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Council approves $460,000 in value-engineering changes for Antonio Parkway gateway project in 3–2 vote
Summary
After a lengthy presentation and council debate, Rancho Santa Margarita approved staff-recommended design changes to the Antonio Parkway gateway project — including switching to a 2-rail woodcrete fence, widening pilaster spacing to 80 feet, using mulch, and solar lighting — estimated to reduce hard construction costs by about $460,000; the motion passed 3–2.
Rancho Santa Margarita — The City Council on Aug. 13 voted 3–2 to adopt staff-recommended value-engineering changes to the Antonio Parkway gateway and parkway project, reducing the estimated hard construction cost from about $1.29 million to $832,000 and trimming the overall project budget from roughly $1.625 million to $1.119 million.
Staff and the city’s consultant presented several options prompted by a May 2025 budget review. The recommendation adopted by the council includes: increasing pilaster spacing from 40 feet to 80 feet, switching from a 3-rail to a 2-rail woodcrete (concrete/wood-fiber) fence, replacing decomposed granite with wood mulch in fence shoulders, and using solar uplighting rather than hardwired in-ground lights. Tree Nguyen, assistant city engineer, estimated hard construction savings of approximately $460,000 and an overall project budget under the staff recommendation of about $1.12 million.
Council members questioned long-term maintenance, water costs and safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists. Staff estimated ongoing maintenance for the landscaping portion at about $650 per month (includes water) and said mulch would likely need replenishment every two to three years. Staff noted that at 40-foot light spacing the plan would have 68 lights; at 80-foot spacing roughly 33 lights would be installed.
Supporters said the revised design preserves the intended aesthetic while saving taxpayer dollars; opponents cited uncertainty about long-term maintenance and the durability of alternative materials. Mayor Pro Tem (maker of motion) and two other council members voted to approve the staff recommendation; two members dissented, producing a 3–2 margin. Council directed staff to finalize design details, incorporate the direction and put the project out for bid.
