The undergrounding of utilities is perhaps
the greatest way of increasing land values on the planet.
Little Balboa Island, by the way, has already completed its
undergrounding. So, what is up with those on Balboa Island
that wish continue to fight the good fight against the devil
"undergrounding"?
The people on Balboa Island have always been wrapped a little
different. Balboa Island people become Republican when the
Democrats are in, Democrats when the Republicans are in and
Independent whenever it serves their purposes. Balboa Island
has a Ferry to the peninsula, A cute little Clubhouse, A Main
Street with shops, two major cross streets, one of which has
lovely trees. Balboa Island even has funny street names for
various stones and crystals....Like; Diamond, Garnet and even
Crystal. They have Little Balboa Island and Big!
Anyway, they had a nice turnout down at City Hall last night
according to the Daily Plot, all about "Undergrounding".
They had a whole bunch down there on one side saying: "Too
expensive!" and the other group saying: "Too ridiculous!"
In any event, the patriotic thing to do for Balboa Island is:
Underground your utilities! My goodness, on one hand they
contend that they are "elitist status which deserves the best".
Like their expensive Fire Station, an Annual City Wide July
attended Parade, Three Boat Parades, Three fix up your homes
for the holiday events, a business improvement district and
even a bridge! They have yachts, they have sea walls, they
have beautiful homes on North and South Bayfront. They have
cute little houses and wonderful little streets in the middle.
What is wrong with doing away with all those drooping
telephone and power lines? "The Cost, you idiot!" they do
protest! $5,000 dollars to $35,000 each. Well, what we
might mention is that this could be the only time that
anyone will be able to refinance their homes for quite some
time during these tough economic times! They might even get
lucky and get a reduction in their current monthly payments.
Hey, this could be a lot more complex than most thought..huh?
Well, we stand firmly for "undergrounding" all utilities in
Newport Beach. We are supposed to be a wealthy, intelligent,
beautiful city that invites travelers and visitors from all
around the world. We are not San Francisco....we need our
utilities "undergrounded".
We invite your comments....
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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7 comments:
R&A, no one questions that undergrounding utilities makes neighborhood more attractive and certainly adds value to each home within them. However, everything in life comes with a cost, including undergrounded utilities. That $5,000- $35,000 number only addresses the cost to get the utilities to the property line. From that point each property owner must pony up and hire their own, individual contractor to get the power, telephone and cable from the street to their structure. That is not an inconsequential project.
When this issue was last brought up here in lovely Costa Mesa - when our young jailer/mayor decided he wanted to saddle the city with a billion dollar bill for undergrounding the entire city - I investigated the cost for my own little abode. Two years ago conservative estimates ran from $11,000 - $17,000. And, those costs are out of pocket - you write the guy a check when he's done. You can't put them on your tax bill.
Geoff,
Actually what is amazing is that the County Assessor hasn't determined that that would be considered a "property improvement" and raise the yearly
tax to match! But then if he did that....people could see how undergrounding....is an absolute plus for property and community values!
Oh, yeah, that would be wonderful! Another added cost! And, the only time the property owner would "realize" that improvement in value would be when he sold the property - or his heirs did. And those who rent would just love to have this "improvement" because it doesn't cost them a cent! Unless, that is, their landlord decides to pass this new "amenity" along by increasing the monthly rent. Again, I think communities with utilities underground look much, much better than those with wires on poles, but us po folk here in Goat Hill tend to worry about our money just a little bit more than many of our lucky next door neighbors in Newport Beach.
One more thing... when we were holding discussions about this in Costa Mesa the reps from So. Cal. Edison told us that it was much, much easier to maintain their service above ground, on wires, than underground. And that was up here on the bluff, not down on Balboa where the water table is a couple feet below street level.
*Yep, they love those tennis shoes hanging from the wires the most. It shows everyone where the drug dealers and gang hang out and where they don't have to keep their
equipment up to snuff!
Whoa...did we say that?
If you wish to spend $20k-$25k per house (or more, depending on the size of the parcel) beautifying the alleys, be my guest. If I have that kind of money lying around, I think I'll put on a new roof or get new windows. As far as I'm concerned, this project is getting rammed down our throats, whether we want it or not. To get a legitimate vote, the council should be REQUIRED to get a "yes" or "no" vote from EVERY SINGLE HOMEOWNER. But that isn't happening. They are going to take the number of ballots returned, and take 51% of that. If only 400 people return ballots, and 201 owners vote "yes," then it's a done deal. And let's not forget that votes are weighted; bigger parcel = multiple votes. It's extortion. If you don't get a vote from every owner, then it's not legit. Just special interest. If you want to finance the utility companies' projects, have at it. Just don't help yourself to MY bank account.
*In case you didn't know....the amount you pay to Edision, becomes a non payable lien on your property. Meaning that, no payment is made until you sell the property. You can do it that way, or you can pay it off, or you can make payments.
Let's just say...no ramming, no
jamming....just common sense solutions to ugliest. What did Grandma say: Cleanliness is next to Godliness!
I'm well aware of my various payment options. At the end of the day, it's a lame way to spend $25k. The poles/lines have never bothered us for the 43 years we've owned the house. As I said, feel free to pick up the tab for my house too, since you think it's such a great idea! Oh wait, you don't live on Balboa Island. Nevermind...
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