Empire residents approve assessment for sidewalks, better drainage

Empire residents and business owners have voted in favor of sidewalks, a storm drainage solution and safer routes to schools.

The results of the property owners election, announced Tuesday, give approval for annexing 192 parcels to a county service area in the unincorporated town east of Modesto. The residents agreed to an $84.54 annual assessment to cover costs of maintaining the upgrades.

The tally was 70.244 votes for annexation and 47.005 opposed, said Elizabeth King, clerk of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. King said residential parcels were entitled to a single vote, but other ballots were weighted. She said 95 of the 192 mail-in ballots sent to property owners in March were returned. Six of the returned ballots were incomplete – the voters did not mark “yes’ or “no.”

The county plans to build $4.5 million in improvements, including gutters and French drains, to keep areas from flooding in Empire. Also planned are sidewalks along certain streets, a roundabout to replace a three-way stop at Third and A streets, and a safer railroad crossing on Second Street to improve safety for students walking to Glick Middle School and Empire Elementary School.

At a public hearing Tuesday, property owner Allen Johnson took issue with the proposed roundabout. He expressed concern about giving up property for the roundabout and suggested speed bumps could slow traffic.

Supervisor Bill O’Brien said the traffic circle is still open for discussion as detailed plans are developed. Supervisors are scheduled to adopt the election results May 10. The 192-parcel annexation also requires an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission.

This story was originally published April 26, 2016 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Empire residents approve assessment for sidewalks, better drainage."