Business Owners OK Little Saigon Span

A group of business owners in Little Saigon voted this week to tax themselves as much as $3 million to pay for a 500-foot pedestrian bridge across Bolsa Avenue.

The City Council certified the election results, which will allow the city to issue bonds to finance the bridge. The money would then be paid back by additional property taxes from the business owners over 40 years until the debt is retired.

No public money is involved in the project, city officials said.

Those voting this week were six owners of land along Bolsa, west of Moran Street and east of Weststate Street, who have formed a tax assessment district. They unanimously approved the financing.

The bridge, which will be Asian-themed and decorated with dragons and the message “Welcome to Little Saigon,” is intended to be a landmark for the business district and increase tourism.

The structure is expected to cost about $4 million, with the difference between the financed amount and the total to be paid by the landowners. Also included in the plans are improvements such as landscaping, benches, a fountain and outdoor dining areas.

Construction of the bridge is expected to be completed in November, officials said.