Local News in Brief : United Cable TV Gets 2nd Project Extension
United Cable Television of Los Angeles Inc. received City Council approval Wednesday for a second 10-month extension--until July 31, 1987--to complete installation of the East San Fernando Valley cable TV system. The vote was 13-0.
The council also voted to fine United $121,875 for failing to meet a June 30 deadline for installing the first 50 miles of the 1,140-mile system.
At the same time, the council approved a 10-year renewal of United’s franchise, to 1995. United officials said they could not obtain financing to complete the $75-million system under the existing franchise, which expires in 1987, because it did not give the company enough time to make money.
The measure now goes to Mayor Tom Bradley, who is expected to approve it.
The cable firm, awarded the East Valley cable franchise in September, 1983, originally was supposed to finish the system this December. But the council gave United a 10-month extension last year.
The company in August asked for a second 10-month extension, contending that the timetable set by the council was unrealistic. The company has blamed the latest delays on slow approval from utility companies for stringing cable.
Besides the fine, the council voted to require United to pay $100,000, plus $500 for each day’s delay, if it fails to meet a new deadline of Jan. 31 for starting service to homes along 270 miles of the system.
As of Tuesday, the company had installed 67 miles of cable, United attorney Mark Ambruster said.
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