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o TO: Honorable Mayor HOlcombO
Common Council lIembers
Me) Ruth E. 1lruner
2737 N. Golden Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
January ~3, 1991
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1. Honorable Mayor and meabers of the Common Council, my residence is on parcel
#1.50-391-11, located on the southeast corner of Golden Avenue and Date Street,
San Bernardino. I have lived in San Bernardino 46 years, have lived at this
address for over 20 years. I am a senior, widow, a concerned citizen and
property o"'Iler, and I always vote.
2. I received a certified letter from the S.B. Director of Public Works on
Jan. 10, 1991 which states that part of my property which fronts on Date
Street must be imprOVed. My house faces West on Golden Avenue. The prope...'"ty
facing north on Date street is vacant land adjacent to my house.
The letter stipulates improvements required
on Date Street are: "curb, gutter, paving, side,,'alk, concrete driveway approach".
\O;hy is a concrete drive>ray to vacant land required. A driveway to no where.
In my opinion a driveway to vacant land would be unsafe and certainly would
serve no purpose. My paved driveway is on Golden Avenue.
3. Over the years, we have planted oleander bushes, and others, on the edge of
this vacant property facing Date Street. From an environmental standpoint
this shubbery helps when the wind blows from the North, they help with the
pollution and noise from the traffic on Date Street. These bushes would have
to be removed to put in a sidewalk. Would the City replant them, or would they
be my loss? What happens to my property line?
4. The City letter does not indicate a cost factor. I called the Office of Public
Works to find out what kind of Boney was involved. I was advised by Mr. Verne
Nadeau that it ,,'ould cost me $2,2.50 regardless of whether or not the concrete'
drive>ray approach ;'ould be required. Why would it not be less - less work
and less materials. The letter indicates ;,ark must be started by March 9;
that i:t hardly enough time to get competitive bids from other sources and have
the work started by March 9th. The City letter does not give a breakout on
cost of labor, materials, nor does it explain what is meant by "incidental
costs" and what it includes.
5. The City letter states that if you don't pay cash to the City within 5 days
after notification of completion, the cost will become a lien on yoar property
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plus 710 interest, and added to your tax bill for 3 years. How can I come up
wi th approximately $800.00 more on my tax bill for 3 years, I was fortunate
to get it paid this year - this tax bill would be 139/6 increase. If I had
the $2,250 to spend on my vacant land, I would have a fence put around it.
I feel the project is inconsistent in its application, My vacant land does
not face any residence on Date Street. Based on my observation for 20 years
this sidewalk ..ill not be used - it .rill be a complete waste of money. The
curbing will most likely be broken and chipped in no time - it will not stop
traffic from coming over on it. Just last Sunday to avoid traffic coming
West on Date Street an 18 wheeler bearly missed the oleanders by having to
use the dirt bank - ~ putting in the curb it could very possibly be the
result of an accident and injury. Truly, your side,;alk and curbing is a
terrible "ast.e of your time and my money.
6. I am sure most of us establish our own financial priorities, I know I have tOQ
I must be especially careful of how and where my money is spent. This project
is certainly not my money priority.
7. In summary, I implore and urge the Mayor and Council members to take a close
look at this project as it concerns my property and re-evaluate this require-
ment for the above reasons. May I please have your favorable decision.
A >-ritten reply would be appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
/;] ,,/! .
(~d;;- ~. {;!y,-L<-".z.L.~/
':-'-1'"":\-' rvp
(Mrs) RUTH E. BRUNER