SIMI STUDIES BRIDGE; STRUCTURE WOULD CROSS ARROYO, FORM TAPO ST. LINK.

Byline: Lisa Mascaro Daily News Staff Writer

Building bridges might help join communities, but is it good for business?

City officials in Simi Valley believe it is and will consider approving $1.9 million Monday to construct a new bridge across the Arroyo Simi that will serve as a gateway to the soon-to-be-renovated Tapo Street business area.

``I think anybody who crosses it will pay attention,'' said City Councilwoman Barbara Williamson. ``We have to start looking at the aesthetics, and this is just part of that.''

The new bridge would become a cornerstone of the city's planned $1 million revitalization of the Tapo Street area, which has suffered commercial decline in the 1990s and damage from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The plan, to get under way this month, includes new street lighting, landscaping and median improvements to spruce up the aged business district with more architecturally pleasing designs. It also would offer businesses a chance to qualify for city matching funds if they fix up their storefronts.

Officials are optimistic that the cosmetic changes will breathe new life into the commercial corridor, and the bridge is the first step. Work is expected to begin June 21.

``I think the city needs to show a commitment to get business to come in and make a commitment,'' said City Councilman Bill Davis. ``That place will spring alive, bringing jobs to the city.''

The item before the City Council on Monday calls for approving $1.4 million to hire Camarillo-based Lemay General Engineering, Inc. to build the bridge. The total cost of the bridge, including design costs, environmental reviews and other expenses, will be $1.9 million.

The bridge has been designed to include the same antique-looking street lights as the ones going up along Tapo Street and would feature various architectural patterns in the concrete.

The new bridge would be funded partly through an earthquake-related grant and through an investment group, which would each contribute $890,000. The city previously had approved $285,000 for design work and would contribute an additional $150,000 toward potential cost overruns.