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March 16, 2009

6460 Main Street

San Jose, CA95123

Mr. Dan Leavitt, Deputy Director
ATTN: San Francisco to San Jose HST Project EIR/EIS
California High-Speed Rail Authority
925 L St., Suite 1425
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Mr. Leavitt:

As a resident of San Jose, I am writing to you to give my input on the high-speed rail project. Through brief study, I have discovered that residents impacted by the high-speed rail have many concerns. Some of the issues with the high-speed rail have even caused fierce opposition to building the rail. I would like to share threecommon areas of concern and recommend them to be considered in the Environmental Impact Report.

The proposition of the high speed rail has caused dissatisfaction in many Palo Alto residents. Since Palo Alto may be a site for a rail station, the residents have actively voiced their concerns and given their reasons for opposition. Their concerns not only represent Palo Alto, but other cities as well. The following are some of the issues with the high-speed rail that the residents of Palo Alto have raised.

  • Residents are fearful that the high speed rail will create a great wall dividing the town. The wall would ruin the landscape and seemingly create a visual distraction. One resident said the wall would be the “biggest eyesore and graffiti magnet ever seen in Palo Alto.” Others have hinted their opposition to the wall, by suggesting that the rail run underground and in a tunnel.
  • Because the rail will require immense land area, residents have become fearful of losing their land through eminent domain. For the construction of the high-speed rail, the government may have to clear away homes and property. This is a major concern for homeowners who may not be willing to give up their homes.
  • Residents have become concerned with parking for the high speed rail. Having a stop in Palo Alto would mean the need for large amounts of parking spaces, which require even more land. Also, more cars driving in and out of the parking lots would increase traffic and noise.

While the high-speed rail could revolutionize transportation in California, the thoughts of the people must be heard. Compromises must be made to satisfy concerned residentswhile still integrating the high-speed rail. The negative effects brought by the rail should not be overlooked, but considered for improvement. To move the project forward, ideas should be discussed with all parties and no one should be ignored.

I believe the high-speed rail will be great for California, helping thousands of people travel long distances in short times. The high-speed rail provides greater flexibility. People are open to more options of living location, since they can get to work quickly with the high-speed rail. The rail could also help the environment by taking thousands of cars off the road. Overall, the benefits of the high-speed rail outnumber the negative impacts, but both sides must be considered. I hope I have clearly presented my stance and some common concerns on the subject. Please contact me with any questions or comments and I will be quick to follow up. You can e-mail me at .

Sincerely,

Engineer Bill