College Park East residents told the City Council Monday about their concerns that the soundwall near their neighborhood might be moved as part of the I-405 improvement project. Relocation of the soundwall would result in shortening Almond Avenue.
College Park East residents had brought their concerns directly to the OCTA board meeting that was also held Monday.
Enea Ostrich was one of four neighborhood residents who spoke about the issue during the public comment segment of the April 13 City Council meeting.
She said that the Orange County Transportation Authority’s executive director had recently indicated that the soundwall would be moved, which would have tremendous impact on Almond Avenue.She said the intrusion on that part of College Park East represented a safety hazard.
Residents are concerned that reducing Almond Avenue to accommodate the possible relocation of the soundwall would create problems with access for both residents and emergency responders, in addition to parking impacts.
District Two Councilman Gary Miller, who also sits on the transportation agency’s board, said the people were getting nothing for their money. He described the 405 expansion project, which includes the installation of toll lanes, as a “ripoff.” Miller expressed irritation that Transportation Authority staff had not told him, as a board member, that the Almond Avenue soundwall might be moved.
The Final Environmental Impact Report for the freeway project has been approved and will be available to the public until May 4.
Caltrans officials have made it clear they prefer project alternative 3, which would add one general purpose lane in each direction and add a toll lane in each direction. The public and officials representing 405 corridor cities in Orange County have consistently opposed putting toll lanes on public freeways. The possible relocation of the soundwall was raised more than two years ago by county transportation officials. Seal Beach residents and officials raised strong objections to the project.
In August 2012, OCTA issued a press release that announced changes to the freeway project. The changes included potentially eliminating the need to move the soundwall.
However, when the Final Environmental Impact Report came out recently, the document indicated that the soundwall might be moved.
Mayor Ellery Deaton said that the council as a body have fought alongside College Park East residents and would not give up.
The council also:
• Voted to approve the introduction (or first reading) of the ordinance that gives the city manager authority to appoint a city clerk. The vote was part of the Consent Calendar, which the council usually votes on without discussion. However, Councilman Miller made a formal statement that he was voting against that specific agenda item. The rest of the Consent Calendar was approved unanimously.
• Approved funding to repair the roof of the Beverly Manor Water Reservoir, which was destroyed during a storm in April 2014.
