After debate over cost and look, Tustin council approves staff-recommended Armstrong Avenue bridge design

The Tustin City Council voted to approve the staff-recommended design for the Armstrong Avenue pedestrian bridge after an extended debate over aesthetics and cost.

Councilmember Fink, who pulled the item for discussion, urged the council to adopt a lower-cost alternative and suggested adding planters or simplified lighting as cost-effective enhancements. "It is less expensive . . . 6,500,000 versus $7,400,000," Fink said, and argued that the more intricate railing and lighting package on the higher-priced option appeared "gold plated" for the project's goals.

Other members pushed back, saying staff and design engineers had thoroughly reviewed the alternatives and that Alternative 2 better reflected public outreach and the original concept. "I'm relying on the experts here," Councilmember John Nielsen said.

Mayor Lundberg moved to adopt Alternative 2 (the staff recommendation); the motion received a second and the clerk recorded a roll call that included a 'No' from Councilmember Feeney and 'Aye' votes from the other members in the roll call recorded in the transcript. An earlier substitute motion to adopt Alternative 1 failed for lack of a second.

Councilmembers discussed potential add-ons—planters (identified in debate as roughly $200,000) and a simplified lighting package (discussed in the meeting at about $550,000)—and whether those elements should be added after adopting the main design. The council approved the staff recommendation and did not adopt the alternate motion.

The council did not finalize additional budget authorizations during the discussion; staff will proceed under the direction given by the adopted motion.