Settlement advances green infrastructure and trail access along Los Angeles River

The Riverpark Coalition and Los Angeles Waterkeeper have reached a settlement agreement with the owner of the proposed Pacific Place Project in Long Beach, California, resolving litigation over a planned self-storage and RV parking development adjacent to the Los Angeles River.

The agreement stems from a lawsuit filed under the California Environmental Quality Act challenging the project’s environmental approvals. Under the settlement, the property owner agreed to collaborate with the organizations on improvements intended to reduce environmental impacts and expand public access to open space near the river corridor.

Planned enhancements include additional green buffer areas, a 15-foot-wide public trail easement connecting Pacific Place to the LA River and existing LARIO trail systems, and support for future development of publicly accessible open space on a nearby Los Angeles County Flood Control District parcel.

Project advocates said the agreement could improve multi-modal and equestrian trail connectivity while creating new opportunities for stormwater-friendly green space in a community with limited public open space. The settlement also highlights the growing role of watershed advocacy groups in shaping redevelopment projects near urban waterways.