HomeMy Public PortalAbout1992-11-19 TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMISSION•
AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT
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CITY OF LYNWOOL)
CITY CLERKS OFFICE
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AM NOV 16 1992 pm
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LYNWOOD TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION A
TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 19, 1992 At 6:00 P.M.
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL FOR ORDER - DELMAR CABARET
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING
4. ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
DELMAR CABARET
EDMOND R. ARCHAMBAULT
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM
JOE DARYL BATTLE
EDWARD PACHECO
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. REQUEST FOR ON- STREET HANDICAP PARKING SPACE LOCATED
AT 12232 WALDORF DR., APPLICANT, MR. ROBERT BURTON
PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
COMMISSION ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
T07 -040
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E
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
October 22, 1992
A regular meeting of the Traffic and Parking Commission of the
City of Lynwood was held on the above date. The meeting started
at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 11330 Bullis Road in
the City of Lynwood, California.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Edmond R.
Archambault. Commissioners, Edward Pacheco, Delmar Cabaret,
William Cunningham and Chairman Archambault were present.
Jahanshah Oskoui, Assistant Director of Public Works and Oretha
Williams of the Department of Public Works were also present.
Commissioner Battle was not present. It was announced that Mr.
Battle, earlier called the office (the Department of Public
Works) and reported that his work schedule would not allow him to
attend tonight's meeting. Chairman Archambault motioned to
excuse Commissioner Battle for being absent. It was passed
unanimously and Commissioner Battle's absence was excused. The
Sheriff's Department was not present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Cunningham.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING
Mr. Oskoui announced that the agenda of October 22, 1992, was
duly posted 72 hours as prescribed by the Brown's Act.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Cunningham motioned to accept the minutes of
September 24, 1992 and requested a correction to be made to it.
He stated that on page 3 under paragraph 3, the minutes should be
changed from "Vehicles are being stripped down, abandoned and
left with expired vehicle licenses on the street in front of the
address to "Vehicles are being stripped down, abandoned and left
with expired vehicle licenses on the streets throughout the
City." Commissioner Pacheco seconded the motion to accept the
minutes with corrections and it carried unanimously.
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PUBLIC ORALS
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Mr. Giordano who resides at 11631 expressed that a resident, at
the rear of the Jack -In- The -Box Restaurant, on M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.
and Atlantic Avenue is responsible for parking cars on the lot of
the restaurant. An old 98, 1986, car has been left parked on the
lot for more than 6 months. Mr. Giordano claims that he has
called the Jack -In- the -Box Restaurant and they responded that
they will eventually resolve problem whenever they get an
opportunity.
Councilman Rea was present and invited the Traffic and Parking
Commission to participate and attend a League of California
City's meeting. He mentioned that he will discuss his desire for
their attendance at the next City Council meeting.
Commissioner Cunningham stated that abandoned vehicles are
becoming a major, daily and increasing City problem. This
problem can be discussed with the Parking Enforcement Department.
Ms. Torres, of the Parking Enforcement Department, however, is
working very hard to correct the ongoing problem.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Election of New Officers for the Year, 1993 of the
Traffic and Parking Commission nominations
Chairman Archambault, opened nominations for the new Chairman and
Vice Chairman for 1993 for the Traffic and Parking Commission.
Commissioner Cabaret nominated Commissioner Cunningham for
Chairman. The nomination was seconded. Chairman Archambault
nominated Commissioner Cabaret for Chairman. The nomination was
seconded by Commissioner Cunningham. There were no further
nominations for Chairman. A vote was made in favor of electing
Commission Cabaret for Chairman and Commissioner Cabaret was
elected as Chairman.
Commissioner Cabaret nominated Commissioner Cunningham as Vice
Chairman for the coming year. Commissioner Archambault seconded
the nomination. There were no further nominations for Vice
Chairman and Commissioner Cunningham was elected as the new Vice
Chairman.
