Queensway development good idea

The expansion plan will increase job opportunities for Long Beach residents and the stereotypically poor college students at CSULB, according to Dan Baker, District 2 city council member, who said the development will open more than 1,000 new jobs.

Students, mainly incoming freshmen, without established transportation methods or familiarity with the surrounding cities will be able to take advantage of Queensway Bay's close proximity to campus. There are many well-established retail and nightlife areas in Long Beach, such as Pine Avenue and Fourth Street, but job opportunities in those areas are scarce for students just entering the job market. The new restaurants from the project will re-open the market.

New restaurants such as National Sports Grill and Prego's typically appeal to college students wanting to be servers or bartenders, both jobs that give significant opportunity for extra money through tips.  New retail stores have requested leases, as well as other entertainment establishments, such as an Edwards 15 multiplex theatre and an IMAX Theatre, that will offer a wealth of job opportunities. 

Even trendy new restaurant Bubba Gump Grill, which will make its Southern California premiere in Long Beach, will offer a bustling customer base to tip-hungry students.

As far as entertainment goes, Queensway Bay will give students another, closer-to-home option for Friday and Saturday nights. Students currently frequent Second Street in Belmont Shore and Pine Avenue downtown, but they are small streets with a very limited number of places to hang out. The closest IMAX Theatre to campus is at the Irvine Spectrum, which really is not close at all.

A new entertainment center will enliven downtown and make it an exciting place to go. More students will stay in Long Beach over the weekend if there is something to do, which could somewhat lessen the "commuter campus" feel that taints CSULB's social side. And a better social life is always good.