It’s been more than 70 years since light rail ran through the San Fernando Valley.
When the project was still in its early stages, Los Angeles Metro officials held a meeting to address concerns from business owners and residents as crews began construction.
Renderings shown at the meeting show how Van Nuys Boulevard will be transformed by the project, with trains running 9 miles down the center of the road.
“It’s really going to connect a lot of rail lines in the San Fernando Valley, starting with the G Line in Van Nuys, and continuing through Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima,” said Metro spokesman Dave Sotero.
People like Rosie Crooks, born and raised in Pacoima, expressed excitement about the valley’s first streetcar service since 1952.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity,” Crooks said. “I think there’s a lot of change in the community. I worry about the traffic congestion. I worry about parking, but it will be fun.”
Utilities preparation work for the voter-approved $5.6 billion project has already begun. Heavy construction work is expected to begin in spring 2025. Metro said they are aware that business owners and neighbors may be concerned about the impact on the area while the rail line is constructed.
“We have a business interruption fund for small businesses affected by construction,” Sotero said. “We also have an ‘eat, shop and play’ program for businesses to market themselves.”
Tom Wait