7. Request for On- Street Handicap Parking Space located
at 11631 Virginia Avenue, Applicant, Ms. Victoria Giordano
Mr. Tony Giordano of 11631 Virginia Avenue was present to
represent Ms. Victoria Giordano. Ms. Giordano is the
applicant who has requested on- street handicap parking in
front of her residence at 11631 Virginia Avenue.
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Mr. Oskoui discussed the information included in the report.
The report provided the staff's report, property's plot plan,
applicant's physician's statement and application. Mr.
Oskoui stated in a personal interview with Ms. Giordano, she
stated, when she parks in her driveway, she has a problem
maneuvering into and out of the parked car because of the
narrow width of the driveway. Giordano, also mentioned that
she will eventually be wheelchair bound. Staff has requested
that the Commission review the report, considering items 1
through 6 of the requirements per City Council Resolution
No. 79 -89, Ms. Giordano's request and make a recommendation.
The Commission continued to discuss Ms. Giordano's case.
Mr. Giordano discussed the property's conditions and his mother's
health status. He stated that his mother has a disorder named
Paget's disease, and she is in a deteriorating state. She
presently does not drive a car and may eventually be 100%
wheelchair bound.
Commissioner Cunningham asked Mr. Giordano if he plans to remove
a parked car presently on their property.
Mr. Giordano replied that the vehicle will be removed.
Commissioner Pacheco asked staff, if the handicap on- street
parking permit is approved for Ms. Giordano, will she be given
permission to utilize the parking space at all times.
Mr. Oskoui, explained that Ms. Giordano will have exclusive
parking rights for the designated handicap parking space, in
front of her residents, if she is granted on- street handicap
street parking.
Commissioner Cunningham expressed concern of scheduled street
sweeping, and asked if permit is issued, will Ms. Giordano's
vehicle be moved from on- street handicap space for the street
sweeper on its regular, weekly street sweeping day.
Mr. Giordano assured the Commission that the car will be removed
for street sweeping days.
Mr. Giordano, mentioned that Mayor Louis Heine and Councilman
Armando Rea supports the idea of granting a permit for handicap
parking for Ms. Giordano and has made the suggestion to Ms.
Giordano to apply for the permit.
Commissioner Cunningham asked Mr. Giordano, if he was aware of a
special parking fee for handicap parking, if granted.
Commissioner Pacheco motioned to grant Ms. Giordano an on- street
handicap parking permit. Commissioner Cabaret seconded the
motion. Chairman Archambault objected and he stated that he
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would prefer and wait for a proposed ramp from the driveway to
the front porch to be installed on the property to access Ms.
Giordano's house.
Mr. Oskoui added to, that Mr. Giordano will pay the required fee
and staff will subsequently install the on- street handicap
parking space at the curb at 11631 Virginia Avenue.
8. Request for on- street handicap parking space located at
3908 Carlin Avenue, Ms. Carrie Mae Zielke, Applicant.
Mr. Oskoui announced that Ms. Zielke, applicant of 3908 Carlin
Avenue, has requested an on- street handicap parking space in
front of her residence. Commissioner Cunningham abstained from
voting on this particular item. The Commission discussed the
request and also discussed that the applicant has no current,
valid license plate on her vehicles only the dealer's paper plate
and the paper license plates may not be valid to park the vehicle
on the street.
Commissioner Pacheco mentioned that the applicant's property is
located across the street from the high school and discussed that
the property has a large garage for parking, ample on site
parking, and there is vehicle access through the alleyway.
Commissioner Pacheco, asked what the applicant claims to be her
disability problem.
Mr. Oskoui explained that the applicant's attached attending
physician statement does not state the nature of the applicant's
disability. Mr. Oskoui further explained that from a personal
interview with Ms. Zielke, she has stated that she has a
difficult time walking to and from the detached garage to her
house.
Commissioner Cabaret asked if the alley has good lighting.
