SEAL BEACH : Surfside Residents Plan Improvements

The residents of Surfside call their enclave a “colony”--an idyllic cluster of about 250 upscale homes sandwiched between the green marshes of Anaheim Bay and the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

But even this gated community at the south end of Seal Beach has room for improvement.

Residents want to move utility lines underground and install a new water system.

They plan to pay for the project by forming a special assessment district.

A price tag for the project has yet to be calculated. But residents took the first step in forming the district this month by submitting a petition to the City Council.

If all goes as planned, the city would help Surfside residents obtain a low-interest loan to finance the improvements.

The residents would pay off the loan through an annual assessment.

The size of the levy has not been determined.

City Manager Jerry L. Bankston stressed that the city would incur no costs if the district is formed.

Surfside residents said the village’s infrastructure needs to be upgraded.

The water system uses relatively small pipes that cause inconsistent water pressure at times.

The above-ground wiring and wood telephone poles detract from the ocean vistas that some homes command, residents said.

“I think this will upgrade the whole community,” said Councilwoman Marilyn Bruce Hastings, who represents Surfside. “The residents are determined to do it. I think this will really clear up the place tremendously.”

Surfside residents are expected to discuss the improvement project at a community meeting this weekend.

The community is just west of Pacific Coast Highway near the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.

The area is known for its landmark water tower house, which stands near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Anderson Street.