Residents Express Concerns Over Proposed Rail Line

The City of South Gate and the Orangeline Development Authority (OLDA) held a Caltrans Environmental Justice Transportation Planning Community Meeting on Tuesday at the South Gate Civic Center.

The meeting was an opportunity for members of the community to learn about the planning process, alternatives being considered, proposed station locations and impacts to South Gate.

Discussions concerning the development of a new transportation line directly connecting South Gate to Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County have long been in the works. Residents are now getting more involved in the discussion, by asking questions and expressing their concerns.

Common areas of concern expressed during the gathering involved business development and traffic issues.

“I have a lot of friends and people asking me about how their businesses will be affected,” said South Gate Mayor Bill De Witt.

 While the project is still in the early phases of planning, it is not anticipated that many homes or businesses will be displaced because of the location of the rail stations.

In fact, if this rail project is built, it will be placed along existing freeways, according to OLDA Executive Director Michael Kodama.

 The transit development could potentially help to bring more economic opportunities and job creation to the community.

 “This could be an opportunity to change how business is done,” said Kodama.  

Other concerns involved where the locations would be and the affect on traffic in and out, to and from the city.

The potential station of most concern is located on Firestone Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. Residents are worried over what the construction can mean to traffic congestion, safety and Hollydale.

Because the Environmental Justice Study is still in the early phases, there were no absolute answers. The study needs the residents input before decisions can be made.

“We want to make sure the community and ourselves are educated,” said Judy Norman, a transportation consultant. “It’s a year long process.” 

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