Commissioner Cabaret motioned to deny Ms. Zielke's request for
on- street handicap parking. It seems that the property has ample
on -site parking spaces and garage parking. Chairman Archambault
seconded the motion and it carried. Commissioner Cunningham
abstained.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Mr. Oskoui discussed the monthly report information summarizing
the Department of Public Works activities and mentioned, in
addition, some articles of interest, were included for the
Commission's review.
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9
COMMISSIONS ORALS
9
Commissioner Pacheco mentioned that vehicles are being sold along
Fernwood Avenue, south of Alameda Street and wanted to know who
owns the property.
Mr. Oskoui answered and stated that the property does not belong
to the City of Lynwood. It appears that it belongs to the City
of Los Angeles.
Commissioner Cunningham discussed the Long Beach Boulevard
Project and asked if the project is moving along according to the
schedule.
Mr. Oskoui discussed the Long Beach Boulevard project status,
mentioned that the owner's property lines are currently being
adjusted by being moved back. Next week, the contractor, Clayton
Engineering Inc. will start on the street construction phase.
Commissioner Cunningham, asked if Mr. Bill Stecks' problem, water
ponding near his business has been resolved.
Commissioner Cabaret mentioned that Mr. Semaan performed a
excellent job facilitating the last couple of Traffic and Parking
Commission meetings and has provided the Commission with copies
of work orders providing the status of complaints that were
addressed at the previous meetings.
Mr. Oskoui mentioned that the department can continuing providing
the complaint statuses after each meeting. Commissioner Cabaret
mentioned that, at the last Traffic and Parking Commission
meeting, he expressed that the street was not being swept on the
southwest side of Fernwood Avenue between Imperial Highway and
Alameda Street and he has observed, since his complaint, that the
street has been swept.
Commissioner Cabaret mentioned that the abandoned vehicles
located across from 3733 Fernwood Avenue, he reported at the last
Traffic and Parking Commission meeting, are still on Caltrans'
property. The presence of the vehicles are creating a real
nuisance for the neighbors. The neighbors are frequently awaken
at night by loud banging on the vehicle by the kids.
Commissioner Cabaret expressed concern that a black Cadillac has
been stripped down, left abandoned and crossing the sidewalk at
2841 Imperial Highway at the corner of Bellinger Street and
Imperial Highway. The vehicle has been at the location for a
couple of months.
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Commissioner Cabaret mentioned that The Market Place located on
Imperial Highway held an event on Sunday, October 19, 1992, which
created major vehicle and pedestrian backup problems.
Commissioner Cabaret stated that a vehicle has been left
abandoned on property between the addresses of 2991 and 2983
Imperial Highway. An automobile repair shop is located at 2991
Imperial Highway at State Street and 2983 Imperial Highway, there
is a grocery market and between the two addresses is a vacant lot
with an old stripped down and abandoned Volkswagen Rabbit.
Commissioner Cunningham mentioned that the occupants at 11632
Virginia Avenue are responsible for parking as many as 13
abandoned vehicles near their property, on their property and on
the street.
Commissioner Cunningham mentioned that on Imperial Highway,
efforts have been made to stop public vehicle sales.
Commissioner Cunningham stated that on Imperial Highway at the
corner of Cornish Avenue, on the south side of the street, the
parkway tree's lower growth is creating a traffic visibility
problem. Commissioner Cunningham suggested that the growth be
trimmed on the trees.
Chairman Archambault stated that he has noticed addresses being
painted on the curb of residents and asked questions regarding
numbers painted on curb's procedures.
Mr. Oskoui explained to the Commission that if a private citizens
applies for a business license and is approved, the citizen is
granted permission to paint house numbers on the curb.
Chairman Archambault mentioned that the next Traffic and Parking
Commission meeting will fall on the fourth Thursday in November
which is the Thanksgiving holiday.
Commissioner Cabaret considering the holiday, suggested that the
next Traffic and Parking Commission meeting should be held on
Thursday, November 19, 1992.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Pacheco to adjourn the meeting
of the Traffic and Parking Commission. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Cabaret to meet on Thursday, November 19, 1992.
It carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
T07 -060
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DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 1992
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE
TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION
FROM: EMILIO M. MURGA, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ` fv'�
SUBJECT: ON STREET HANDICAP PARKING REQUEST - 12232 WALDORF DR.
(Mr. Robert Burton)
PURPOSE:
To recommend that the Traffic and Parking Commission review and
make a recommendation with regards to the application for on-
street handicap parking space in front of 12232 Waldorf Drive.
BACKGROUND:
A request for an on- street handicap parking space has been
received from Mr. Robert Burton, residing at 12232 Waldorf Drive.
ANALYSIS:
Per City Council Resolution 79 -89 (Attachment "A ") which outlines
the following warrants for assigning on street handicap parking;
in order to assign an on- street handicap parking space all of the
following warrants must be met:
1. Applicant or guardian must be in possession of a valid
license plate "Disabled Person" or "Disabled Veteran" issued
by the California Department of Motor Vehicle on the
vehicle.
2. The proposed disabled parking space must in front of the
disabled person's place of residence.
3. Subject residence must not have off - street parking
available or off - street space that may be converted into
disabled parking.
4. Applicant must provide a signed statement from a medical
doctor.
5. Applicant must pay an initial fee of $15.00.
6. Applicant must pay an annual fee of $10.00.
Copy of application and doctor's statement is attached.
VA
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Staff also completed a field survey, the results are illustrated
on the attached exhibits (Attachments "C ", "D" and "E ").
The applicant owns two vehicles. One of the vehicles is equipped
with a handicap lift, which is used to transport the applicant to
and from the doctor's office, hospital, etc. The applicant
stated that when they park both vehicles in the driveway, they
have difficulty moving the two vehicles in and out of the
driveway. Therefore, he requests an on- street handicap space in
front of his home to park the vehicle which is equipped with the
handicap lift.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Traffic and Parking Commission review
this application and make a recommendation with regards to the
request for an on- street handicap parking space in front of 12232
Waldorf Drive.
T06 -947
n
October 27, 1992
Mr. Emilio Murga
Director
Department of Public
Works
City of Lynwood
11330 Bullis Road
Lynwood, CA 90262
Dear Mr. Murga,
My husband and I are long time residents and property owners in Lynwood.
In 1987 my husband became quadrapeligic and depends upon me and our
full -time nurse for his daily care. We have a handicap van which is
used to transport my husband to the doctor and physical therapy sessions.
Said van is always parked at the curb directly in front of our residence
at:
12232 Waldorf Drive
Lynwood, CA 90262
Over the past few weeks it has become almost impossible to perserve
our parking place for the van. We try as best we can to keep the
area clear for the van, but upon return from doctor visits or other
outings, we have increasingly been frustrated by other vehicles which
are parked in front of our residence thwarting our access to the van
space.
It is imperative that said space in front of our house be reserved for
the handicap van as medical emergencies mandate our ease of access to
the van. I therefore request and seek you assistance in declaring said
space via proper markings as off limits to public parking or reserved
for handicap parking only.
Thank you for your consideration. Please call me t 213/774 -3884 ifjyou
need further information or would like to come b and see the exact/ area
to which we seek the restricted designation.
Sincerely,
Mary Burton
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RECEIVED
OCT 2 9 1992
PUBLIC WARNS /ENC!NEERiNC
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. CITY OF LYNWOOD •
APPLICATION
DISABLED PERSONS ON- STREET PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Important Please read instructions on reverse side before filling out
(Please Tvpee or Print)
applicant's `Jame �!� 6E rrt /J t7vi ^'Tn�l
address 'Z VY�7 d c t- f hi
City 'C -L' - Zip Code
Telephone NO 2/3Z77e, ?A
1 Is the abcve address the proposed location for the disabled
parking space?
