CCMIN041696 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Churlca indicate previous applications had included trails but his organization is no longer part of the project. He was not in favor of the joint application. The Park District prefers the trail to be right on top of the track area. You cannot do both because there is not enough room and it requires expensive fencing for safety reasons. Ms. Michelotti asked why Mr. Churlca had not proceeded with the environmental report. She felt the Council did not have a plan to review and one of the benefits of the environmental document would be to identify the plan. Mr. Tarver felt the question was simple; either vote for an initiative or an advisory vote and get on with this. Gerry Dewees, 1748 Beachwood Way, a member of the Pacific Locomotive Association, said he was there when the first two miles of track were built and related other experiences on the railroad. He cited an incident when the train came around a corner and three people were sitting on the track. That is the reason there can be no pedestrian trail in conjunction with the train track unless there is fencing. He also stated it is necessary to access the tracks at various points with a truck for a tow path. That takes even more room than just the track. There is also the necessity to provide slope for drainage to keep the ties from rotting. Unless someone donates more land, there is just not enough room for both trail and track. He believed the primary beneficiary of the train track extension is Pleasanton. It has a unique character and downtown. The only thing missing is the railroad. This is not just an amusement, it is an historic operating rail museum. People can experience the feeling of riding the trains and there are history lessons and education. He felt bringing a steam locomotive downtown will change the downtown atmosphere and will draw people there. That will be an enormous addition to the historic nature of the downtown, not to mention the commercial benefits from shopping and restaurant use. He felt there was a lot to be gained by having the train downtown. Once you see the crowds that will come, you will realize you need more space and have them closer than tiernat Avenue. Another element that has been. missed is the benefit to the retirement community. He felt there could be a platform at the senior center to save them from having to go downtown. Ms. Mohr asked the speaker his belief concerning the trail being incompatible with the train right of way. Should the initiative say that there will not be a walking trail? Mr. Dewees indicated it was unsafe without adequate fencing. He stated the initiative should not mention the trail. He did not think the County wanted to have trails where there was use of the railroad tracks. Ms. Mohr felt that if it is unsafe to have a trail and people want one, they need to understand that they have to make a choice, which is why she wants a statement in the initiative. 04/16/96 -30-