I'm strongly in favor of public transit and fully recognize and support
the need for a regional transit plan for the Bay Area. However, I have
serious concerns about the Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project that have not
been addressed by the SMCTA or the DRC Policy Advisory Committee. I urge
the Council to send a strong message to the SMCTA that Menlo Park will not
support the project unless and until the SMCTA:

1) Includes realistic mitigation costs in the budget (i.e., costs for
sound walls, double-paned windows, grade separations, etc.);
2) Provides clear and transparent cost and ridership numbers;
3) Makes a fair and realistic comparison of alternatives, including bus,
light rail and electric trains and explains why freight-ready diesel is
regionally preferable long-term over other alternatives; and
4) Clarifies freight use of the West Bay right-of-way.

Any project worth doing is worth doing right. As taxpayers who are
funding this project and who will be significantly impacted by it, we are
entitled to nothing less.

Sincerely,

Susan Robinson
Menlo Park Resident
123 Hedge Road
Received on Tue May 22 15:19:16 2007