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San Fernando council approves retrofits for downtown mall trash enclosures, opts against alley reconfiguration
Summary
After reviewing three options, the council directed staff to retrofit three existing enclosures and demolish two, approving a phased approach to clean up downtown mall trash enclosures and improve public health and aesthetics.
The City Council voted Jan. 21 to retrofit three downtown mall trash enclosures and demolish two others, a compromise the council said balances cost, speed of implementation and long‑term maintenance.
Project manager Isabelle (last name not provided) presented three options: (1) reorganize the alleyway and require businesses to build their own enclosed facades, (2) retrofit existing enclosures by adding roofs, doors and metal screening on three enclosures while demolishing two older enclosures, or (3) demolish all five existing enclosures and construct two centralized, new enclosures (one per alley). Staff estimated costs at roughly $180,000 for the retrofit option and about $376,000 for full demolition and reconstruction, depending on scope and site work.
After business owners and councilmembers weighed aesthetics, access and maintenance, the council voted to pursue option 2: retrofit three enclosures and demolish two (motion passed unanimously). Council members cited the retrofits as the fastest and most cost‑effective path. Councilmember Victoria Garcia said she preferred retrofitting rather than expanding alleyways, and Councilmember Joel Fajardo said he supported moving quickly to address the unsanitary conditions.
The chosen approach anticipates modifying outlets to limit access to paying customers (keyed gates or similar) and working with Republic Services and property owners to protect the area from illegal dumping. Staff will return with contract recommendations and final scopes and will confirm whether Measure W funds can be used for the work.
Nut graf: By approving retrofits rather than a full rebuild or alley reconfiguration, the council prioritized speed, lower cost and a manageable maintenance plan while leaving open future options for further downtown improvements.
Ending: Public Works will advance design and bid documents; council asked staff to report back with a recommended contractor award and confirm funding eligibility.
