May 2010 Archives
The wait is over.
A much-anticipated bridge on Ramona Avenue that will take vehicles over Union Pacific Railroad tracks has been completed.
Motorists on Thursday were finally able to use the bridge and avoid railroad traffic that has slowed on Ramona for years.
Construction of the concrete-arched bridge - which is 270 feet long and 90 feet wide - took more than two years. The bridge stretches from Brooks Street on the north side of the tracks to between State Street and Mission Boulevard on the south side.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time," Councilwoman Carolyn Raft said Thursday at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I have a lot of friends with businesses that are grateful for this."
The $18million Ramona Avenue Grade Separation project was paid for with federal, state and local funds.
Motorists will appreciate the bridge since it eliminates the time they used to spend waiting for stopped trains. Trains are permitted to block intersections for up to 20 minutes.
The bridge is also expected to improve public safety response time.
"This will result in better levels of service to the community," Fire Chief Troy Ament said.
A much-anticipated bridge on Ramona Avenue that will take vehicles over Union Pacific Railroad tracks has been completed.
Motorists on Thursday were finally able to use the bridge and avoid railroad traffic that has slowed on Ramona for years.
Construction of the concrete-arched bridge - which is 270 feet long and 90 feet wide - took more than two years. The bridge stretches from Brooks Street on the north side of the tracks to between State Street and Mission Boulevard on the south side.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time," Councilwoman Carolyn Raft said Thursday at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I have a lot of friends with businesses that are grateful for this."
The $18million Ramona Avenue Grade Separation project was paid for with federal, state and local funds.
Motorists will appreciate the bridge since it eliminates the time they used to spend waiting for stopped trains. Trains are permitted to block intersections for up to 20 minutes.
The bridge is also expected to improve public safety response time.
"This will result in better levels of service to the community," Fire Chief Troy Ament said.
MONTCLAIR - City Council members unanimously approved a two-tier pension program that will reduce the retirement benefit for non-safety employees hired after June 20.
The city's retirement rate and annual costs will decrease as a result of the contract amendment with the California Public Employees' Retirement System that was approved at Monday's council meeting. The change does not affect police officers and firefighters.
Current city employees and any hired before June 20 are covered under the 3 percent at 60 retirement plan. Those hired on or after that date will be covered under the 2 percent at 60 retirement plan.
The city's retirement rate and annual costs will decrease as a result of the contract amendment with the California Public Employees' Retirement System that was approved at Monday's council meeting. The change does not affect police officers and firefighters.
Current city employees and any hired before June 20 are covered under the 3 percent at 60 retirement plan. Those hired on or after that date will be covered under the 2 percent at 60 retirement plan.
Continue reading Montclair cuts retirement benefit for future city employees .
City Council members have approved a proposal to construct a 385-unit residential complex called as The Paseos at the northeast corner of Monte Vista Avenue and Moreno Street.
The Paseos' design theme will be based on the Santa Barbara architectural style that blends Spanish, Mediterranean and Moorish influences - white stucco surfaces, red tile rooftops and arches and courtyards.
"It's geared toward an upper-end professional that doesn't want to own," Councilman Bill Ruh said at Monday evening's meeting. "They want to come home, do what they want to do and go out with their friends. They are more social, and this appeals to them."
The Paseos' design theme will be based on the Santa Barbara architectural style that blends Spanish, Mediterranean and Moorish influences - white stucco surfaces, red tile rooftops and arches and courtyards.
"It's geared toward an upper-end professional that doesn't want to own," Councilman Bill Ruh said at Monday evening's meeting. "They want to come home, do what they want to do and go out with their friends. They are more social, and this appeals to them."
Continue reading Housing plan at retail site in Montclair wins OK .
Monte Vista Water District will be discharging water from a groundwater production on Thursday.
The discharge will be on Arrow Highway, between Benson Avenue and Vernon avenues in Montclair.
This water discharge is a necessary task for maintenance and to fulfill water quality large amounts of water will flow from the well location to Vernon Avenue onto Moreno Street and be routed to storm drains where it will be directed into Brooks Basin on Brooks Avenue.
The discharged water will then percolate back into the ground to be used for future water supply.
Multiple discharges may be necessary depending on results of water quality testing following each flushing.
A traffic plan will be instituted that will assist in controlling the flow of water on the affected streets.
Information: 909-624-0035.
