BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Bakersfield City Council is moving forward with the controversial 24th Street Widening Project. In a 6-1 vote Wednesday night, the council approved the 24th Street project and it's environmental impact report.
However, many homeowners living in the Westchester area despise the project and aren't pleased with the council's decision.
"It's our money that they're spending. It's taxpayer's money that they're spending and I resent that," said Vanessa Vangel.
Widening 24th Street is meant to reduce traffic gridlock in the future. However, it will require the demolition of at least 23 homes on the north side of the Westchester area.
However, city council members say pursuing the project needs to happen. The city said 60,000 vehicles use 24th Street everyday and they expect that to double in coming years.
But, Councilmember Terri Maxwell voted against the project and said its environmental impact report was inadequate.
Westchester residents said even though the project got the green light, they aren't stopping their efforts to halt construction.
"Our citizens against the widening project are still strong and proud and loud. Regardless of what happens..we're still going to be fighting it," said Vangel.
The widening project will cost the city nearly $60 million to construct, but city officials said the new 24th Street will become the city's downtown gateway.
However, many homeowners living in the Westchester area despise the project and aren't pleased with the council's decision.
"It's our money that they're spending. It's taxpayer's money that they're spending and I resent that," said Vanessa Vangel.
Widening 24th Street is meant to reduce traffic gridlock in the future. However, it will require the demolition of at least 23 homes on the north side of the Westchester area.
However, city council members say pursuing the project needs to happen. The city said 60,000 vehicles use 24th Street everyday and they expect that to double in coming years.
But, Councilmember Terri Maxwell voted against the project and said its environmental impact report was inadequate.
Westchester residents said even though the project got the green light, they aren't stopping their efforts to halt construction.
"Our citizens against the widening project are still strong and proud and loud. Regardless of what happens..we're still going to be fighting it," said Vangel.
The widening project will cost the city nearly $60 million to construct, but city officials said the new 24th Street will become the city's downtown gateway.