The Port of Los Angeles will be holding a meeting Monday, February 28 at 6:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Pedro to discuss the development plans of the Waterfront project. Some of you might have already noticed that construction is currently in progress off Harry Bridges in Wilmington. The expected date of completion is sometime this summer.

In the agenda of what will be built as part of the Waterfront the Port of Los Angeles has a Red Car Museum listed. There are rumors that this museum will be built at the three-story vacant building, also known as the Bekins building, located in Wilmington on Fries Avenue and C Street. Not surprising at all, San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles are making decisions for Wilmington.

Supposedly Wilmington residents vote on these decisions. I wonder which Wilmington residents are voting on this, because the majority of the Wilmington community has no idea of the plans being decided for this Waterfront project.

Not to say that this Red Car museum is a horrible idea, but considering that there is a lack of resources in Wilmington a museum will not help resolve the problems of high school drop out rates, gang violence, foreclosures and more.

Even though Wilmington is the “Heart of the Harbor,” for many years it has been controlled by the powers of the ports, refineries, and oil industries that solely make decisions on self-interest instead of the interest for the Wilmington community.

At this meeting, on February 28, there will be an opportunity for Wilmington residents to give their input on what they think the current vacant spaces should be used for. It is obvious that in Wilmington there is a lack of resources such as recreational spaces, educational centers, art centers and much more.

The Bekins building is large enough to not only have one of the centers mentioned above but all the centers. Perhaps even the Red Car museum. Wilmington already has two museums, the Banning Mansion and the Drum Barracks Museum, and after attending those museums once no one sets their foot there again.

This is the time for Wilmington to speak out and voice what they believe is needed. Otherwise, the powers that have been controlling Wilmington will continue to until they get what they want. You can make your own conclusion on what you think they want.

Check out this website to get updates on the Waterfront project

I hope to see you all at the meeting Monday, February 28! Click here to RSVP