BUENA PARK : Street Realignment OKd Despite Protests

Bellehurst residents showed up in force at this week’s City Council meeting, but their strength in numbers failed to sway the council majority to change their vote to align Burlingame Avenue with Dale Street.

More than 50 residents, who wore green ribbons as a show of united opposition, attended the meeting. They tried to convince the council that making their neighborhood street an intersection with Dale Street poses a danger.

But the council voted 3 to 2 to adopt the final environmental impact report on the realignment and to build a railroad underpass on Dale Street. Council members also gave final approval of the selection of Burlingame as the preferred street to align with Dale. Councilwomen Donna L. Chessen and Rhonda J. McCune voted against the project, estimated to cost $9 million.

Residents of the prestigious neighborhood in the northern part of the city expressed disappointment but vowed their battle with city leaders will continue--either with a recall effort or at the ballot box.

“The issue has definitely not died,” said Burlingame resident Teri Raymondo. “People are so irate and upset for the lack of consideration for residents.”

Raymondo said residents have collected 263 signatures opposing the project and plan to canvass the Bellehurst neighborhood to gather more names for their petition.

Residents believe the alignment will increase traffic, decrease property values and pose a safety threat because of speeding motorists.

Other realignment alternatives included placing Dale in line with Monticello Avenue, another residential street that leads to the Bellehurst tract, or leaving Dale as a T-intersection that dead-ends at Malvern Avenue.

Residents, who said they are not against building the railroad underpass, favor maintaining a T-intersection because it would not adversely affect the neighborhood.

Some residents said they will examine their options and plan to continue to fight the council’s decision.

Mayor Donald L. Bone, who with Councilmen Arthur C. Brown and Don R. Griffith comprised the majority in the vote, said Burlingame Avenue is the best alignment configuration with Dale Street to improve traffic safety.

“I understand the position and the feelings of those residents who have appeared before us,” Bone said.

Bone also directed city staff to minimize traffic immediately with such improvements as speed limit signs or speed bumps.