FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Traffic Plan OKd for Holiday Crowds

The City Council has approved a traffic and parking system to deal with the thousands of people who visit elaborate Christmas displays near Heil Avenue and Brookhurst Street.

Since the early 1970s, many homeowners on Shadbush Street, Camrose Circle, Dahlia Circle and Dandelion Circle have decorated their houses and front yards with Nativity scenes and holiday displays, including simulated snow and automated figures.

The congestion created by vehicles and pedestrians going through the area during the evening has made it difficult for residents to get to their homes or find parking. As a result, the city has received complaints from some residents.

To cope with the visitors, the city will provide trash containers and portable bathrooms and guide visitors to park at the Recreation Center at the intersection of Heil Avenue and Brookhurst Street. Area residents and their guests will be required to show a permit to be allowed into the area.

The city is also considering limiting the display hours from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 10-31 and may allow service organizations to collect food donations at the entrance to the tract.