Construction delays sparks frustration from council
Norwalk vice mayor Margarita Rios, city manager Jesus, Gomez and Finance Director Jane Steward have a discussion after the council meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Vincent Medina)
NORWALK — City council members expressed frustration as they learned development projects in the city were delayed and requests were miscommunicated during their meeting on Tuesday.
A budget amendment was approved for the Firestone Boulevard widening project, which is still ongoing after the council began discussing the project sometime in 2017.
The project would upgrade the existing section of Firestone Boulevard from two lanes of traffic to three lanes in each direction with a center median. The widening is between Hoxie Avenue and the Northbound I-605 Freeway ramps and Imperial highway.
Glen Kau, public services development director, explained the funding for the project was provided through the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority through the Measure M grant.
Councilwoman Jennifer Perez said she empathized with residents after waiting for the project to start.
“I am a bit frustrated just like our residents. I feel like we’ve been talking about a widening since we were elected in 2017,” Perez said. “I understand we had to wait for funding and for design and approval. I understand why our residents get frustrated when we say things are approved.”
Kau said construction on the project should start by 2024 after bidding the project to the contractor.
The public services development director tried to explain the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Perez noted other development that did not stall during the pandemic, and expressed frustration that the widening project is still waiting for a bid.
The council proceeded to discuss the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year, but found miscommunication occurred when the council discussed the “Norwalk 5K Run - Walk - Bike” event.
Vice Mayor Margarita Rios said she was concerned with the cost of the event and that it would take a year to plan.
“A lot of our neighboring cities have similar events, so I didn’t ask for us to necessarily recreate the wheel,” Rios said.
Councilmember Perez also confirmed the cost to the general fund would be $22,000. Upon confirmation the city council was in uproar that the cost for the event would cost such an “astronomical” amount.
City staff began to explain how the funds would be allocated including medals, t-shirts, having a runners village and other expenditures.
“I believe that if the cost was that exorbitant, then not very many cities would probably hold such similar events,” Rios said. “I encourage parks and rec staff to get creative.”
Rios motioned to amend the budget by $25,000, in anticipation of planning this event and to see it again in fall or winter.
The motion passed unanimously from the council.