LOS ALAMITOS : Hearings to Examine Noise, Traffic Dispute

The City Council has decided to hold public hearings in response to complaints from residents about noise and traffic generated by trucks owned by Barr Lumber Co. and Trend Offset Printing.

Two residents, Lew Petix and Russ Iiams sued Trend Offset Printing and the city of Los Alamitos in August, seeking $2.5 million in damages for what they contend were disruptions to their lives and the city’s failure to enforce city code.

The lawsuit is pending in Orange County Superior Court, according to their attorney, R.M. Anthony Cosio.

About two dozen residents who attended last week’s council meeting said that it is about time the city solves a problem that has dragged on for years and made their lives miserable.

Beside noise and traffic, some residents have complained about odor and dust generated by the two businesses.

“It’s been slow in coming, but at least we’re making some progress,” said Andrew N. Leonard, who heads the homeowner association of a six-unit condominium complex across from Barr Lumber Co.

A traffic study conducted by a city consultant in December indicated that Trend Offset Printing and Barr Lumber Co., generate a significant amount of the truck traffic.

Trend Offset Printing, at Catalina and Cherry streets, which prints TV Guide, other magazines and government forms in an eight-building compound, generates more than 60% of the truck traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the study showed.

Barr Lumber Co., at Los Alamitos Boulevard and Catalina Street, uses an average of 35 trucks a day, according to the study. The rest of the traffic is generated by other businesses in the area, which is dotted by single-family homes and condominiums.

Jeff Thompson of BSI Inc., the city’s consultant, said that using alternative routes, limiting truck traffic in the area and posting signs will ease the congestion without hurting the businesses.

“It will not eliminate all truck traffic but will keep the businesses viable,” Thompson said.

Trend Offset Printing Manager Ron Montgomery said that rerouting truck traffic “is probably the best alternative.”

In response to the residents’ complaints, Montgomery said that his company has removed a loading dock facing the residential areas, prohibited employees from parking on the streets after 5 p.m. and reduced the noise level.

“We’ve taken (the residents’) laundry list and spent a lot of time and money to meet what’s on the list,” Montgomery said.