Proposed Plan To Add Underpasses In Montebello Hits Roadblock With Some Business Owners

MONTEBELLO (CBSLA.com) — A proposed plan to add underpasses in Montebello isn't getting a green light from some business owners.

They say businesses and homes will need to be razed if the plan goes forward.

"If they want me out of town, I'll fight them," said Ray Broguiere of Broguiere's Dairy.

The business has been in the area since 1920, when his grandfather bought the property and opened a drive-through milk stand.

Since then, the neighborhood has changed, but Broguiere still sells milk in glass bottles.

But, he says, it could change if a railway-corridor project is approved.

The Montebello Corridor Grade Separation Project will create roadway underpasses on Maple Avenue and Montebello Boulevard.

The road would be lowered about 20 feet so cars drive underneath the railroad tracks.

"I would be way above that and no visibility from down there," he said.

Broguiere says with the proposed plan, he would lose street traffic on Maple Avenue because the city wants to build him a driveway on Mine that would lead 300 feet up to his business.

The massive overhaul is one of 20 grade-separation projects in the San Gabriel Valley that could affect other businesses and homes in the area.

Jack Hadjinian, a Montebello councilman, is also the chairman of the Ace Construction Authority committee that oversees the project and says the proposals are just concepts.

"The project is not approved yet. It's yet to be voted on and approved," said Hadjinian, who added that he wants to help preserve Broguiere's Dairy.

"We're certain that he's going to be impacted, so we have to decide, do we kind of alter his business? Do we relocate it or does he go away? But that's his choice. It's up to him," Hadjinian said.

"We want to stay, but if the city doesn't want me, and that's what I really feel, the city doesn't," Broguiere said.

The public can comment and voice their concerns about the project at the next council meeting July 13.