BUENA PARK : Utility Wires, Poles Will Be Removed

Unsightly overhead wiring and utility poles along La Palma Avenue and portions of Stanton Avenue and Dale Street will soon vanish to enhance the appearance of the city’s major shopping area.

Wiring will be placed underground and the poles will be removed in the area next to Buena Park Mall as well as nearby eateries and retailers.

Eliminating overhead utilities will make “our community appear more attractive,” said City Manager Kevin O’Rourke, and it will also make streets safer.

The City Council last week approved spending $141,000 toward the $1-million cost to place utilities underground along La Palma and Stanton avenues and Dale Street.

The balance will be paid by Southern California Edison.

Other utility companies, including the telephone and cable services, will pay for the cost of placing their wiring underground, said Nabil S. Henein, deputy city engineer.

Preston Clark, manager for Sears at the Buena Park Mall, said retailers are concerned that construction could hurt business during the holiday season and discourage shopping at the mall.

But Henein said construction will stop between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day to avoid disruption for merchants.

To minimize any inconvenience to businesses and their customers, Henein said, business driveways will not be blocked and traffic lanes will remain open in both directions.

Completion for Edison’s portion of the project is scheduled for June, 1995.

The entire project is expected to be completed by December, 1995.