by Garth Meyer
A proposed Metro Green Line extension along Inglewood Avenue would go “right up against people’s fences” according to a Redondo City councilman who joined Metro representatives for an April 11 site survey, by request of local residents.
North Redondo councilman Zein Obagi, Jr., was one of 60 people who met at 182nd and Pomona on a Monday at 11:30 a.m.
“I think their eyes were opened by this,” he said of the three Metro officials.
The plan calls for light rail tracks to be built along a right-of-way next to Inglewood Avenue from Manhattan Beach Boulevard to 190th Street.
Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand joined the walk-along, as well as councilman Nils Nehrenheim.
“Do not run the Metro trains through our backyards,” said Obagi. “Metro has not answered the important safety questions that we have.”
At least one resident was opposed to the project because it would put light rail tracks next to existing railroad tracks used by Chevron to ship oil. Concerns were also raised because the freight tracks run on top of a gas line.
Mayor Brand has previously met with – and stated his opposition to the route to – County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who is on the Metro board.
Metro’s second option for the light rail extension is to build a raised platform along the median of Hawthorne Boulevard.
A Draft Environmental Impact Report for each choice is expected this fall for public comment. ER
