Long Beach’s parklet program turns public curb space into private restaurant seating at a fraction of market value. Form 460 filings show Duggan’s campaign received two $250 contributions from a party connected to the Legends project and a $300 refund recorded the day of council action. If businesses create the demand, they should provide the parking.
See the filings. Watch the vote. Decide for yourself.
The Record
The core question is simple: why is public curb space being leased for private restaurant seating at far below comparable market value—and why is that opportunity limited to restaurants?
Public Policy
The parklet program lets restaurants convert public curb space into private commercial seating.
Residents and other businesses do not get the same opportunity, even as private parklet use worsens Belmont Shore parking pressure.
Economic Value
A typical parklet occupies roughly 300-320 sq ft (about two parking spaces). Long Beach Post reported annual renewal fees of ~ $760.
That’s roughly $2.30-$2.50 per sq ft/year vs. typical 2nd Street retail rents around ~$45-$65+ per sq ft/year, with restaurant-oriented space often higher.
Campaign Money
Form 460 filings show two $250 contributions from Mutoscope Films LLC (Matt Peterson), connected to the Legends project.
A $300 refund was recorded on Feb. 13, 2024—the same day as council action; Duggan said the required amount was returned so she could participate.
Outcome
The City Council approved a permanent outdoor dining parklet at Legends.
Many residents raised concerns about parking, accessibility, safety, and private use of public curb space. The council approved the parklet anyway.
Timeline
Legends’ permanent outdoor dining application begins moving through the approval process.
Form 460 filings show two $250 contributions from Mutoscope Films LLC (Matt Peterson), connected to the Legends project.
A $300 refund is recorded the day of council action; Duggan says the required amount was returned so she could participate.
The City Council approves the Legends parklet despite concerns about parking, access, and private use of public curb space.
Primary records
Form 460 filings show two $250 contributions from Mutoscope Films LLC (Matt Peterson) and a $300 refund recorded on February 13, 2024—the same day as council action.
Form 460 Schedule A - 4/20/2022
Form 460 Schedule A - 6/30/2023
Form 460 Schedule A - 2/13/2024
Receipts
Contribution entries, refund entries, and amendments.
Search Duggan filingsSearch: “Duggan”
What residents can demand
Parklets have been approved. Now the question is whether residents are being paid fairly and whether parking impacts are being addressed. Today, Belmont Shore residents carry much of the parking burden. A long-term solution is to flip that model: consider resident permit parking and require businesses to plan for customer parking instead of relying on surrounding neighborhoods.
Replace Duggan with leadership that puts residents first, stays independent of 2nd Street business interests, and protects public space.
Make businesses plan for customer parking instead of pushing congestion onto residential streets.
Charge closer-to-market rates for parklets and reinvest the proceeds in shared lots, shuttles, enforcement, and resident protections.