“I’m extremely disappointed at the city’s lack of responsibility to neighbors,” said Jolene Taylor, board member of the Pelanconi Estates Homeowners Assn.
The bridge will extend Fairmont Avenue over San Fernando Road, the railroad tracks and into the city’s redevelopment area, home to major offices for DreamWorks Animation, the Walt Disney Co. and KABC7.
The mostly state-funded project was required under the city’s development agreement with the studios to improve traffic flow and access to the area.
Public Works officials emphasize that the night construction is unavoidable because of restrictions from the railroad, and that they have worked with residents to minimize annoyances as much as possible, such as doing prep work during the day and minimizing trucks driving in reverse.
The first night of construction occurred in August, with the majority of nights set for two five-day spans in September. But a contracting delay postponed construction scheduled for this week to next week, and other days could change.
For example, after complaints from residents, one night scheduled for close to the Christmas holiday will be moved, Zurn said.
“And we continue to push to cut the nights down,” said Public Works Director Steve Zurn. “There’s nothing definite, but we keep chipping away hoping we can get it down to less than 13 nights.”
In August, Councilwoman Laura Friedman, joined by Councilman John Drayman moved to place the potential rebate on the agenda and indicated she would likely support the price break.
For the proposal, Public Works worked with Glendale Water & Power to formulate an $8-per-night flat rate — $104 total for 13 nights of work — based on the cost of operating an air-conditioning unit for eight hours during peak-period rates.
Taylor said while she was glad the council had placed the issue on the agenda, she was not impressed by the $8 figure chosen.
“We are obviously not being adequately compensated,” she said. “Isn’t one night’s sleep worth more than $8?”
In order to receive the credit, eligible residents must make a written request, including the number of nights affecting the resident. The credit would be paid for out of the Public Works project budget.
Taylor also took issue with proposed rebate not being applied to the customers’ utility bill at the completion of construction.
“My neighbor is 101 years old, and they want her to wait six months to get a refund check,” she said. “It’s absurd.”
