Council to Consider Crestmoor Rebuilding Plan

The City Council tonight will consider confirming their support for rebuilding infrastructure in the .

Among the recommended reconstruction projects, the city plans to replace all streets, sewers, water mains, curbs, gutters and sidewalks within the fire-damaged area, according to a staff report.

Staff also recommends replacing damaged storm drains, 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. If the council approves the scope of work, the first phase if construction would begin in the spring of next year.

Eleven of the 38 destroyed homes are either under construction or have pulled building permits, according to the report. “Of the additional seventeen homes that were seriously damaged, four have fully completed repairs and an additional twelve are undergoing repairs or have pulled permits to do so,” the report says.

So far the city has filled in the blast crater at Glenview Drive and Earl Avenue and installed temporary sidewalks and fencing. The sewer is being overhauled between the lots at 1646 and 1650 Claremont Drive and is expected to be completed by January 2012.

Once the sewer improvements are finished the city will revamp the water system.

Staff does not recommend undergrounding overhead utilities due to logistical challenges and costs estimated at more than $11 million.

The council will also consider contracting with Gilleran Energy Management to administer a grant program for Crestmoor-Glenview homeowners to rebuild green and upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes.

Homeowners who design their home to be at least 35 percent more efficient than building code requirements could receive a $25,000 grant. Homes that add solar panels would be eligible for $45,000 and $65,000 grants.