Trees Vs. High Speed Rail? Trees lose.

This from today’s Daily Post. Their source are maps provided by The High Speed Rail Authority.

Beginning in San Francisco, it appears Caltrain has
more than enough right of way for the new train until
Broadway in Burlingame. The railroad has enough
right of way there, but to accommodate four sets of
tracks, the eucalyptus trees outside Burlingame High
School will have to go.
The right of way narrows to 75 feet farther south
where the car dealers are located. It appears as many
as three commercial buildings will have to go in order
to give the railroad the minimum 85 feet width.

 

This is the latest news from The Authority. It begs the question, “ What happened to community input?"

There has been lots of talk from the authority about community outreach, context sensitive solutions, etc. But here we are reading in the local news how Burlingame’s landscape—both physically and economically will change forever and we have yet to be asked for our opinion—we have given it—but who is listening? Apparently, no one.

Comments

[Jeff]

This is the latest news from The Authority. It begs the question, “ What happened to community input?"

Russ, I'd agree. From the way things are proceeding it sure seems that nobody is listening. Maybe, this is their strategy so that we'll stop talking.

Instead, we must talk longer, harder and even more united. We cannot stop just because nobody is apparently listening.

[Ron Fulderon]

I think the only way to stop this beast is to starve it. The state can't afford it unless they significantly raise taxes and with the 2/3 legislative requirement for raising taxes that won't happen even in this very blue state. But the liberals are trying to change that to 50.0001% with a ballot proposition this November. If they get that on the ballot and it wins we are in real trouble.

A lot of people were asleep at the wheel when HSR was passed. I'll bet some people here that are worried and upset about this corrupt and stupidly conceived train voted for that bond back in 2008. Don't fall asleep again.

[BoogeyMan]

$105 per person one way to a place you don't want to go to on a schedule you don't want to keep.

Take your family of four in the car.

[Brian]

This is the heritage grove of Eucalyptus, the "Jules Francard Grove", right? I thought heritage groves were protected.

[Brian]

According to Burlingame Municipal Code 11.06, since these trees are protected (even on private land) they'll need to file an application and the Director of Parks and Recreation can require a meeting to discuss alternatives.

http://qcode.us/codes/burlingame/view.php?topic=11-11_06&frames=on

In reviewing an application, the director shall determine:
(1) The condition of the tree(s) with respect to disease; danger of falling; proximity to existing or proposed structures, yards, driveways and other trees; and interference with public utility services;
(2) The necessity to remove the tree(s) in order to construct any proposed improvements to allow economic enjoyment of the property;
(3) The topography of the land and the effect of the removal of the tree(s) on erosion; soil retention; and diversion or increased flow of surface waters;
(4) The number of trees existing in the neighborhood on improved property and the effect the removal would have on the established standard of the area and property value. Neighborhood is defined as the area within a 300-foot radius of the property containing the tree(s) in question;
(5) The number of trees the particular parcel can adequately support according to good arboricultural practices;
(6) The effect tree removal would have on wind protection, noise and privacy; and
(7) The economic consequences and obligations of requiring a tree to remain.

[leucadiablog]

Do those trees get supplemental water or are they rain fed? Down here in Leucadia the rail road has been chopping trees like crazy and the ones that are left look terrible.

[jennifer]

Rain water only.......
If our grove is cut, it will be more than ugly. The enormous grove has been an effective windbreak for neighborhoods for well over a century.

(I must admit I had to look up Leucadia on a map--San Diego area, or? ) Thanks for your communications!

[Annette]

Apparently, I have not been paying close enough attention! We really must come together as a community and stop this ridiculous change from happening. We do NOT NEED high speed rail running through our neighborhoods. I will be attending meetings, speaking out and writing legislators as often as needed to stop this from destroying my community.

[Holyroller]

Brian there is a lot of "behind the scene" stuff that goes on that determines the outcome of all issues that The City of Burlingame addresses.
Think of EVERYTHING THAT EFFECTS THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE, THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, AND REALITY.
Then consider THE PEOPLE WHO TELL THE CITY ELDERS WHAT TO THINK.
WHO ARE THOSE PEOPLE?
WHAT ARE THEIR QUALIFACATIONS?
ASK!
The City of Burlingame Elders do not have the time, or ability to evaluate issues that are presented to them due to having a life beyond politics.
They are parents, employee/employers.
They have friends and business accosciates that influance every decision that they make.
They are human!
Nevertheless, they owe the City of Burlingame a commitment that demands they set their personel lives in the "back seat."
In my opinion, the entire Council is unable to make any short/long term decisions regarding the future of the infrastructure of Burlingame because every single Elder is effected.
It is very hard to make choices when you have to consider the impact it will have on YOURS! Family-Business interests.
Everyone..
Please take the time to ask about the background, qualifactions, interests,of your representives.
More importantly..
The background and qualifacations of the people who feed that information to the City of Burlingame Elders.

[Holyroller]

Unfortunetly, I think the Monday night meeting will be full of City of Burlingame Lobbyist/ employee representives.
The Elders will only get a ouick moment to hear and consider the impact of the information they have been force fed from Jim Nantell and by proxy, Jesus.
The City of Burlingame residents need to demand of their representives to evaluate the process by which budget issues delivered to the Elders are processed.
Is anyone aware that in the PW Department that the ratio of Management to "ground force is 2 to one?'
That is one manager($130.000.00) looks over one subordenate ($65.000.00)
That manager was hired during the "Good Old Days"
Why are the worker bees be let go.
The reason is that the people who forward that information to Jim Nantell, and Jesus, want to keep their job.
Middle Managers inflate their contribution to the bottom line because they have the ability/face time to do so.