CCMIN040798 - Laserfiche WebLink

the impacts. She heard tonight many people in favor of the commuter train. She encouraged everyone to think about this program. This is a great opportunity to move forward, but she wanted to be sensitive of the people's needs in that immediate area. June Blanchette, 393 West Angela, supported the commuter train. The concern she had was that an environmental impact study had not been done regarding the noise, pollution, traffic, etc. The Public Utilities Commission and the Railroad are concerned about the safety around the proposed station. They both want to close Angela. Pleasanton Avenue is too narrow to accommodate the increased traffic that this station will generate. She felt the interim station would have a detrimental impact on the area. She hoped that a better place can be found. There were no further speakers. Ms. Michelotti wanted to assure the residents that this is an interim station and the City will be looking at alternative sites. She said the Sunol grade is the second worst commute in the Bay area. People are losing their quality of life. When she heard of this project a few years back, she thought it was a great idea. She feels this is the answer, first because the people will not have to spend that much time on the road and it will allow the employer to have an employee who is less stressful. She hoped employers will see the benefits and help out by shuttling their employees to the train, and/or give credit to the employees who ride the train. She mentioned her trip abroad and getting on a train right at the airport. This is a good alternative because the trains run on time and are quiet. She agreed with having carpool spots available. Ms. Dennis agreed that the commuter train is a good alternative. If the train is as successful as everyone thinks, there might be a problem in finding a permanent place that is large enough. She hoped to look at having two train stations, one serving the east side of the city at Bernal/Valley Avenue and one at Sunol and 1-680. This would help with the cut-through traffic through the downtown area. She is supportive of the interim station because it will help serve the immediate needs. She thought permit parking was a good idea. Mayor Tarver agreed but was fearful that this would become a permanent station. He believed that the interim location would not work over a long term. He felt a station at Bernal and Valley was convenient and it would help cut down on the traffic cutting through Pleasanton. He said if this is going to be successful then there would need to be buses or shuttles available to transport the people to and from the station. A lot will be learned from this interim experience. He hoped that this is successful, but did not support the interim station as a permanent location. Mr. Pico felt the people were just kidding themselves about this being a temporary location. The reality is that the City does not have unlimited funds for buses, fences, etc. He Pleasanton City Council 4/7/98 Minutes 23