Book Still Open on West End Library Vacancy

Nearly five years after it was closed due to maintenance problems, the Long Beach Public Library’s former West End branch remains vacant and the prospects for occupancy is uncertain, according to a broker trying to sell the space and adjoining units.    

The satellite branch, which operated for more than 30 years at 868 W. Beech Street, was closed in 2007 after continuous leaking caused mold infestation, said Long Beach Library Director George Trepp. “That’s why we left,” he said. “And the owners would not abate the mold.”

The old library is housed in a three-unit building that includes the Golden Phoenix, a Chinese restaurant at the corner of Oregon Street, and a former antique shop that has been vacant for decades, according to Trepp.

Maureen Walsh, owner of the Rockaway Park-based Walsh Properties, said she is one of two brokers involved in trying to sell all three units. “The property is for sale but it’s not just the library,” she said. “There’s the vacant spot next door and the Chinese restaurant as well.”  

Asked about the prospect of selling the units, Walsh tried to strike a sunny tone among the black clouds. “The real estate market has been taking a beating the last couple of years,” Walsh said. “2011 was better, 2012 will be better as well. I just think we’re all trying to find our footing here.”

Trepp said that the building's owners who were listed on the library’s lease in August 2007, Robert Chan and Soot Ching Lam, were also on previous leases stretching back to 1989. Rita Lam, the other broker who is trying to sell the property, declined to comment for this article.

Trepp had previously said that there was a decline in use at the old facility and, while there was no official reason why it was less utilized, some believed it was due to the building's poor condition.

The library moved its books down the block to a former convenience store that was shut down, at 810 W.Beech St., which was renovated and re-opened as the new satellite in March 2009. The library and the property owners, Theresa and Amerigo Palmieri, agreed to a five-year lease with a five-year option to renew.