ORANGE : Panel Backtracks on Widening of Streets

The Planning Commission removed the most controversial elements from a $28-million street widening plan and then unanimously approved the rest of a massive public works project.

The compromise decision won applause from about 80 residents who had opposed parts of the plan to widen 4.3 miles of La Veta and Chapman avenues and Main and Glassell streets. The commission’s action removes for further study the plan to widen La Veta Avenue east of Glassell, as well as Glassell Street north of La Veta. The revised project must now be approved by the City Council.

Opponents had vehemently protested widening La Veta Avenue and Glassell street in the Old Towne area, saying it would destroy the historic value of the district and isolate the city’s first subdivision, the Nutwood tract, from the rest of Old Towne.

Traffic Engineer Bernie Dennis told the commissioners that widening the roads was necessary for the city to achieve the “magical balance” between future development and traffic flow. Dennis had also warned that the city must meet minimum traffic circulation requirements to be eligible for transportation funds and to avoid potential litigation from neighboring cities.

But Commissioner Randy Bosch said the city should explore alternatives before approving a plan to widen La Veta.

“We don’t have to do this if we can find a better way,” he said. The city must “find some way to solve this thing to the benefit of everybody,” he said.