IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. - Imperial Beach is slowly but surely making improvements that matter to many of its residents.
The South Bay city just completed the first phase of an alley-paving project that residents have been wanting for years.
10News introduced you to John Roche five years ago after city officials threatened to fine him for spending $750 to fix the brutal potholes himself in the alley behind his house.
Roche argued the alleys regularly flooded when it rained or blew up dust when it was dry. The city decided against the fine and listened to Roche and his neighborhood's concerns. However, it still took five years.
"It felt like it was never coming," said Roche, as he stood on the newly paved alley behind his house.
Roche said the more than $1 million the city spent will have an immediate impact on the residents.
"It's a lot of money, but I think this is forever," said Roche.
The paved alleys are expected to raise property values, increase air quality and decrease response times for emergency vehicles. Emergency response may have been the biggest benefit.
"I think they took that into one of the biggest considerations," said Roche.
