Council Extends Street Closure
Told by residents that the measure will help protect their neighborhood from speeding cars and crime, the El Segundo City Council voted on Tuesday to extend the temporary closure of Hillcrest Street at Imperial Highway for 18 months.
In its 4-0 decision, the council also ordered its staff to prepare an amendment to the city’s General Plan to make the closure permanent, indicating it will approve the amendment before the 18-month extension expires.
Several residents at Tuesday’s hearing said they oppose the street closing, first imposed on May 25, because it forces them to take a circuitous route to leave El Segundo.
But most of those who spoke on the issue strongly supported the closure, saying it has discouraged gang members from entering the city and has removed from Hillcrest the danger of high-speed traffic exiting Imperial Highway.
“The safety of the people who live there far outweighs the inconveniences,” Councilman Alan West said.
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