`:'es_z�_ No
° Do ,ou own the propert; at this address or are you renting it'
I own the property il� I am renting it other
If other, explain
3 is the a -ant the disabled person? Yes V__� `a
If not, what is the relationship to the disabled person?
Spcuse_ Parent_ Guardian_ ge:ati Other_
-1 Do you ha•e valid "disabled persons" license plates (DP or VT
plates) 1;sued by the California Department of Motor %ehicles
rn your %ehicle'
Yes "o
is there a dr_ ay or other off - street space a%ailable at this
aduress that may be used for off - street parking?
es No ✓
:s re rt:clent scace in front of tnis address to accommodate
t narking space
Yes11__*� No
,a e read and ;rderstand the preceding instruct
- - e abo e quest. ns cr and to the best of
_hat t-e disablea Parking space is not
s ep•ing parking restrictions or other applicable
p r_h_b:t:a ns at this location,
Opp :.cant's S_gnat•ure'���,tp;, /I � %f12?�._. _
k!E DICAL DO CTOR'S STATEMENT
Eons and have an s•Ae
my ability I also
exempt from street
part -time tark.ng
Date_ _-
1 test i_. - '.at _ne s.:h•ect 'd:sab.ed persc." in this appiicat :nr
cnsti.._es a special hardship case who is unaole to travel mcr than
50 `eet (e%en with crutches braces, walke wheelchair or other
support.) withcut the assistance of serOno person. -
�,
Coctor's Signature j -`� �� "�� ( -��. Date_ --
(Please Type or Print Following)
A
Doctor's Name
Address - - - / :� n, /- P City -'�� _ Zip Code 1
Telephone Number
12
! DISABLED PER S ON- STREET PARKING IN RESI'NTIAL AREAS
INSTRUCTIONS
- a City of L;nwood dotes not provide on- street parking for pri
individuals. It must be emphasized that even "disabled parking
zones" do not constitute "Personal reserved parking," and, that
any person with valid "disabled persons" license plates (DP or
VT plates) may park in such stalls. Persons parking in such stalls
without valid DP or VT plates may be cited and towed away as
resoled by Cit, Council Resolution No. 77 -89.
Normally, in establishing on- street parking facilities for the
disabled there shall be a reasonable determination made that the
facility will serve more than one disabled person and that the
need is of an on -going nature The intent is to prevent the pro-
liferation of special parking stalls that may be installed for ' a
short -term purpose but later are seldom used. Unjustified
installation of such parking stalls unnecessarily increases the
City's maintenance and operations costs, reduces available on- street
parking for the general public and detracts from the overall
effectiveness of the disabled persons parking program.
However, exceptions may be made, in special hardship cases, provided
all of the following conditions exist
(1) Applicant (or guardian) must be in possession of valid license
plates for "disabled perscn_ or "disabled veterans" issued by the
California Department of Motor Vehicles on the vehicle.
(2) The proposed disabled parking space must be in front of the
disabled persons place of residence.
(3) Subject residence must not have off- street parking available
or off- street space that maybe converted into disabled parking.
(4) Applicant must provide a signed statement from a medical doctor
that the disabled person is unable (even with the aid of crutches,
braces, walker, wheelchair or similar support) to travel more than
50 feet between his or her home and automobile without the
assistance of a second person.
(5) Applicant must pay an initial fee of $15.00 to cover the cost
of field investigation, installation, maintenance and future removal
(6) Applicant must pay an annual fee of $10 00, after the first
year, to cover the cost of yearly investigation to confirm the pre-
sent need for the handicapped parking zones.
Note Please do not send check until after this application has
been reviewed by the Traffic and Parking Commission and approved
by the City.
