TUSTIN : New Year to Bring Some Major Changes

City officials predict the new year will bring political changes and a continued search for answers to traffic and other problems facing the city.

Politically, the often-divided City Council could change because at least two new council members will be elected. The seat of Ronald B. Hoesterey, who resigned, will be filled, and Councilwoman Ursula E. Kennedy has announced she will not seek reelection. Incumbent John Kelly will seek reelection in a vote now scheduled for April.

Physically, the city will be undergoing major road improvements.

During 1990, the extension of Jamboree Road should be completed, Mayor Richard B. Edgar said. The road will extend north from Irvine Boulevard to Chapman Avenue and south from Edinger Avenue to Barranca Parkway.

“This should improve traffic significantly by providing an alternative to Red Hill (Avenue),” Edgar said.

Also this year, every mile of freeway in Tustin will either be under construction or improvements will have been recently completed, Edgar said.

“There will be a lot of congestion, but we’re going to be in the mode where we’re going to have our roads completed before a lot of other towns in the county,” Edgar said.

Construction will also start at City Hall. Plans to add a second story have been conceptually approved by the City Council and specific drawings are expected by the summer. Construction will start before the end of the year, Edgar said.

Civic improvements will also be made to the water system, Edgar said. The Orange County Water Department plans to test a water purification plant recently built at Main Street and Prospect Avenue. The system is designed to take nitrates out of water, Edgar said. If successful, more water could be pumped from the ground and less would have to be purchased from outside the county, Edgar said.

Another project designed to cut down on the purchase of outside water--which is more expensive than that pumped locally--is a plant planned near 17th Street and Prospect Avenue, Edgar said.

The coming year will also bring continued growth in East Tustin.

Between 1,000 and 2,000 houses, condominiums and apartments will be built in East Tustin this year, Edgar said. In addition, the auto center and Tustin Market Place will be completed, he said. A multiscreen movie theater, restaurants and more stores will be added to Tustin Market Place.