifica Condos for Sale Long Beach CA
• Bay Harbour Homes For Sale Long Beach California

Belmont Shore Income Properties For Sale

• Belmont Shore-Naples Island Income Properties For Sale

Posted on August 24, 2008 23:50:45 by Laurie.Manny