Return application-
City of Lynwood
public P?orks Department,
=angn rj.v Sion
11330 Bu: is ^,caci
.L n"o-d, Ca ?0: "3
13
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ROHER'I' DL'RE[A, I:,, All, —
7
Metrolink car is moved at a testing area north of downtown Los Angeles in preparation for the system's debut Oct. 26
Metrolink Getting Ready to Roll
By MARK A. STEIN
TINES STAFF WRITER
E ach morning, employees of the
Southern California Regional Rail
Authority are met at work with a
welcome and a warning: a sign that
counts the days until Oct. 26, when they
will start service on the first 120 miles of
the Metrolink commuter -rail network.
With less than two weeks until
launch, time seems to race by faster
than, well, a speeding train.
When voters approved a $1- billion
statewide bond measure making the
system possible, there was nothing to
Metrolink; now, less than two years
later, there is a fleet of state -of -the -art,
periwinkle - and - white trains, tracks to
ON THE
MOVE
South
California's
transit agenda
■ One In a series
run them on and more than a dozen
stations.
A week from Monday Metrotink
trains operating every 45 to 60 minutes
will start carrying rush -hour commuters
to downtown Los Angeles along three
lines running through eastern Ventura
County and the San Fernando, Santa
Clanta, San Gabriel and Pomona vallcvs
But the work is far from a%'er Before
the first passenger boards the first train.
rail authority workers and contractors
must tend to such critical details as
• Making sure the concrete has set and
the paint has dried on all the new
stations, even If the lighting Is not fully
hooked up and the signs are not in-
stalled.
• Painting lines and arrows on the
300- to 1.200 -space parking lots adjoin-
ing each station.
• Installing the last of the ticket -
vending machines and preparing to
teach people how to use them.
• Finishing repairs to the railroad
tracks and beds.
Please see METROLINR, BS
Los Angeles Times
Thursday, October 15, 1992
METROUNI.: Finishing Touches
Continued from Bl
"It's been a challenge. said
Richard Stanger executive direc-
tor of the five - county rail authori-
ty "There wash [ an inch of all the
[former freight railroad] lines .ce
bought that warn t tweaked or
improved or modified.
Railroad tracks are not the oniv
things in for some last- miniae
tweaking. Metrolink workers are
also providing for fleets of buses
and vans that will stop near the
trains, providing easy connections
for riders from union Station to
their downtown destinations.
After the first week, when all
Metrolink rides are free, passen-
gers will use their train tickets to
transfer to waiting shuttles at no
additional cost. Downtown -bound
riders will also be able to transfer
to the Metro Red Line subway
when it opens, perhaps before the
end of the year
But the Southern California
Rapid Transit District, which runs
many of the shuttle buses and the
Red Line, has complained about
using train tickets for transfers.
The RTD says Metrolink tickets
are ripe for counterfeiting because
they can cost as much as $176 for a
monthly pass and are easy to
duplicate. RTD General Manager
Alan Pegg said the district will
honor Metrolink tickets through
March 31. New counterfeit- resis-
tant passes and tickets are expect-
ed to be developed before then.
Most of this last - minute detail
enormous yellow pencil.
The region s first commuter -
train riders also may be in for some
delays because of railroad schedul-
ing conflicts. Although Metrolink
trains have top priority on the
three lines scheduled to open later
this month, they still must share
the tracks with freight and Amtrak
trains.
And modern switches and sig-
nals to control the train s progress
will have to be installed, taking at
least six months, Stanger said.
Until then, Metrolink will have to
rely on the equipment already in
place.
Some of the switches are thrown
work should be invisible to the
3,000 to 4,000 daily passengers who
are expected to give the nations
newest commuter railroad a try in
its first months. Stanger said
One thing that will be clearl
visible to riders is that some sta-
tions "ill not be open in time for
opening day Stations will not be
ready in Baldwin Park and Sylmar
until December at the earliest, and
at Cal State L.A. for some months
after that.
Some of the delays are the result
of difficulties in securing environ-
mental and development clearanc-
es, Stanger said. Each community
served by Metrolink is responsible
for building its own station —and
most have paid for them with
money from a transit- related
sales -tax surcharge.
