Glendale City Council approves negotiations for Artsakh Avenue project improvements

The Glendale City Council took a significant step forward in the development of the Artsakh Avenue Project during their recent meeting, addressing the challenges faced in securing construction bids for the Glendale Arts and Entertainment District Improvements.

Public Works Director Mr. Galania reported that the project, initially advertised for bids in August 2023, failed to attract any submissions. After revising the plans and specifications, the project was re-advertised in October 2024, resulting in three bids by January 2025. However, the lowest bid was disqualified due to the contractor's lack of required experience, while the remaining bids were substantially above the engineer's estimate of $8 million.

In a strategic move, the council voted to reject all bids and authorized the Public Works Director to negotiate directly with the two qualified bidders. This decision aims to keep the project on schedule and minimize administrative costs associated with rebidding. If negotiations yield a satisfactory price, the council will reconvene to approve the contract and potentially request additional funding.

Council members emphasized the importance of exploring financing options, including municipal loans and grants, to support the project. Mayor Najarian highlighted the significant disparity in bid amounts, ranging from approximately $7 million to nearly $17 million, and expressed confidence in the staff's ability to negotiate effectively.

As the city moves forward, the focus will remain on achieving a cost-effective solution that aligns with the project's budget, ensuring the timely advancement of the Artsakh Avenue improvements.