In late October, The Avalon City Council voted unanimously to authorize City Manager David Maistros to execute a contract with Jordahl Construction, marking a significant step toward the long-awaited Five Corners Pedestrian Improvement Project. The project, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and improving infrastructure at one of the city’s busiest intersections, has been in the works for over 16 years. The contract is valued at a maximum of $4,737,805, with additional contingencies allowing for changes of up to $300,000 at the city manager’s discretion.
Councilmember Michael Ponce, who has been involved with the project since its inception, made the motion to approve the contract. Ponce expressed the significance of the moment, reflecting on how the project began in 2008 when he first joined the council. “For us to take 16 years to get here…,” Ponce remarked, his voice trailing off as the room responded with light laughter. Councilmember Lisa Lavelle seconded the motion, helping to push the long-delayed project forward.
The Five Corners Pedestrian Improvement Project, which is funded in part by a METRO grant, aims to implement a “complete streets” design at the intersections of Tremont Street, Avalon Canyon Road, Country Club Drive, and Sumner Avenue. The comprehensive improvements include the construction of new sidewalks, safer pedestrian crossings, upgraded public transit stops, traffic calming measures, landscape beautification, and better wayfinding systems.
However, due to budgetary constraints, the scope of the project was recently revised. According to the staff report by Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Director Bob Greenlaw and Management Analyst Devin Hart, approximately $349,790 worth of work related to City Hall parking and a development pad for future workforce housing was removed. These changes were necessary to keep the project on track and within its budgetary limits.
The total estimated cost of the project is just under $5.3 million, with $3.21 million allocated from the California Transportation Commission (CTC). Greenlaw stressed the importance of awarding the contract to Jordahl Construction in order to maintain the state funding and ensure the project proceeds. “What we’re trying to do is get to that award so that we can tell the California Transportation Commission that we have awarded the project,” Greenlaw explained during the council meeting.
Greenlaw, who has overseen the project for over seven years, outlined the various challenges that have caused delays and budget overruns. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a major factor that slowed progress, as well as rising utility costs. The project includes electrical, gas, and water utility work that will be carried out by subcontractors from off the island, which has driven up costs beyond original estimates. Greenlaw and his team have been working to identify cost-saving measures to keep the project on budget.
One alternative proposed was paving the intersection instead of using more expensive pavers, a change that would save approximately $85,000. “It takes some of the nice look away but it also reduces the price,” Greenlaw noted. The team has been seeking out additional opportunities to reduce costs without compromising the overall vision for the project.
Councilmember Lavelle suggested exploring other funding sources, including funds from a local housing project or potential art funding from county officials. She also inquired about the possibility of replacing trees and foliage affected by the construction. Greenlaw responded that the city’s landscape plan includes the use of native species, in partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy.
In an effort to streamline the process and allow for quick decision-making, Greenlaw requested that the council delegate some authority to City Manager Maistros. This would enable the city manager to approve necessary changes to the project in real time, without waiting for further council approval. “The reason we’re doing that is just because we want to be more nimble as we work through it,” Greenlaw explained.
The City Council’s unanimous vote to approve the contract represents a major milestone in a project that has been years in the making. Once completed, the Five Corners Pedestrian Improvement Project is expected to significantly enhance pedestrian safety, beautify the area, and modernize a critical intersection in Avalon.
With the contract awarded and state funding secured, the city can finally begin the next phase of this long-awaited project, bringing much-needed improvements to Avalon’s infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the city continuing to explore additional cost-saving measures and funding opportunities to ensure the project’s success.
