UPDATE: A significant move is underway in Tiburon as homeowners are advancing plans to bury utility lines in their neighborhood, a project estimated to cost over $2.8 million. Residents from Mar West Street, Las Lomas Lane, and Esperanza Street are actively seeking to form an undergrounding district that will enhance public safety and the overall aesthetic of their community.
The Tiburon Town Council met on Wednesday night, where they confirmed that homeowners must contribute approximately $55,000, or one-third of the total design report costs, which are projected to total $165,760. This decision follows the lifting of an eight-year moratorium on such districts last year, paving the way for this long-awaited initiative.
Homeowners are now tasked with circulating petitions to gather support from their neighbors, as a majority agreement is crucial for moving forward. Should the council approve the district, the town will fund the remaining costs. The council has expressed urgency in this matter, with Mayor Jon Welner emphasizing the need for a structured contribution policy, stating, “I think we should be picking a percentage.” Initially advocating for a 50% contribution from residents, Welner faced opposition from Councilmember Jack Ryan, who pointed out the successful undergrounding policies in neighboring Belvedere, where citizens contribute nothing.
Community organizer Erin Giacoppo expressed optimism about the project, stating, “We feel exceedingly confident. We don’t have any doubt in this passing.” So far, support has been strong, with reports indicating that 30 out of 39 households are in favor of the initiative. Local resident Bruce Owen echoed this sentiment, describing the existing overhead wires as “really an abomination” and highlighting the positive contributions of burying the lines to the city of Tiburon.
The town will not be reimbursed for their contributions if the district fails, adding pressure on residents to rally support and secure funding. The preliminary project cost reflects significant investment in community safety, with advocates arguing that undergrounding utility lines will not only enhance visual appeal but also reduce fire risks and improve service reliability.
Next Steps: Homeowners must now gather the necessary funds and community support before the proposal returns to the council. If successful, residents will vote on the district, leading to a potential construction bid. This project represents a critical step towards modernizing Tiburon’s infrastructure and addressing longstanding safety concerns.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
