ORANGE : Street-Widening Plan on Agenda

Opponents of a $28-million street widening project are expected to crowd City Hall tonight when the Planning Commission again takes up a plan for the city’s largest-ever public works project.

At a public hearing last month, more than 200 residents opposing the plan to widen La Veta and Chapman avenues and Main and Glassell streets raised 30 issues they want addressed as part of any environmental review of the project.

Commissioners agreed, and planning staff and traffic officials are expected to address those questions tonight.

City officials say the project is critical to the municipality’s future. The 4.3-mile project, which could take up to 15 years to complete, will accommodate future commercial growth on the city’s west side and residential growth to the east.

Opponents have argued that the plan will replace quiet, tree-lined streets with a multilane raceway to carry cross-town traffic. Residents of the Old Towne district say the city’s plan will undermine their hard-fought efforts to preserve the historic architecture of the area.

Residents are particularly opposed to widening La Veta Avenue, an action they say would isolate the Nutwood Tract from the rest of Old Towne.

The plan, if enacted, most likely will cause the displacement of 129 residents and the relocation or demolition of up to 80 buildings, including some of historic significance.

The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 300 E. Chapman Ave.