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Politics & Government

Public Hearing on Point San Pedro Medians Looks at Costs, Pride

The final decision on whether a tax will be levied will be made on Wednesday.

A polarized group of voters came together Monday night to discuss and explain a possible tax on residents for the Point San Pedro Road median beautification project, during a public hearing held at City Hall. 

The proposed measure would tax single family units $75 annually for 30 years, with a maximum hike of 3 percent per year.

“Really, this project comes down to ‘what’s the cost of community pride?’” said Andrew Perry, chairperson for the Point San Pedro Medians Committee.

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But among the arguments from the opposition, primarily elder community members, was the belief that people who would gain this pride are not enough.

“If a beneficial area is formed, it should include a much wider area,” said John Sanders who argued that other, more traffic-heavy areas could benefit from such a project instead.

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Challengers also argued that the tax would be an unnecessary expense.

“If my taxes are going to go up, I want it to be for schools, or the police, or the fire department,” said Joyce Siegel, a senior citizen on a fixed budget who would be part of the taxing zone.

“My lawn doesn’t look good, should I get some friends to sign a ballot and get you to clean it?” she asked. “No. That sounds ridiculous, and so does this.”

Supporters drew the line between the two situations by pointing to liability issues with using volunteers to clean up the public area due to the tools needed to revamp it.

“We’re stuck,” said Merilee Colton, a member of the committee who lives near the proposed beautification spot. “This is the only way to improve the median.”

Supporters also claimed that public opinion was in their favor, as evidenced by the amount they have been able to fundraise in support of the measure. In the end, supporters believe this will be the deciding factor in whether the project will move forward or not.

“Even those who are against it will say ‘this is a good thing,’” Perry said.

According to Director of Public Works Nader Mansourian, if the measure passes at least four members of the public would be involved in designing the face-lift for the median. Jim McGuire, project manager for the plan, also addressed the way the tax would change over its proposed 30-year lifespan.

“When the bonds mature, the assessment should decrease because it will be for maintenance and upkeep only,” he said.

The City Council sent out ballots early last month to taxpayers who would be affected by the project to get a better sense of public opinion on the matter. The findings from this exercise will be announced at a special meeting on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

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