South Gate Reaches Settlement with Cudahy After Lawsuit

South Gate has settled a pending lawsuit that it had with Cudahy over the negative impact that could result from a development that is currently being considered by its neighboring city.  If built, this project would sit where a 17,840 square foot building currently stands, and could include a restaurant, rodeo, and a live events venue.

South Gate had concerns over environmental and traffic related problems that would ripple to it if this establishment were to move ahead.

“An establishment of that type would create a lot of traffic problems for us,” said Mayor Bill De Witt of South Gate. “This would have an impact on our community, so we challenged them.”

Another reason why South Gate was particularly concerned over the potential construction of this project was the environmental hazards that a rodeo could cause.  The runoff of chemicals from fertilizers, and other byproducts of this business, was a chief concern.

“The city learned of the plans and had concerns that the project had not complied with the California Environmental Quality Act,” said Raul Salinas, the City Attorney for South Gate. “We were concerned of being tagged by the potential exposure of contaminants in the Los Angeles River, if the runoff was not addressed correctly.”

Cudahy has agreed to the settlement, and as result will take into account the impact that this establishment would have on neighboring communities, before moving further with this project.

As a result, studies will be done, including some on the environmental and traffic related effects before construction takes place. The investigations would also identify the measures that Cudahy would need to ensure so that this business venture does not have a significant impact on its surrounding communities.

“The city of Cudahy will agree to perform certain studies, and identify any measures,” said Isabel Birrueta, Assistant City Attorney for Cudahy, who also added that the settlement has been submitted to the court for approval. “[The studies] will identify any measures, that maybe necessary to mitigate any impact that this project may cause to a surrounding community. ”

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