Monterey Park · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey Park public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Garfield Avenue speeding and safety
A resident reported repeated car crashes and speeding on Garfield Avenue and asked for warning signs, reflective striping, and buffer markings. Staff will follow up.
Adaptive Traffic Signal Project Bid Rejection
All four bids for the adaptive traffic control system were rejected — the low bidder pulled out and the rest came in over budget. The project will need to be rebid.
SGV Forward Bus Rapid Transit on Garvey and Atlantic
The council joined a four-city subcommittee (with Rosemead, El Monte, and South El Monte) to review and give feedback on the SGVCOG's proposed bus rapid transit lanes and signal upgrades along Garvey Avenue ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Transit services contract and zero-emission fleet
The city will pay Via $230,670 for a six-month pilot to shore up understaffed Dial-a-Ride service, and adopted its state-required zero-emission bus rollout plan.
Potrero Grande Construction Traffic and Emergency Access
A resident described months of gridlock near the Costco center making it nearly impossible for her elderly mother and hospice-care uncle to get emergency help to their home. Council members asked staff to look at speeding up construction and possibly creating a business/resident impact fund.
Bus Line 70 Dedicated Bus Lane (SGV Forward)
Monterey Park is part of a joint effort with Rosemead, El Monte and South El Monte, coordinated through the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. This meeting was supposed to be a community briefing on it, but it fell apart when too few council members showed up.
Pedestrian Safety at Riggin and Gerhart
A resident described aggressive drivers and wide streets at the Riggin/Gerhart four-way stop and asked the city to consider curb extensions and other redesigns, noting the fire department uses that route.
Link Shuttle Discontinuation
The Link, connecting Civic Center and Cal State LA, ends July 1 due to low ridership; riders can use Spirit Bus Route 5 along the same corridor.
Street Rehabilitation Contract Increase
Old water lines failed during repaving on Mira Valle, Grandridge Place, and Keller Avenue, forcing emergency repairs and a $445,665 contract increase with Onyx Paving. The project covers residential streets between Atlantic and Garfield.
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Plan
The city has repaved 55% of its roads but faces an estimated $250-300 million in identified capital needs with only about $16 million slated for next year. Council members urged residents to attend budget workshops to help close the gap.
Courtyard Marriott Overflow Parking and Traffic
Residents near the Marriott complained that convention traffic (like Pokemon card events) clogs neighborhood parking from morning to night. The mayor said the big convention series has ended, and staff is talking with the hotel about parking fixes and possible permit parking options.