City to Finance Cost of Building New Wall

The city is preparing to seek a builder to fix a concrete block wall around a housing tract that was badly damaged in the Northridge earthquake and poses a safety hazard.

The wall leans perilously in places and blocks have been falling out, according to Paul Leshner, president of the Deer Springs Homeowners Assn., which represents the housing tract. The wall runs along 13 homes that back up to Malibu Hills Road.

Residents fear that blocks will fall on pedestrians and bicyclists, said Leshner in a letter to the city.

The city probably will have to build a new wall, which will cost about $50,000, City Manager Charles Cate said. A builder is expected to be sought within the next 30 days, he said, and the job is expected to be finished this summer.

Funds will come from Landscape Districts 24 and 32, Cate said. The wall, which skirts city property and the housing tract, is considered something of a neutral zone in terms of ownership, Cate said. The city has decided to step in, he said, because it’s a public safety issue.

Cate said portions of the wall have been sealed off with yellow caution tape to keep people away. He said he has no reports of anyone being hurt.