Groundbreaking Set for Old Town Project

To celebrate the long-awaited July 14 start of the Old Town Calabasas Improvement Project, officials have scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for Wednesday.

Mayor Lesley Devine, Mayor Pro Tem James Bozajian and Councilmen Bob Hill, Robert Sibilia and Dennis Washburn will join former council members, construction officials and residents in the Leonis Plaza Courtyard. Artists’ renderings and relevant documents will be on display.

The $1.4-million project is designed to lure shoppers to the area by creating an Old West theme on Calabasas Road between Valley Circle and Park Granada boulevards.

Plans include adding old-fashioned street lamps, wooden benches and boardwalks and widening the road near Valley Circle Boulevard.

Excel Co., which recently was awarded the construction bid, estimates the project will be completed by Nov. 30.

The project suffered a setback in February when City Council threw out all construction bids because they were too high.

“Soon, we hope we’ll be able to have another ceremony marking the grand opening,” said Marilynn Dipaola, a secretary in the city’s public works department.

Wednesday’s ceremony is set for 4:30 p.m. at 23564 Calabasas Road.

For more information, call (818) 878-4225.