More than two dozen homes finally connected to city sewer system thanks to Measure J funding ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

Paint markings and a utility cover show where sewer connections have finally been made to homes in one Palm Springs neighborhood after more than a decade of waiting.

A city project that may have gone unnoticed by many Palm Springs residents has significantly impacted 28 families. Thanks to Measure J funds, after years of anticipation, they are now connected to the city sewer system.

The project’s completion was discreetly listed on the consent agenda, which typically allows for the passage of multiple items with a single vote. However, Councilmember Grace Garner took the opportunity to pull the item for discussion and to acknowledge those responsible for the achievement.

Garner, recognizing the project’s importance, pointed out that residents of Arnico Street had been using septic tanks, which are common in rural areas, for over a decade. The neighborhood is situated between East Via Escuela and Jason Court, however, and is in close proximity to city landmarks and other residential areas, including the airport and the Escena development.

Initially, the plan was to connect all 87 homes in the neighborhood to the sewer system, with funding provided by a Community Development Block Grant — federal funds contingent on a location’s income levels. However, after 59 homes were connected, the 2010 census changed the neighborhood’s eligibility, and the grant funding was abruptly halted.

Garner first became aware of the issue during her 2019 campaign for council when the neighborhood was part of her district. After being elected, she contacted city staff, who confirmed that completing the project was feasible.

“We had full support from the council from the beginning,” she said. “There was no argument from anyone. It was very easy.”

Measure J funds are flexible and can be spent on projects big and small, like the downtown revitalization project, the Downtown Park, upgrades to Fire Station No. 4, repairs on more than 100 miles of city streets to shade structures in parks, and renovations at the Mizell Center’s kitchen.

While connecting the homes to the sewer system took several years, Garner said the project’s completion deserved to be highlighted so residents know their concerns are taken to heart.

“When you raise issues to City Council, we act on them as much as possible,” Garner said, noting that often, infrastructure solutions like these may not get as much attention as they deserve because they’re just not as exciting as other hot-button topics that draw dozens of residents for public comment.

Garner added that the project’s success also solidifies the importance of the city’s move toward electing councilmembers by district.

“I like to think that I would have heard about the problem even without districts,” she said. “But districts let people feel like they have more of a say and someone they can identify with on City Council that they know they can go to.”