HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmailed comment from Karen Iwakoshi1
Gloria Harper
From:Karen Iwakoshi <kareniwakoshi@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2026 11:30 PM
To:Gloria Harper
Cc:Patty Senecal
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Digital Billboard in College Park East
Dear City Council Members, and City Staff,
I am a longtime resident of College Park East and am writing to express my strong
opposition to the proposed digital billboard near our neighborhood.
Those of us who live along the I-405 corridor already deal with significant freeway noise
every day. As you know, residents have spent countless hours documenting the impact of
that noise, gathering data, attending meetings, and advocating for meaningful solutions.
Independent noise studies have shown levels that regularly exceed federally recognized
acceptable residential thresholds, and many of us continue to experience disruptions to
our quality of life.
Given those ongoing challenges, it is difficult to understand why the City would consider
introducing yet another impact to our neighborhood in the form of a large illuminated
digital billboard.
This location is particularly concerning because it sits near our Tennis and Pickleball
Center, close to an assisted living facility, and along one of the primary entrances into
and out of our community. College Park East has always been valued for its residential
character and small-town feel. A bright digital billboard is simply not consistent with the
charm and character that make Seal Beach special.
Beyond aesthetics, I am concerned about:
• Increased visual distraction for drivers along a busy corridor
• Light pollution affecting nearby residents and seniors
• The impact on the appearance and identity of our neighborhood
• The cumulative effect of adding a major visual intrusion to an area already burdened by
excessive freeway noise
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I understand the City may see financial benefits associated with this project. However, I
respectfully ask that those potential revenues be weighed against the long-term impact on
residents who live here every day. Once a structure like this is installed, the character of
the area is permanently changed.
Seal Beach has always been known as a unique, quaint coastal community as well as
College Park East. I believe we should be protecting that identity, not compromising it.
I urge you to reject this proposal and instead focus on projects that improve the quality of
life for residents, particularly those of us already impacted by freeway noise and other
environmental burdens.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Karen Iwakoshi
College Park East Resident
Seal Beach, CA
P.S. Many residents have spent years advocating for relief from freeway noise.
Approving a digital billboard in the same area sends the wrong message to a community
that has been asking for solutions, not additional impacts