Council adopts resolution to create Underground Utility District 42 on Cherry Avenue after public hearing

The Long Beach City Council on May 6 adopted a resolution establishing Underground Utility District 42 to underground overhead utility lines along Cherry Avenue between 50 Third Street and the south side of the 91 Freeway.

The resolution followed a publicly noticed hearing by the Public Works Department. City staff said the work would use funds available through Southern California Edison’s Rule 20A program, a limited fund stream intended for undergrounding projects. Staff identified the item as a multi‑year effort that will require design, coordination with Southern California Edison and property owners, and time for property owners to complete any required connections to private electrical systems.

Public comment at the hearing included an opposition statement from Dave Shukla, who urged postponement and additional hearings. Shukla said the cost estimate presented in staff materials — a rough order of magnitude near $21.1 million with a 40% variance — raised questions about who would bear cost overruns and whether residential property owners could meet the 15‑month timetable to bring private systems into compliance. He also urged the council to consider whether utility owners or ratepayers should cover specific wildfire‑mitigation costs.

Public Works staff, represented in the hearing by Eric Lopez (director of public works) and Keith Hoey (city engineer), said that notices were mailed to affected property owners pursuant to municipal code requirements and that the project team will work with property owners and Edison to identify any private‑property upgrades and allow time for compliance. The city clarified that the bulk of the work is in the public right‑of‑way and that private connections occur on a limited number of older properties.

Council action: The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Council member Briggs Odey and seconded by Council member Thrash Ntuk. The council reported the vote as 6 yes, 0 no and the motion passed.

Why it matters: Undergrounding overhead utilities can reduce visual clutter and can be part of wildfire‑risk mitigation strategies; but projects are costly and require coordination among utilities, private property owners and the city. The hearing highlighted resident concerns about cost, schedule and the extent of required private‑property work.

What happens next: Staff said the project will proceed to design and further community outreach; construction will follow after design, fundraising and coordination with Southern California Edison. The city said property owners who must do private work will be notified and will have a specified compliance period.

No ordinance was adopted; the council adopted a resolution to establish the new district.