City Council voting today to advance either Hybrid or Underpass options. Please Request them to not vote today.

[Parag Patkar]

Hello All

The City council is planning to vote today on advancing only one option for grade separation for further review - Hybrid or Underpass or a Combination of the two for the rail crossings at Meadow and Charleston.

The disadvantage of the Hybrid option is that the tracks are raised, so the top of the train and electric lines will be ~ 35-50’ from grade. Looks ugly. And it doesn’t improve traffic flow on Charleston/Meadow. But a big plus versus the Underpass is that it requires less property takings.

 

The advantage of the Underpass is that the train and tracks look much like what they are now – at the same grade, so it doesn’t look any worse that it does now. Charleston/Meadow streets go under the tracks. The traffic flow on Charleston/Meadow is much improved versus existing conditions and versus Hybrid. The cons are that it involves more property acquisitions as the design stands currently.

Since both options have major drawbacks, my opinion is for the Council to

1. Not vote today to advance any option
2. Study the underpass option further to eliminate property takings, then advance the underpass option
3. If at all they are in favor of the Hybrid option then vote to not do anything at all

 

Please send an email to the Council (city.c...@cityofpaloalto.org) before 5PM today to convey your opinion. Council meeting is at 5:30 today.

 

If you want more details read “Item 2 staff presentation” on this link.

 

 

Thank you

Parag

 

Parag Patkar

4117 Park Blvd, Palo Alto

Cell: 1 (510) 418 2912