Pomona seeks to address Mission Boulvard closure concerns

Thomas Klugman said he represents the owner of the Mission Plaza, a collection of businesses and offices on Mission, east of the 71.

The last time he and the development's owner had any information on the project was two years ago during a community meeting.

"You can imagine my surprise when I heard (Monday) Mission is going to be closing down in two weeks," he said.

Klugman suggested using money being saved by closing Mission to pay over time or increase the hours of work to accelerate the completion of the project, he said.

Plans call for closing Mission Boulevard at the 71 May 18 and keeping it closed for six to eight months to complete work that includes construction of a bridge that will carry Mission traffic over the freeway.

By closing the street the city expects to cut the construction period by one year and save the city $3 million to $4 million.

Construction on the project began in September 2008 and is expected to be completed by September 2010.

D'Zmura said Tuesday he and others were "looking for specific changes in how we are doing business to improve communications" with those near the project.

The goal it to provide accurate information in a timely fashion and clear misunderstandings, he said.

Efforts are underway to work with Cal Trans, which has jurisdiction over the project, D'Zmura said.

In addition staff are exploring options such as adding curb cuts, using over-time accelerate the projects completion and looking for ways to keep Mission open at least partially, he said.

Day laborers also attended the meeting. About 30 workers from the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center, also known as the Pomona Day Labor Center, were presented in representation of the 200 laborers who obtain work through the center.

Like other organizations along Mission the center didn't receive notice of the street closure, said Suzanne Foster, the center's executive director.

A concern for Foster is that it's neighbor, HD Supply Repair & Remodel will see a drop in customers who often hire workers at the center.

Last year, due to the weak economy, the center has experienced about a 40 percent drop in the number of people looking for the services of the laborers, Foster said. Just recently the center has begun to see a slight increase in people seeking to hire workers.

"Right when things are getting better and workers are getting a little hope" comes the announcement of the closure, she said.

Gabriel Chipe, owner of a Subway sandwich shop in the 1600 block of West Mission Boulevard, said Tuesday with a street closure customers won't be able to reach his shop easily.

His customer come from nearby office buildings and some take the 71 and then Mission.

After Monday's meeting Chipe said he left hopeful and with the sense the council listened to his and his neighbors concerns, partly because of Councilwoman Danielle Soto.

Soto apologized at the meeting for the city's handling of the project and lack of communication.

"I felt like, wow, our voices were heard," he said.