Mailbag

At-grade crossings are a very bad idea

Anybody who travels on San Fernando Road between Western Avenue and the Ventura (134) Freeway on a weekday afternoon may relate to this: Our city is still arguing with California Public Utilities Commission that an at-grade railroad crossing located at San Fernando Road and Pelanconi Avenue will be a safe thing to do.

City staff members continue to argue that there will not be any negative impact on streets at or near the proposed at-grade railroad crossing. My feeling is that there is no such thing as a truly safe at-grade crossing. Our city's image is already tarnished because some Metrolink employees, people from outside of our city and Glendale residents feel that the existing at-grade railroad crossings are unsafe and that a tragic accident can occur at our existing crossings at any time, as demonstrated by past accidents resulting in deaths and injuries. So why would a new crossing be safe? The sad reality is that at-grade railroad crossings have an inherent flaw; people driving cars must cross them.

Allowing this crossing will have a negative impact on the streets of our neighborhood. Our streets (as many other streets in Glendale) are gridlocked and there is no available parking. When traffic flow on San Fernando Road is impacted in any way, the traffic comes into our neighborhood and races up our streets and down our alleys, causing very unsafe conditions for the residents.

I feel that the California Public Utilities Commission is doing its job, which is to protect the residents and citizens and not allow unsafe conditions to be designed into railway infrastructure. Their job is not an easy one, but in the end, they must take the ultimate responsibility for their decisions. If the at-grade crossing were approved and future accidents occurred, the city of Glendale or the Disney Co. will not be available to be accountable or assume responsibility for damages, injuries or deaths.

As a member of the Pelanconi Estates Homeowners Assn., I have shared my concerns with many neighbors and listened to them voice their opposition to this project. I know that most of the residents in our neighborhood are opposed to having an at-grade railroad crossing for concerns similar to mine.

I think it is time that our city starts talking with and listening to residents before projects get approved and I am convinced that the City Council and city staff should listen to us now and not support this crossing.

HANK SCHEETZ

Glendale