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A Few Clouds City to borrow $4.4 million for capital improvements
Bond will fund repairs at Long Beach City Hall, Rec Center and various roadways
The City Council voted 4-1 at its July 5 meeting to borrow more than $4 million for capital improvement projects that will address the city’s aging infrastructure and pockmarked streets, though amid the city’s financial woes, the measure received some criticism.
The council approved a $5.6 million bond to fund the work, $4.4 million of which will be borrowed. The projects will include the reconstruction and resurfacing of roads and buildings, improvements to parks and recreation facilities as well as the sewer and water systems, and purchases of machinery and equipment.
“The city has [an aging] infrastructure and that has to be addressed one way or the other,” said City Manager Jack Schnirman. “… [T]he commissioner of public works put together a list of the items most in need and most crucial to our quality of life.”
Public Works Commissioner Jim LaCarrubba said that based on the condition of some of the roadways — including Boyd, Vinton and Kerrigan Streets and Illinois Avenue — and sewers, “I wouldn’t want to hold off on any of these much longer. They’re costing us more in maintenance in the long run.”
LaCarrubba added that the improvements will include the replacement of a parapet wall at City Hall and the refurbishment of the lobby, exercise room and air filtration system at the Rec Center and its pool. The plan sets aside $1.2 million for work on the water and sewer systems, including renovations of the water tower.
Councilman Mike Fagen, who cast the lone vote against the project, asked if some projects could be put off while workers focused on those that were considered emergencies. “This raises our debt to a level that concerns me,” Fagen said. “I’m not real comfortable right now going to bond on anything that wouldn’t be considered an emergency. And I live in the Canals, so I know about the streets, but right now, with the city’s finances the way they are, I don’t think the city can afford any debt.”
About $2.9 million will be used for the reconstruction and resurfacing of roads, including Boyd Street and others in the Canals, which LaCarrubba said are decaying and flooding from the sewers.
