Frustration mounts as construction at Lakewood/Telegraph drags on

Photo by Steve Mansell, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

DOWNEY – Business owners and city officials alike have become increasingly frustrated with the construction situation on Lakewood and Telegraph.

Work began in April and was originally projected to last until June 30th. However, date of completion has been frequently moved back and the roads are still under construction to this day. Meanwhile, the streets have been reduced to one lane and various turns have been restricted during the entire process. 

The road work was a hot topic at last week’s city council meeting, with several council members voicing their growing concern and frustration. Mayor Alex Saab noted that many local businesses are angry with the delays.

One of the more vocal council men on the subject, Councilmember Roger Brossmer, echoed many’s frustration, commenting that work had stopped and “I’m with the residents on this one.”

Brossmer also requested bringing Edison in to a city council meeting to explain themselves.
The affected streets are home to several popular food spots, including Pepe’s, Frantone’s Pizza, Starbucks, and Chris’s Burgers.

Chris Gabriel, owner of Chris’s Burgers, says that the roadwork has affected business. 

“It has affected my business big time,” said Gabriel. “I’m a fast food restaurant, and I rely on my breakfast and lunch crowd. Usually those people are working people and they only have about 30 minutes to 60 minutes of lunch time, and they’re not going to spend 20 to 25 minutes stuck in traffic...”

Gabriel has brought his concerns to the city, however up to this point has only been given pushed back time lines and no real concrete answers.

“First they were saying it was going to be done by May 30th, then the timeline moved to June, July, and now it’s up to August,” said Gabriel. “…[and it’s] still a mess.”

The only explanation given at last week’s meeting was that delays have had to do with utility relocations. However, Council and residents are still not satisfied.  

As of last week’s meeting, lanes are projected to reopen this month according to public works director Mohammad Mostahkami.