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Temecula council approves temporary First Street closure for Altair utility work after displaced-resident appeal
Summary
Council approved a month‑long temporary closure of First Street in January to allow deep utility construction tied to the Altair development. A nearby resident who was displaced by a mudslide urged council to delay action until the family can return; council approved the closure 3–1 with one abstention.
The City Council on Oct. 28 approved a temporary closure of a portion of First Street so the Altair development can complete essential off‑site utility work. The closure, scheduled for January, will allow contractors to install deep sewer and water infrastructure using jack‑and‑bore methods through soils the developer described as unstable.
City staff and developer representatives told council the work requires temporary full closure because the required excavations and equipment — described by the developer as progressive “jack‑and‑bore” pits and heavy hoisting — would create an unsafe environment for through traffic and pedestrians if a lane‑by‑lane approach were used. Staff said alternative methods without a closure would lengthen construction and increase risk.
Kevin Laughlin, a resident whose property was damaged by a mudslide earlier in the year, addressed the council during the consent‑item hearing and asked that the city withhold approval for the closure until his family is able to return home. “We have been displaced from our home…we ask that you not approve this item regarding the Altair development until we're able to return back to our home,” Laughlin said in public comment.
The developer, represented at the meeting, said signage, illuminated detours and door‑to‑door outreach to affected apartment managers are planned to reduce disruption. Staff noted the closure timing was set for January to avoid the holiday period and that Old Town advisory bodies were informed ahead of the council hearing.
Council approved the closure on a 3–1 vote with Mayor Kaufis voting no and Council member Ron abstaining. Council discussed mitigation measures including advanced signage, staffed detours at key intersections and door‑to‑door notices to apartment managers; staff will coordinate final outreach and traffic controls.
Provenance: staff presentation and developer explanation 26:21–36:42; public comment by Kevin Laughlin 55:10–56:40; vote announced 92:13.
