PC 07/10/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

~jles Canvon RjlUwav ExtensIon Review and recommendation of the preliminary proposal by Ed Churka (Coffee Roast Express) to extend the Niles Canyon Railway (steam tourist railroad operated by the Pacific Locomotive Association) from Niles Canyon along the former Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way into Downtown Pleasanton. Mr. Pavan presented the staff report recommending that the Commission get more input from the applicant and public and then respond to the concept. The main issues appear to be possible lack of parking and noise. Commissioner Horan expressed concern as to who owns the right-of-way. Mr. Pavan said the County owns the right-of-way; the Regional Park District is interested in using it as part of their regional trail system. Commissioner Horan was concerned that society begins to feel it is actually there for free public use. He felt that the Regional Park might feel they are "first in line" for use of the right-of-way. Mr. Swift commented that the Park District has had a fairly lengthy on-going relationship with the trail system, and a trail system is actually an extension of the City's Master Plan. Commissioner Michelotti discussed with Mr. Swift as to who presently owns the abandoned rail system right-of-way. Mr. Swift explained that Mr. Joe Madden had an agreement with Southern Pacific to be allowed to purchase the rail system should it become abandoned and indeed owns it at this point. Commissioner Hovingh questioned Mr. Pavan as to what type of rails might be used for tracks. Mr. Pavan explained there is a welded rail, and a jointed rail. The jointed rail produces a "clickety clack" sound and is heavy enough for the proposed train, whereas a welded rail is for heavier duty trains. Commissioner Hovingh felt the "clickety clack" sound might be more offensive for nearby residents. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Mr. Ed Churka, resident of St. John Street and owner of Coffee Roast Express, represented the application. He handed out information to the Commission, staff and Recording Secretary. He pointed out that the Pleasanton Railroad Association (FRA) is n2t a part of the Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA). He explained that the PRA is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to bring alive and preserve the valued historically significant transcontinental railroad route in Pleasanton and Sunol. He said at the present time the Niles Canyon Railway is giving free rides. Should the train actually come to Pleasanton they would anticipate only two Sundays a month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mr. Churka stressed that the PRA does not think parking would be a problem. In regard to parking, he pointed out that even on Heritage Days and Pasta Festival time, parking is not a problem downtown. If parking did become a problem, he thought a City approved parking lot could be constructed between Spring and Neal Streets, along with a small passenger loading platform. He noted that Sundays in downtown Pleasanton are extremely "dead" and Minute. Planning Commission July 10, 1991 Page 4