BURBANK : Groups Scold City on Rail Information

Representatives of a coalition of Burbank homeowner groups say the city has declined to give them enough specific information about a proposed light rail line between Burbank and Glendale to earn the groups’ endorsement. The mayor countered that the group had not asked specific questions.

Carolyn Berlin, president of the Verdugo-Magnolia Park Homeowners Assn., said the city has not responded to the groups’ numerous requests to hold public hearings on the plan or to provide environmental information.

“We recognize that light rail is an important issue, both to the economic prosperity and the quality of life in this region,” Berlin said. “However, the city of Burbank has not responded to our requests for the details we need to make an informed judgment. We have very specific questions that need to be answered before we can endorse this proposal.”

Officials of the groups said Mayor Michael Hastings wanted to use endorsements by the organizations to pressure Los Angeles County transportation officials to establish the light rail line. Hastings accused the groups of playing politics with the proposal. “Give us a list of questions and we’ll give the answers,” he said. “They haven’t done that.”

“One thing is for sure,” Hastings said. “Light rail in this region is necessary and essential in order to preserve the environment.”