Residents press council on Montabella Boulevard traffic, fire‑department morale and transparency

Several Montebello residents used the public‑comment period at the June 10 council meeting to press the council on local traffic impacts, city staffing and transparency.

Business impacts on Montabella Boulevard: Denise Hagopin, a Montabella Boulevard property owner, described ongoing traffic problems tied to a new center divider and temporary construction that she said has forced emergency vehicles to drive against traffic, caused repeated collisions and reduced her business revenue. "This illegal construction is not going away... My business is down over 50%." Hagopin urged the council to remove approximately 20 to 25 feet of center divider to restore access.

Fire‑department staffing and morale: Michelle Marquez, a former Montebello Fire employee, said she left the department due to what she described as excessive micromanagement and urged leaders to let trained staff perform their duties without punitive pressure. She praised current department personnel and warned that losing experienced staff harms regional mutual aid capacity.

Transparency and neighborhood perceptions: Resident Corey Chapel and other speakers raised concerns about public trust and the selection process for consultants hired to study the proposed EIFD and train projects, requested remote access for upcoming meetings, and asked the city to ensure mitigation for construction impacts from projects that will pass through the city.

City response and next steps: City staff acknowledged the Montabella Boulevard complaints and said they are coordinating with relevant agencies; staff also confirmed the June 30 town hall for the dam project and repeated the city's commitment to coordination on grants and capital work. Several speakers asked the council to keep public participation options open for Saturday meetings and other planning sessions.

Source: Public comment period at the Montebello City Council meeting, June 10, 2026.