NEWPORT BEACH : Unanimous Vote for Assessment District

The City Council voted unanimously this week to create an assessment district in Cannery Village to pay for antique-style street lights and to upgrade curbs, gutters and sidewalks in the area.

The repairs will be made as part of the city’s larger road-improvement program, with the cost to be split by property owners and the city.

“Since we’re upgrading the streets, it’s an excellent opportunity to do that work,” said Steve Badham, project manager.

Owners of properties where curbs, gutters and sidewalks must be installed will be assessed from $870 to $11,000, with an average assessment of $3,500.

The cost of the street lights will be divided among Cannery Village property owners according to the square footage of the lots. The average fee will be $690.

The city will pay for street lights in the 30th Street parking lot and for the remainder of the street repairs.

After the district is registered with the county, property owners will receive a bill and a statement noting a 30-day cash payment period during which property owners may pay all or part of the fee. After the 30-day period, bonds will be sold in the amount of the unpaid assessments, and property owners will repay their fees over a 10-year period.

The repair project is scheduled to begin in three or four weeks and should be completed by June 11, officials say.

According to a city staff report, property owners representing 64% of the district signed petitions supporting installation of street lights via a special assessment district. No residents spoke against formation of the district at the public hearing Monday night.