Commission approves red-curb restrictions on Ludell Street to improve storm drainage access

The Bell Gardens Traffic and Safety Commission voted to approve staff’s recommendation to add red-curb parking restrictions on Ludell Street near 5954 and 5959, intended to improve access to two historic catch basins and reduce localized flooding during storms.

Staff introduced Item 7.2 and city engineering described the catch basins as part of an older storm-drain box culvert system installed before later development. City engineer (name in transcript: Doug Bach) said the sites have been recurring maintenance hotspots; during heavy storms last year water rose about an inch or two above curb level and debris and parked cars can block the catch-basin openings. To enable crews to remove grates and clear obstructions, staff recommended painting 9 feet of red curb on the north side (driveway to basin edge) and 10 feet on the south side, which would generally preserve one parking space west of the red-curb areas depending on vehicle size.

The engineer detailed why the longer (10-foot) south-side segment was necessary and explained that field measurements informed the 9-foot north-side dimension. Commissioners discussed the practical need to allow room for maintenance tools (a pry bar roughly 6–8 feet long) to lift grates and requested that staff notify adjacent residents with a simple flyer two days before crews paint the curbs; staff agreed to provide contact information for follow-up.

The secretary conducted a roll call vote; the transcript records Chairperson David Eradia, Commissioner Edgar Lopez and Commissioner Samuel Perez as voting yes and the motion passed. The record shows the item will be forwarded to City Council for consideration, and staff will proceed with resident notification and scheduling of the curb painting work.