Council, residents OK Caltrain project

Saying their hands were tied, the Burlingame City Council and community members agreed to go along Tuesday with Caltrain's proposed project to renovate the Burlingame Avenue train station -- but also asked for some modifications.

They had no choice about the project, said Councilwoman Ann Keighran.

The station upgrade, which would cost Caltrain between $12 million and 14 million, would close off South Lane, add a center fence along the 620-foot platforms and two outside fences, and provide more parking on the east side of the tracks.

Improvements to the station would also make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and eliminate the "hold-out rule," which prevents two trains from being in the station at the same time. Right now, the rule is causing delays.

Modifications brought up by the group include having Caltrain put in more landscaping, use wrought-iron instead of chain-link fences, reduce the amount of outside fencing as much as possible, eliminate six parking spaces, and make the platforms and paving more aesthetically pleasing. Another request is to make North Lane's sidewalks 20 feet wide -- not 10 feet as Caltrain proposed.

In the coming weeks, Caltrain will review the council's wishes, look at cost and determine if the changes are acceptable, before the council reviews the modified plan again in May. Construction at the train station could happen in summer 2007.

"Our hands are tied," Keighran said. "Is it the best (plan)? No. But this option is better."

Last month, the council put off a vote to accept Caltrain's plan because they opposed South Lane's closure.

But in a recent meeting with the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates Caltrain, city officials found out that they must agree to the closing of South Lane's crossing or face legal action, said City Manager Jim Nantell.

"They are following what happens in Burlingame very closely before they make a decision," he said.

Residents were also concerned about the fences that would keep pedestrians away from the tracks. Attorney Charles Voltz said a fence would be divisive for residents who live east of the station.

"We understand how important the train station is to our community. That said, this proposal Caltrain has given is not ideal -- it's going to (separate) people on the east side and west side of the tracks," he said. "If you put a chain-link fence and parking, it's going to cause a shock wave."

Jeff Carter, a resident and frequent Caltrain rider, said the Caltrain's project, with the modifications, is a good concept.

"Hopefully, we can move forward with it, because safety is important," he said.