The university stop will be late
because it was only recently ap-
proved, he said. But it should be
worth the wait. Designed by stu-
dents. the station will include an
elevator shaft built to resemble an
by hand cranks installed in the
1930s, Stanger said, while commut-
er trains running through the San
Fernando Valley will be guided via
radio by Southern Pacific Railroad
workers located nearly 400 miles
away in Roseville, northeast of
Sacramento.
This system is slow but safe, he
said.
There are several reasons why
Metrolink will have to rely on the
old system. One is that a nation-
wide renaissance of railroad tran-
sit— commuter trains, subways and
trolleys —has so taxed the capacity
of the country's two major railroad
signal- makers that new equipment
will not be available for at least six
months.
Transportation officials said that
they are in a hurry to start Metro -
link service as gwckly as possible
to show taxpayers the tangible
benefits they get for the extra taxes
they have levied on themselves to
improve transportation.
Starting Metrolink this month is
especially important to rail agen-
cies because California voters will
be asked Nov 3 to approve yet
another $1 billion in state bonds for
rail - transit expansion. Metrolink is
scheduled to carry its first com-
muters just eight days before vot-
ers go to the polls.
•,
Plan for High -Speed Train Told
a Transportation: U.S.
commits $L2 million
toward the project. Funds
will be used to improve 8S
crossings between San
Diego and L.A.
By NORA ZAMICHOW
TIMES )rAFF WRITER
SAY DIEGO —The U.S. secre-
tary of transportation announced
Monday that $1.2 million will go to
develop a high -speed passenger
train that one day could travel
from San Diego to Sacramento —an
ambitious project expected to cost
at least $7 billion.
The money will be used next
year to improve the safety of 85
railroad crossings — eliminating
some, fencing off others —from San
Diego to Los Angeles, officials said
Last week in San Diego. three
people were killed in crossing acci-
dents.
One state transportation official
said constructing an overpass or
underpass can cost $15 million.
Transportation Secretary An-
drew H. Card Jr said the money
was not as meaningful as the
commitment it svmboh2ed.
"It isn't significant in the dollar
amount but it is the first step
toward high - speed rail," Card said
in an interview
But several transportation offi-
cials in the state expressed skepti-
cism about the federal govern-
ment's commitment to the project
One California official said of the
announcement's timing: "It hap-
pens to be a few days before the
election.
The 65:5 -mile route planned in
California is to run from San Diego
to Sacramento. slicing through the
San Joaquin Valley, Card said dur-
ing a news conference at the Santa
Fe Depot. By reducing the number
of crossings and upgrading the
track, officials say the trains could
travel 120 m.p.h., almost 40 m p.h.
faster than now
Today, 182 railroad crossings dot
the tracks between San Diego and
Los Angeles. Of those, 85 have
automatic warning signals that
pedestrians, bicyclists and motor-
ists sometimes ignore.
"If we could eliminate those
crossings we could-have high-
speed railways in this decade if we
wanted," said Gilbert E. Carmi-
chael, administrator of the Federal
Railroad Administration. "We
wouldn't dare build a street across
an airport runway "
One high - speed train corridor,
he said, could tote the same amount
of passengers and freight that
travel on eight lanes of highway
By 2002, transportation officials
expect 5.1 million passengers to
annually ride the rails between San
Diego and Los Angeles on 14 daily
round trips.
But state officials are eveing the
northern portion of the planned
corridor With a train traveling 12.i
m.p.h., passengers could travel
from San Francisco to Los Angeles
in five hours, according to one
report.
If the train traveled 185
m.p.h. —a speed reached by French
trams —that same trip would take
slightl more than three hours.
Four other high - speed corridor
have been selected across the na-
tion, but only two routes have been
announced. One is to run 647 miles
from Detroit to Chicago.c;th
branches to St. Louis and Mih.ctn.
kee. The other would go fro;u
Miami to Orlando, a 350 mile rour,.
Los Angeles Times
Thursday, October 22, 1992