(MANTECA, CA). – What was supposed to be the construction of new school locations in Manteca has now become a nightmare due to an ongoing and unresolved storm drain issue hindering its start.
Residents at the Manteca City Council meeting on Feb. 17 raised concerns about the new project pointing out the unfairness of the delay for these institutions while other residential properties continue under their development.
A Manteca resident expressed other potential solutions to the issue, bringing up the fact that certain neighborhoods’ storm drain systems within the construction region are connected to nearby parks and urged that the city offer the same access to these systems for the school.
The resident made mention that should the construction of the school be delayed, then so should the development of thousands of other properties as well.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
Among this issue was on whether or not the county would go through with deciding to annex the Tinnin Road Site in South Manteca.
Annexation, though a financially more viable and cheaper solution to solving the ongoing water problem that would grant water access to the Tinnin school site, has particularly been the subject ruling much of the debate. Residents in rural areas that fall between the Tinnin Road Site and the Manteca City limit are fighting back against the annexation as they do not want to be affected by municipal city codes and policies that would directly impact their livelihoods.
These setbacks are estimated to push project completion to 2028. Among this issue brought up at the City Council Meeting was also the concern of public safety concerning the dangerous bicycle street takeovers that have impacted the community.
The City passed a new ordinance which cracks down on the phenomenon introducing legal consequences for organized and spontaneous “take overs” that pose a serious hazard to the public. The legal implications for violators include citations up to $1000 and vehicle impoundment that includes a $200 storage fee.
For juvenile offenders that are 16 years and younger, a special provision may be required to have them engage in opportunities to learn safety education and attend counseling. City Council members readily admitted to fault regarding past failures in attempting to educate the public on this issue.
Moreover, discussed at the meeting was the major Airport Way Widening Project, an infrastructure improvement which is expected to relieve congestion between Yosemite Avenue and Daniels Street by transforming the two-lane street into a four-lane street with a Class 2 bike lane added in as well.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
Largely funded in part by PG&E, which has allocated $4.6 million dollars to the project, it will require extensive underground utility work which will delay the completion of the project well through 2030.
The funds, which are called Rule20A funds, is money that is given to the city directly for projects that meet specific requirements like the area in question must have heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic for example.
However, Manteca residents are concerned with this project delay as these Rule20A funds under recent California law (California Public Utilities Commission), this special provision will be terminated effective December 31st, 2033 rendering any remaining funds no longer usable.
With an enormous project expected to push well through 2030, Manteca is in a tight position and residents are concerned this greatly hinders the much needed infrastructure in their city.
In regards to the city’s biological safety and health, The 2025 Public Health Goal for the CIty noted that the City of Manteca’s water meets both federal and state safety standards.
Despite this, residents pointed out the historical issues pertaining to the City’s drinking water, mentioning a lawsuit needed to address TCP contamination in times past. Regardless of this, City officials assured the people of Manteca that the tap water is completely safe to drink.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me via email at yikaileau.w@lead4earth.org
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