Letter: Get on board to help silence train horns in Burbank

The Burbank City Council is expected to discuss the issue of train horns at its Dec. 8 meeting. For many years I have been requesting that the city of Burbank establish a “quiet zone” here so that the conductors will not have to blow the horns in the middle of the night. I believe a quiet zone, which would encompass all of Burbank, would greatly improve things for all residents of Burbank. I also believe a quiet zone would increase all property values.

City staff and the Burbank City Council have been looking at the possibility of a quiet zone for more than five years. Hopefully they will take the steps necessary to obtain a quiet zone here. For those who think such a zone might decrease safety, please know that a conductor always has the right to sound the horn if he or she sees a person or object on or near the tracks. Also, safety improvements are required in order to establish a quiet zone. As a result, safety is improved and the train horns are silenced. It really would be a wonderful thing.

I urge all interested persons to express your opinions on this important subject to the City Council. To do so, you can show up at the meeting at City Hall on Dec. 8, send an email to citycouncil@burbankca.gov, or mail a letter to the City Council Office, 275 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91502.

The City Council represents you, so it is important to let them know what you want.

Nathan Schlossman

Burbank