Residents, councilors raise environmental and traffic concerns over Lemon Avenue reservoir work

At the March 18 Monrovia City Council meeting, public commenters and council members discussed the Lemon Avenue reservoir project, with speakers warning that construction-related traffic, possible contamination of removed material and insufficient environmental review could fall disproportionately on Monrovia residents.

The exchange began when a commenter identified as Edie summarized five points she attributed to City Manager Dylan’s correspondence: that categorical exemptions could not be used for the project; there is no traffic-management plan; air-quality impacts require attention; communications with affected residents are lacking; and a formal environmental checklist must be completed. According to Edie, Dylan had approached the neighboring city of Bradbury to negotiate how work along the north side of Lemon Avenue would proceed, noting the project area spans the Bradbury–Monrovia boundary.

Edie warned of heavy truck traffic on mountain roads for about nine months to haul excavated material and said the below-ground well infrastructure would be demolished while an above-ground structure would be retained. She also said neighbors fear materials being hauled away may be toxic, and urged affected residents to organize and consider legal action if they feel Monrovia’s interests are being ignored.

Dylan, in the city manager’s report, had earlier described city coordination efforts and the project preparations; the meeting record shows staff and commenters emphasized the need for an environmental checklist and clearer traffic and air-quality planning before large-scale work begins. The discussion indicated the councils and staff were exploring diplomatic options with Bradbury but did not present a final agreement at the meeting.

No ordinance or permit vote was taken during this portion of the meeting; the topic was discussed and set to return to the council’s agenda later in the session. Council members and commenters asked staff for additional outreach and technical information on traffic volumes, haul routes, timelines and environmental testing that could clarify health and safety risks for residents.

The thread of concerns—environmental review, traffic impacts, cross-jurisdictional coordination and the condition of existing well infrastructure—dominated the segment on the Lemon Avenue reservoir project and prompted residents along the corridor to consider forming an organized response.

Monrovia staff indicated further review and follow-up would occur before any final approvals or rezoning decisions were made.