South Bay : NEGLECTED CITY
Torrance is falling apart. Literally.
Water mains are bursting up to 130 times a year, the sewer system is overloaded, tree roots protrude through sidewalks and the streets are nearing traffic capacity. A recent report states that it would take $200 million to fix the problems.
City officials blame old age.
“We have sidewalks that were built in 1914,” said City Manager LeRoy Jackson.
“We have trees that were scheduled to mature at 30 years. Guess what? It’s been 30 years and now the roots are cracking sidewalks and sewer pipes.”
Torrance officials are using the report to focus on problem areas, but improvements won’t happen overnight, Jackson said.
“There isn’t some magical switch we’re going to throw and all this is going to be repaired,” Jackson said.
“It’s going to take time.”
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