Council approves undergrounding of utilities on Cherry Avenue, establishing Underground Utility District 42

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

The council heard a presentation from the Public Works Department and held a public hearing before voting to approve the action. Public Works staff said the project will use funds available under Southern California Edison’s Rule 20A program and requires a multi-year planning, design and construction effort involving substantial coordination with residents and Edison.

The council was told the program is time-limited and that the city mailed notices to property owners as required by municipal code. Public commenter Dave Shukla urged the council to reconsider the timeline and the distribution of cost, saying, “I don't think this project is in the public interest, not as it is written, not at this time,” and warning of potential cost impacts to residents and a 40% variance in the rough cost estimate.

City staff said most work is in the public right-of-way under city control but acknowledged there may be some private-property electrical upgrades required for older buildings. Those property owners would be given a window (staff cited roughly 15 months) to complete required upgrades before construction reaches their property. Staff also said the full project timeline will include additional opportunities for community outreach and technical coordination with Edison.

Councilmember Riggs Odey moved the resolution; Councilmember Thrash Ntuk seconded. The motion passed on the recorded vote of the council (motion recorded as passed 6-0).