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Shareef Mahdavi, 3175 Malvasia Court, indicated he had voted yes on the ballot measure to bring the train downtown. He was surprised that it is not likely to happen. He felt emotions have been nmning high on this and it has created an us vs. them mentality in the community which is unfortunate. He felt he represented the average citizen. He did not love trains, but did love history. The railroads are a major part of this country's history and there is a unique opportunity to preserve that history for this and future generations. Similarly, he does not ride horses, but does enjoy walking trails. He believed there are multiple options for trails, but only one opportunity to have a train. No one can guarantee what the future holds; whether the train is the best solution or not. It seems reasonable that Pleasanton would want to seek landmarks that build on the unique character of the town, that would stimulate local merchants' revenue, and that over time could be a crown jewel in the same way the Sports Park has. It seems bringing the train could achieve these objectives. He urged Council to makes its decision based on the desire of the majority rather than the wishes of a select few and on data, not emotion. He volunteered to be part of the solution. If the train comes downtown, he could use his expertise to develop a business plan. Bob Byrd, Third Street, spoke regarding the realignment of Main Street. He believed that two traffic models have been studied and both models failed. There are no new numbers that would change the outcomes. Downtown Specific Plan Committee members have recommended that the intersection not be realigned. The PDA only recommends further study. He believed that few want Main Street changed and the idea of realignment should be dropped. The realignment, the train downtown and the civic center are all interconnected. All should be debated simultaneously in light of which benefits downtown. He requested that the wording covering gateway options at the Main Street/Bernal Avenue intersection be modified to read as follows: "Support further study of the concept of the Main Street realignment at Bemal Avenue and First Street. Final approval of this concept would be dependent on a satisfactory traffic plan, an attractive design for this intersection, and positive pedestrian vitality and economical prqjections for Downtown. The use of private property for the realignment should be avoided or minimized." All that is necessary is a traffic plan that works and the realignment of Main Street could be a done deal. Jocelyn Combs, 5151 Greentree Court, indicated that when the transportation corridor had been acquired by the County there was litigation, the result of which required inclusion of recreation as a use for the property. That is not simply roads or trains, but also trails. The Park District has that corridor on its 1997 Master Plan as a regional trail corridor and part of the Iron Horse Trail. The plan was to bring that through Pleasanton and through Niles Canyon, working with the railroad and other opportunities for trail corridors in that area. She said the Park District, within Contra Costa County and Alameda County, has had some difference of opinion with the real estate people about the corridor. She encouraged Council to include Park District representatives in the discussions about the ownership and rights of way for those facilities. With regard to discussions about multi-use trail corridors, in this case part of it would be multi- use with the train through Niles Canyon. She encouraged whatever can bring an openness and congregatrion of the communities into Pleasanton. She noted there are many more people walking downtown now. There is not an easy way for people to walk to downtown. If the Arroyo trail is connected to the Downtown Trail with the Iron Horse Trail, etc., Pleasanton can Pleasanton City Council 10 03/05/02 Minutes