Residents alarmed by pipeline markings in College Park West; city attorney says franchise required before work
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Summary
Residents of College Park West raised safety and notice concerns after white-lining and markings appeared in their neighborhood that they say relate to a proposed pipeline. City Attorney Agarelli told the council he contacted Long Beach to remind them a franchise from Seal Beach is required before work begins.
Residents of College Park West told the Seal Beach City Council on Jan. 26 that white-lined markings found along College Park Drive may signal the start of a pipeline project, and they urged the city to insist that any work wait until community concerns and structural questions are addressed.
Ken (resident) showed photographs of white-lining and said residents and staff had not been notified, calling the markings 'not appropriate' and asking for accountability from the contractor and Long Beach. John Janice, another resident, told the council the College Park Bridge is listed as structurally deficient and warned the bridge carries a VGO gas pipeline attachment; he described VGO as 'extremely hazardous and toxic substance' and said the city should condition any franchise on completion of bridge retrofitting.
Councilmembers asked staff for clarification and legal follow up. City Attorney Agarelli said he had read the resident correspondence and contacted the Long Beach city attorney to remind her that Long Beach’s utilities department's CEQA MND contemplated obtaining a franchise from Seal Beach prior to any work. Agarelli stated the city believes the franchise is required under the city charter and public utilities code and said Long Beach was informed that work should not begin until that step is complete.
Council did not vote on a formal action related to the pipeline at the meeting; the city attorney's outreach was presented as an informational update and the council was urged to direct staff and the city attorney to be ready when a franchise application is formally presented. Residents requested additional steps including stronger public notice, conditioning approval on bridge retrofit, and clearer timelines for any franchise request.
What’s next: City staff and the city attorney will monitor Long Beach’s actions and report back when a formal franchise application or other request requiring council action is received.
