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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMJCIP Apps (1)RRRCITY OF PALM SPRINGS MEASURE J COMMUNITY INITIATED PROJECTS APPLICATION FORM Name of Applicant: Jim Fundin Date Submitted: 6/3/2024 Applicant Type: Neighborhood Name of Organization: N/A If yes, provide IRS ID# Tell us about your project: 1.Project Name: Little Tuscany Sewer Project 2.Project Address: 2313 N. Janis Drive, Palm Springs (Racquet Club Road and adjacent 5 streets/2313 N. Janis Drive) 3.Project Type: CIP 4.This project improves: Health Services, Streets/Roads, Sustainability/Conservation, Other: This project will stop the environmental pollution that has been occuring for the past 50+ years from old septic systems in Little Tuscany. These septic systems are polluting our ground water. 5. What demographic(s) does this project serve? All and All residents and guests in Palm Springs who wish to consume City provided water for consumption or recreation 6. Estimated project cost: $900,000 - City will receive a connection fee from each home estimated at between $50,000 and $70,000 total 7. Short description of proposed project. Little Tuscany Sewer Project/ Racquet Club Road is the terminis of 5 streets that run south and end at the wash. Five streets in Little Tuscany, which is on a hillside, were exempted from the Palm Springs Sewer System in the 1970's due to the expense of sewer construction at that time and the fact that most of the properties were vacant land. • In 2011 a main sewer line was installed going up the hill on Racquet Club Road ending at that time at Tuscany Heights, this line passed all five streets leaving about 70 homes on Septic systems. Contact Person’s Email Address: jim.fundin@gmail.com Name of Contact Person: Jim Fundin Contact Person’s Phone Number:(760) 774-9182 Applicant’s information: The real issue here is that 70 homes are polluting our groundwater, over the years I have known neighbors who have used various chemicals in their leach fields to open up the fields, some have used acid from their swimming pools, until this year I have used a product specifically designed to keep the leach field open and have now been informed that it is no longer legal in California due to "groundwater contamination".• In 2011 Cathedral City had a similar issue in the South end of the city and test wells indicated a substantial contamination issue. Measure “J” Little Tuscany Sewer Project In response to your request for additional information, I am submitting the following details and outlining some of the key benefits of the proposed project. How will it protect groundwater quality? Septic system discharge leaves behind nitrates and other contaminants that are absorbed into the soil and eventually reach the water stored naturally underground in our aquifer. Over time, these contaminants degrade the quality of the aquifer, which is vital as Palm Springs relies on groundwater from this source. This project will replace outdated septic systems with a sewer system that will collect wastewater and deliver it to a treatment plant. There, the wastewater will be processed and treated until it is clean enough to be recharged into the aquifer without compromising its quality. Key Benefits of the Proposed Sewer Project: • Public Health and Safety: The project addresses critical public health concerns by preventing contamination of local water sources, thus reducing the risk of disease spread. • Environmental Protection: The sewer system will significantly reduce the environmental impact of untreated sewage on local ecosystems, especially by protecting our groundwater and aquifer. • Improved Infrastructure: This project will replace outdated septic systems, modernizing and enhancing the area's wastewater infrastructure, improving overall system reliability and efficiency. • Compliance with Regulations: The project ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, helping to avoid potential legal or regulatory issues. • Economic Benefits: The project will generate jobs in construction and related industries, stimulating the local economy and fostering long-term growth. • Increased Property Value: A reliable and efficient sewer system will enhance the livability of the area, positively influencing property values. • Prevention of Future Issues: Proactive sewer upgrades help prevent costly repairs and service disruptions in the future, resulting in significant savings for taxpayers. • Community Support: The project is supported by local residents who recognize the long-term benefits for both current and future generations. • Permanent Income Stream for the City: The sewer project will create a steady, long- term revenue stream for the city through user fees, supporting future city development and services. • Cost: The engineering plans for this project are already completed and are available at City Hall, meaning the planning phase has been paid for, and the project is ready to move forward. I am unaware of any of the Measure J rules that would prevent a commitment to be spread over a period of years if the cost to do all of the streets in one year is over the limit. Certainly accomplishing this over a period of years would be preferential to not doing it at all.