Nichols Consulting Engineers has performed the most recent four MV pavement analyses. The last was in 2008. The firm notes the current problem in its 2010 proposal:
In the case of Mission Viejo, the gas tax has traditionally been used to fund the resurfacing program, but last year, this was transferred to other projects, resulting in only one resurfacing project instead of the usual 4 to 6.
In addition, Nichols points out the Asphalt Price Index increased by a factor of 5 during the last 10 years, while government revenues are recently in crisis. MV relies on funds from other agencies for street repair and allocates its own general fund revenues to other priorities, so local citizens are sounding the alarm and providing evidence of the problem.
Nichols summarizes the situation:
The combination of all these factors may have serious consequences for the City of Mission Viejo. Historically, the City has a seven-year cycle to maintain and rehabilitate the neighborhoods . . . However, given the factors mentioned above, it may not be possible to continue to maintain the seven-year cycle . ..
The Nichols report mentions the possibility of extending the cycle to 10 years or more unless budget changes or cost-saving technology is found.
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When I reviewed the latest report on the city streets that report even noted a deterioration of our streets. Mr DiPietro can get a copy off that report from city hall. I would highly suggest he read it–twice.
Over 150 specific, detailed pictures of street problems have been sent to Dennis Wilberg Mission Viejo City Manager. Many of these pictures were provided to the Dispatch also. Maybe the editor could post some of them. I would be very happy to take Paul DiPietro on a tour of these streets. For his own edification I would suggest he start on Bande–right off of Vista Del Lago. This street is in such bad shape it would be totally R&R. Then Mr Di Pietro could travel down Canavaras and check out the feeder streets in that area. Then I would suggest he check out Via Aurora.
Makes one wonder what those “other projects” are?