Pasadena’s Orange Grove ‘Road Diet’ Needs More Nourishment

Signs like these are popping up all along Orange Grove. – Photo by Terry Miller/Beacon Media News

Residents’ complaints, concerns force city to delay project

By Terry Miller

On Thursday, March 22, hundreds of Pasadena residents joined Mayor Terry Tornek, Councilmembers Gene Masuda and Margaret McAustin, and City staff to discuss the proposed Orange Grove Boulevard. “Road Diet” project.  Over 100 of the attendees provided public comment.  There will be time for additional public comment before any decisions are made. However, for the reasons set forth below, the second community meeting that was scheduled for yesterday has been put on the back burner due to public concern.

As was discussed at the meeting, the proposed timing for the resurfacing of Orange Grove Boulevard, which would necessarily precede any restriping of the street to implement a “Road Diet”, is expected to be postponed for approximately twelve months to allow time for the Water and Power Department to install a proposed 3.5 mile water transmission line from Sunset Avenue to Sierra Madre Boulevard.   In other words, any decision on the “Road Diet” is likewise being postponed.

While the intent of the proposed “Road Diet” is to enhance safety, it is clear that there are many concerns regarding the potential impacts of the project as it has been proposed. “These concerns have been taken to heart by the City representatives,” according to a city press release sent out last week.

Orange Grove has two vehicle lanes in both directions. Under the proposed reconfiguration, the street would have one lane in both directions, but also a center-left turn lane and buffered bike lanes. Residents are not amused.

“Given delays caused by the water transmission line project, City staff has an opportunity to develop greater community dialog and to work toward an approach that is more likely to be accepted by the community.  Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.”

“We are grateful to all those who participated at the meeting, or made their thoughts known previously.  Pasadena’s engaged and informed citizenry is one of things that makes our community so special,” stated City Manager Steve Mermell.

A copy of the presentation provided at last week’s meeting and project updates can be found at the project website.

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