Report received from Sherry Stubbs of North Glendale on the Series 2 710 Conversation at Glendale Community College, March 8:
“The sole subject of these meetings is the extension of the 710 freeway north. The proposal currently “on the table” to accomplish this is a 4.5 mile toll tunnel. However, in both the past session that I attended and in this meeting, there was absolutely no reference to the 710 project. It took people from the audience to pressure staff for answers to questions relating to the 710.
There were about 12 attendees from the community compared to about 15 Caltrans/Metro staff people. This meeting was geared to CEQA/NEPA (California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act) and their respective requirements. They did show a power point presentation but it was general in nature. They wasted a great deal of time going over the first set of sessions-Where We Have Been/Where Are We Going? which solicited input on the public’s transportation concerns and considerations in general. In their power point presentation, there was no reference to transportation at all. One gentleman from La Canada flat out called Caltrans liars because they promised for 36 years to build sound walls and failed to do it, BUT indicated they would do it if he would “vote” for the proposed 710 project. Those are his words, not mine.
I noted that staff was trying to do its job but that the Metro Board was the ultimate decision maker and that Board member Gloria Molina had flat out said at the 12/9/2010 Metro Board meeting that “we know exactly where it is going. It is going from here to here.” To me, that blows all talk of studying alternatives out of the water-they have already made up their minds and this process is smoke and mirrors and a waste of everyone’s time. They are just trying to appease the public. They tried to back peddle saying she is just one of 13 Board members but her comment makes it clear that the decision has already been made, regardless of what they say.
…The public needs to get involved ASAP. Our 210 freeway, going both east and west will become gridlock if the tunnel is built. This is the 21st century and we need 21st century solutions. Besides the enormous cost, the tunnel will accomplish nothing and is not necessary. In fact, experts say it would receive an “F” grade on the day it opened. A low build, multi-mode approach is a much more practical and financially feasible way to go with Cargo Rail or another similar system handling the cargo from the ports, thus getting the trucks off the roadways.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Series 3 meetings, or project Scoping, are still being held. Deadline for public comment on a 710 closure project is April14.