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Lomita looks to double its parkland with US Navy deal
Part of the 6-acre field.
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Courtesy city of Lomita
)
Good news for baseball fans: The city of Lomita will soon own a new ballpark.
It’s started the process of taking over about 6 acres of land owned by the U.S. Navy. Once final, it’ll mark a large expansion of the small city’s available parkspace.
The ballfield, now known as the Lomita Sports and Community Center, is located at Western Avenue and Palos Verdes Drive. It’s one of 11 fields owned by the Navy for its fueling area in San Pedro.
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Why the exchange is happening
The infield at the Lomita Sports and Community Center.
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Courtesy city of Lomita
)
Right now, Lomita officials don’t have the keys to the fenced-off field, so the land is not regularly open to the public.
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The decision was sparked by changes at the Department of Defense during President Donald Trump’s first term.
For decades, nonprofit sports teams were able to lease the land for little to no cost. One of those teams, Lomita Little League, still plays on the grounds. But that agreement changed in 2020.
The department wanted to move away from working with community groups and was going to increase usage fees. Congress members pushed back, saying the change would’ve priced teams out. They secured language in federal legislation that allowed the Navy to offload the land.
“ We’re still in the process, but we’re very, very close to completing that conveyance,” said city manager Andrew Vialpando.
Effects on Lomita
The terms of the agreement are still being figured out. Vialpando says it’s been “dark” over the last month because of the government shutdown, but he’s confident it’ll be done in the coming year.
A key question is how much the city will have to pay for the land, which is required under the legislation. Vialpando says they haven’t discussed those terms yet but that Lomita has a “modest” general fund of $16 million.
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“ To acquire 6 acres at a fair market value price really is inconceivable,” he said.
The city plans to fix up the ballfield.
(
Courtesy city of Lomita
)
The bleachers will need to be repaired.
(
Courtesy city of Lomita
)
Vialpando says part of the ongoing talks with the Navy and federal government will be negotiating a deal where the city can take over the land without breaking the bank — including with in-kind payments or a subsidy.
However, monetary costs for the city will come down the line. The park needs repairs to meet modern recreation and accessibility standards. The bleachers, fencing, restrooms, electrical systems and snack bar need upgrades.
Over the next few months, officials will evaluate the fields and facilities to develop an improvement plan based on community needs and resources.
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