Four hundred people packed Long Beach City Hall on Tuesday night for a City Council debate over the future of a controversial liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for a pier in the city's harbor.
The crowd spilled out of the chambers as the council began the debate over whether to end talks with a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Corp., which is planning a $450-million gas terminal less than two miles from downtown.
Dozens of supporters and critics planned to address the nine-member council before the scheduled vote late Tuesday evening.
Terminal supporters, most of them union members, outnumbered opponents, judging from the bright orange T-shirts supporting the project and fluorescent orange "Yes! LNG" stickers.
Critics held up anti-terminal signs.
The project has provoked strenuous opposition among residents who fear that an accident or terrorist attack could cause a catastrophic fire. But others have argued vehemently that Long Beach needs the jobs the terminal would provide.
Two proposed California gas terminals have been canceled because of public criticism. If the council votes to terminate negotiations, it will seriously undermine the Long Beach project. Although the city's Harbor Commission holds the power to cancel the project, commissioners would have a difficult time forging ahead in the face of council opposition.
The council meeting attracted residents from across southern Los Angeles County.
Tom Miller, 40, came with his wife, Rebeca Shelley, 38. They are 10-year residents of Long Beach who own the Viento y Agua gallery and coffeehouse.
"We're frightened about the possibilities of liquefied natural gas coming to Long Beach -- not only its presence but what could happen in a potential terrorist attack," Miller said. "I just don't trust big business anymore, and the way it works with local government."
Among those supporting the plant was Bobby Newman, 52, of Lynwood, president of Laborers and Plaster Tenders Union Local 507.
"LNG, number one, will clean up the air around here and get rid of the diesel. Number two, it brings the gas prices down. Utility rates are monstrous," he said. "There will be jobs from building it, with benefit packages and a living wage. And not only do they need to build it, but it has to be maintained. And those are long-term jobs."
