Merchants Fear Sound Wall Will Block Views from Freeway

Sure, they saw the construction of the sound wall just north of the Camino Capistrano exit on the 5 freeway, but, initially, they had no idea the project could affect their livelihoods.

Several business owners at the Capistrano Home Center told the City Council on Tuesday that they were shocked to learn only that day that the new sound wall is set to be at least 14 feet high.

“The only way for people to see where we are is through the freeway,” said Jim Carter, owner of American Horse Products. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when the sound wall goes up. That’s a lot of advertising for us.”

Public Works Director Nasser Abbaszadeh told the residents that the sound wall is not a city project so he doesn’t have any jurisdiction over the design or construction. Still, the City Council directed Abbaszadeh to contact Caltrans and the Orange County Transportation Authority. 

Dennis Penman, owner of Renaissance Home Furnishings, said he found the whole process “disconcerting.” He never received notice about the sound wall, which he said will block one of the better views of San Juan Capistrano, with its grass, palm trees and red-tile roofs.

“I’m disgusted. I would just like some answers,” Penman said. Abbaszadeh said property owners were given notice about the project in 2005. The wall will be 14½ feet high.

“If this sound wall goes in as slated, they’re history,” said Bill Cottle, who identified himself as the landlord of the Capistrano Home Center. He said he’s already lost a few potential tenants because of the construction. “They need signage. That’s always been an issue.”

The Capistrano Home Center was built behind the Plaza del Obispo, and other than a tiny monument sign on Del Obispo Street, is invisible from the road. The stores, however, are oriented to Interstate 5. 

Business owners pressed the city to act fast, fearing the wall's imminent completion. The sound wall is part of a $13.2-million project, which includes:

• Construction of a sound wall/retaining wall on southbound I-5 between southbound Ortega Highway on-ramp and San Juan Creek bridge.
• Widening of the San Juan Creek bridge.
• Adding an auxiliary exit lane on the southbound 5 at Camino Capistrano southbound off-ramp.
• Widening Camino Capistrano on- and off-ramps. 
• Construction of a retaining wall between San Juan Creek Road  bridge and San Juan Creek bridge.
• Widening of San Juan Creek Road bridge. 
• Widening of Camino Capistrano from San Juan Creek Road for 2,200 feet to the south.

The entire project is expected to be completed by mid-2013.