Stop, Drop and Roll

28 September 2007 | Alameda City Council, Alameda Community, Tranpsortation | John Knox White

A quick update on the UPRR issue at the Park Street Bridge. The Oakland councilmembers who’s districts are involved are being very proactive in keeping Alameda’s leadership informed on the updates, especially Danny Wan, it’s very heartening.

This is an update sent out from Ignacio De La Fuente to residents in the area:

Dear Neighbors:

Thank you for your interest and vigilance regarding the proposed construction and service changes by Union Pacific. This is a complex issue and new information is being discovered every day.

1)      Construction: Union Pacific did perform some work on the public right-of-way this week without the appropriate permits from the City. The City has issued a stop work order. To do the work UP proposes, they will need several different types of permits. They have applied to the City for traffic control permits (for use during construction) and staff is reviewing that submittal. If you see construction occurring please call the permit counter at 238-4777.

2)      Train Service: The train service proposed is 3 times as week (same as before) but there is no guarantee that it will not be more. UP may have to install a grade crossing on 29 th Ave which would impact the City of Alameda and I-880.

3)      Legal Opinion: This is a complex and layered legal situation regarding UP’s rights to reactivate the spur, City’s regulatory authority over a railroad operations, City’ right to revoke railroad operation permits issued many years ago and the process for revocation.  We have requested an opinion from the City Attorney’s office regarding a) the process for the City to revoke UP’s permit to use the spur tracks b) what permits are need for the proposed construction and c) what, if any, environmental impact reporting Union Pacific or any of the agencies involved are required to do.

Again, I would appreciate it if you would please distribute this information to your neighbors.

We are planning a community meeting to provide you with more information and have a forum to discuss the issues. We will inform you when that is scheduled.

Sincerely,

Ignacio