710 Extension Will Be Discussed In NELA Thursday

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Caltrans are scheduled to hold community forums this week through May 24 to facilitate a public discussion about various “alternative concepts” to the proposed extension of the 710 freeway into the Los Angeles area.

The forums, which are part of the so-called “Alternative Analysis phase of the SR-710 Study,” according to the Metro website, are aimed at “bridging the gap” in this freeway from Long Beach. The idea is to relieve congestion and enhance traffic mobility, particularly that of cargo-laden trucks from the Long Beach port, in the study area.

The alternative concepts, two of which are graphically represented in the attached images, include:

• Bus Rapid Transit
• Light Rail Transit
• Highways and Arterials
• Freeways
• “No Builds”
• Traffic Management

The proposed extension of the 710 freeway through a 7.1-mile tunnel is an issue of vital importance that has faced crucial tests in communities across Northeast Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Members of the public who attend the May 14-24 open houses will have an opportunity to interact with MTA and Caltrans officials and have their questions and concerns addressed.

Anyone is welcome to attend the open houses anytime during the meeting hours, which, with one exception, are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

“This is a learning environment in which community members may engage at their own pace and in the subject matter that interests them most,” notes the Metro website. “The alternative concepts and other study process information will be available for viewing on large interactive boards staffed by multi-disciplinary team members.”

Metro warns, however, that the forums are not public hearings and that there will be no formal presentations made during them.

Members of the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council (HHPNC) criticized Metro staff earlier this month for the setup of the meetings, calling it confusing and one-sided.

The HHPNC formally stated their opposition to the proposed freeway extension project in December of 2010, in a former letter that denounced the project as "destructive and ineffective."

Locals also criticized Metro staff for failing to schedule a meeting in Highland Park.

Here are the venues and schedules for the open houses:

Monday, May 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
El Sereno Senior Center
4818 Klamath Pl., 90032

Thursday, May 17, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

2057 Fair Park Ave., 90041

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
La Cañada High School Gymnasium
4463 Oak Grove Dr., La Cañada 91011

Tuesday, May 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
El Monte Community Center
3130 Tyler Ave., El Monte, 91731

Wednesday, May 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
South Pasadena Library Community Room
1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena, 91030

Thursday, May 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Alhambra
101 S Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra 91801

PLEASE NOTE: In the past, Metro and Caltrans have changed venues for scheduled public meetings without notice. To ensure against last-minute changes, call (855) 477-7100 (phone messages are retrieved at least once every business day). You may also correspond by email at sr710study@metro.net or use Metro's Comment/Question Form about the project and how it will affect your life in Northeast Los Angeles.

You can follow and respond to live tweets of each meeting @sr710study. Metro encourages the public to use #whatsnext710 in their tweets to participate.