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West Street undergrounding triggers months-long public debate over cost, methodology and voting rules
Summary
A months-long neighborhood undergrounding assessment drew heavy public comment at the council meeting, with residents arguing methodology, vote weighting and cost transparency; councilors heard repeated requests to delay, rework methodology and abstain from city property votes.
Council chambers filled for extended public comment about the proposed West Street Underground Utility Assessment District, where dozens of residents and property owners urged the city to delay, rework the assessment methodology, or ask the city to abstain from voting on the district’s public property votes.
Speakers described large increases in estimated parcel assessments since the project’s inception, disputed the assessment-engineer methodology (which some residents said places disproportionate burden on small lots), and noted that votes within the district are weighted by land area rather than “one property, one vote.” Multiple residents called for the council to abstain from voting on the city’s parcel (Village Green Park), arguing that municipal votes could distort the outcome for affected homeowners. Several residents also urged the council to require San Diego Gas & Electric and consultants to share more detailed engineering and cost information.
Supporters of undergrounding described public‑safety and aesthetic benefits, and some speakers said they endorse the principle but object to the current costs and the way assessments were disclosed. Residents also asked about alternatives: longer bond terms, a payment‑deferral option, and ability to reassess the assessment district design so that properties with few or no poles are not assessed disproportionately.
City staff and proponents said the city has spent years evaluating West Street, noting tens of thousands of internal work hours and consultant time. Residents said they feel misled by earlier cost estimates and by methodology changes. Several public commenters suggested the council consider financial relief options such as a differential assessment for evacuation-route properties, reexamining methodology, or scheduling outreach sessions with impacted neighborhoods.
Why it matters: The West Street undergrounding issue has become a flashpoint because assessments can exceed tens of thousands of dollars per parcel; residents argued the city’s current assessment design and voter-weighting rules were not clearly disclosed when petitions were signed years ago.
What’s next: Staff said the West Street undergrounding work will continue through the assessment-district process; the council heard multiple speakers and will receive further staff updates. Residents said they expect to vote “no” in a June special election on the district, and asked the council to consider abstaining on the city’s votes for municipal parcels.
