Covina : Rail Station Approved
A proposal to build a commuter rail station on Citrus Avenue was approved unanimously by the City Council, despite complaints from residents that the facility would increase traffic, noise and crime and decrease property values.
City Planner Hal Ledford said studies revealed that noise and traffic would increase only slightly and that property values in other cities with rail stations tended to increase. He added that the city would reap $55,000 a year in additional revenue from parking fees, vending machines and advertising at the station.
Al Vazquez, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said shoppers will add $2.5 million a year to retail sales.
Construction of the $803,000 Covina station may begin early next year and will be paid for with state funds, Ledford said.
The Los Angeles County Transportation Commission expects to begin operation of a commuter rail line from downtown Los Angeles to San Bernardino next October.
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