Article Source:  Bo Smith - In Council District 4

Editor Riechel received the following from resident in Council District 4

Dear Robert,

I am forwarding this email from Councilman Marty Medina regarding the ongoing construction project on Huntington Avenue East and Dollar Avenue. It outlines concerns and issues raised by residents directly impacted by the construction.

Given that your website serves as a valuable source of local news for the San Bruno community, I believe this information would be of significant interest to your readers. It highlights the challenges faced by residents and the actions being taken by Councilman Medina to address them.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could consider posting the content of this email as a news item on your website. Keeping the community informed about such developments is crucial, and your platform plays a vital role in achieving that.

 CC my partner Jessy Keiser, Marty Medina.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Peace,
Bo Smith
1274 Huntington Ave. East
San Bruno

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Bo Smith <tobosmith@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 8:44 PM
Subject: Re: Southline Project: Community Requests
To: Marty Medina <MMedina@sanbruno.ca.gov>
Cc: Jessy keiser <jmkeiserconsulting@gmail.com>, City Manager <CityManager@sanbruno.ca.gov>, Harry Yip <HYip@sanbruno.ca.gov>, Shiri1144@yahoo.com <Shiri1144@yahoo.com>, LETTY MORENO <lmlmp05@yahoo.com>, pablo1376@gmail.com <pablo1376@gmail.com>, audreycam650@gmail.com <audreycam650@gmail.com>, rhackmann@lh-pa.com <rhackmann@lh-pa.com>, marcus@lane-partners.com <marcus@lane-partners.com>, Eddie.Flores@ssf.net <Eddie.Flores@ssf.net>

Dear Marty,

Thank you for taking the time to  advocate for the concerns of the residents. I appreciate your efforts to facilitate better communication and coordination with the construction team.

I especially appreciate addressing our communities' grave concerns regarding the disturbing light and noise pollution from the increased traffic. We believe that the inclusion of a high hedge and tall trees would greatly mitigate these impacts.

We look forward to continued dialogue with the construction team and the city to ensure that the landscaping plan addresses these concerns and contributes to the beautification of our neighborhood.

Thank you again for your support.

Sincerely,
Bo Smith

On Mon, Jan 20, 2025 at 10:29 PM Marty Medina <MMedina@sanbruno.ca.gov> wrote:
Good evening Bo and Jessy.

Thank you for talking to me yesterday in front of your home.  The purpose of my visit was to observe the current conditions of the construction project and hear directly from those most impacted by the construction.  I have received numerous texts and emails from various concerned residents throughout the project’s construction. 

This email aims to clarify these concerns and request specific actions for better communication and coordination throughout the remainder of the project.

Specifically residents have concerns and questions regarding Communication, the Construction Schedule, and Landscaping.

Communication

This email is cc’d and bcc’d to staff, construction team members, SSF Mayor Eddie Flores, and residents that have contacted me over the past months to keep everyone on the same page. 

As the next phase of construction begins this would be a good opportunity to confirm the official contact person for each phase of the remaining construction. I am asking the construction team to provide the contact information for the following individuals involved with this development project:

City of San Bruno Inspector and Manager
Developer’s Project Manager
DPR Construction Manager
PG&E Liaison
Any other construction team member responsible for project oversight
Clear and proactive communication is crucial for addressing these concerns, especially regarding construction activities and any disruptions to residents' daily lives.

There have been numerous issues with this construction project: noise, dust, dirty cars, vibrations, extended work hours and pedestrian access.  Regardless of which contractor is working, someone is approving the work.  Whether this work is done for the city or the developer better communication is needed.

I ask all of the managers, staff, and inspectors to please keep the following in mind, “How would you feel if you lived in the midst of this construction?  Wouldn’t you want to be notified in advance that the work prohibited you from parking in front of your home?” 

I am asking the construction team to verify the following… “No Parking Signs” must be legally placed in order to be enforced.  The signs must be from the city of San Bruno for enforcement on San Bruno streets.   The signs need to be placed and verified by the San Bruno Police Department (48 or 72 hours in advance?). The signs need to include the dates and hours of enforcement.  The signs need to specify a contact person and a phone number.  Please indicate if the work is anticipated to occur on weekends. 

There have been some car wash vouchers provided in the past and with this project’s duration perhaps more should be provided for the impacted residents.

Construction Schedule

I am requesting improved communication throughout the impacted neighborhood to share the construction schedule and for the construction team to provide bi-weekly updates via a website or email to those interested residents.  As I have done previously, I am willing to assist the project team with distributing doorhangers to residents in the neighborhood.  I am also requesting a community meeting with the developer and city staff to obtain a better understanding of the residents’ perspectives and to answer their questions.

Landscaping: One of the biggest questions I have heard is the drastic change in the landscaping.  The neighborhood was provided with a conceptual design and they are questioning what has been approved for construction. Currently, the area is devoid of any substantial vegetation or foliage to help mitigate the impacts of the road. Specifically, there is a strong desire for the inclusion of a high hedge along the west side of Huntington Avenue East to act as a sound and visual barrier, reducing both noise and light pollution affecting the homes. Additionally, the planting of tall trees on the north side of the road, near the new traffic light, would provide much-needed screening and help mitigate the impact of the increased traffic. This greenery is vital to ensure the quality of life for residents is not negatively impacted by the road.  I am requesting the construction team to provide an update on the landscaping plans.

Additionally I am sharing the following resident questions:

1) what is the DPR construction plan affecting our block moving forward

2) how long will this “no parking” last and what days of the week the disruption will take place

3) what alternative parking the project will south line provide us while the breaking up of the street is taking place,

4) what precautions are being taken to prevent waterlines breaking and electricity power outages — other than the one we’ve already received notice on for January 23rd

5) how will the sidewalks be affected (safety concerns there!)”

I look forward to hearing from the project team regarding this impactful project.

Sincerely,

Marty

Marty Medina
San Bruno Vice Mayor
Councilman, District 4