Habitat for Humanity revises Torch Street site plan as city, Southern California Edison and developer discuss overhead poles

Baldwin Park staff updated the City Council on the Torch Street affordable-housing project sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, saying the developer has submitted revised site plans to address existing utility poles in the public right-of-way adjacent to the property.

Nick Baldwin (staff) said the developer completed preliminary planning review and received comments; the team is revising the site plan to address utilities in the right-of-way. Staff told the council they are working with the developer and Southern California Edison to evaluate options, including undergrounding utilities or relocating poles. Baldwin said undergrounding the poles in the public right-of-way is significantly more costly than burying on-site service lines and may not be necessary if poles can be shifted without creating engineering conflicts.

Council members asked staff for photos and a clearer plan showing the poles and the private street adjacent to the project. Staff noted the private street is owned by others, so the city cannot require work on private property; the city is focusing on public-right-of-way design standards, including ADA clearances. Staff said the sidewalk width must be at least 4 feet and that a 2.5-foot minimum clearance around light poles is typical to meet walkability and accessibility requirements.

Council member comments noted the pole and right-of-way issue has been an eyesore for years and asked staff to return with photographs and the developer’s revised plans. Staff said they will do so and will bring Grant or the project representative to a future meeting to present visuals and an updated timeline.

Discussion occurred during the staff presentations portion of the March 5 council meeting.