City Leaders OK Crestmoor Construction

The City Council on Tuesday approved a far-reaching reconstruction plan for the Crestmoor neighborhood, which was devastated by last year's gas explosion.

This , the water system, sewer, streetlights and storm drainage.

“We are in essence rebuilding a community,” said Mayor Jim Ruane. “We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. Now we can take action.” 

The plan includes retrofitting streetlights with new LED lights and replanting Glenview/Earl Park with native species.

The projects are projected to cost between $9 million and $11 million. The first phase of construction is expected to begin next spring.

The council also authorized the establishment of a ReBuild It Green incentive program for homes in that area. Homeowners who rebuild their homes to be 35 percent more energy efficient than building codes could be eligible to receive grants of up to $75,000.

At the request of Councilmembers Irene O’Connell and Michael Salazar, the plan includes building infrastructure for solar panels and allows homeowners to choose to implement panels and become eligible for the grants up to a year after rebuilding their homes.

“People are trying to determine where they’re going to put their money into their homes, so it’s nice to have these incentives,” said Councilman Ken Ibarra, who was appointed last night to serve as the city’s next vice mayor.

Eleven of the 38 destroyed homes are either under construction or have pulled building permits, according to a city staff report.

The council also approved a $1.4 million project to make Lions Field into synthetic turf, allowing sports teams to use the space year-round.

Construction is set to begin in January and end in April. The bulk of the cost will be paid by park in-lieu fees.