ENCINO : Residents in Poll Support Monorail

An unscientific poll conducted by an Encino homeowner group has indicated that residents in that community support the construction of a monorail line along the Ventura Freeway, prompting the group to reconsider its opposition to the proposed project.

The results of a questionnaire mailed in April mirror the findings of a 1990 advisory vote showing that nearly 50% of San Fernando Valley voters support the monorail idea.

Rob Glushon, president of the Encino Property Owners Assn., said his group has opposed monorail based on concerns that it would generate noise, traffic congestion around rail stops and other negative environmental consequences.

“Although these fears and concerns still exist, the results of this questionnaire--together with the substantial support for the monorail reflected by the precinct vote--requires our board of directors to reconsider its position and obtain additional information on the proposed monorail alternative,” he said.

Glushon’s questionnaire was mailed to about 6,000 single-family households in Encino. Of the 448 who responded, 212 said they support monorail and 155 said they oppose it.

When asked their opinion on the underground Metro Rail line along the Southern Pacific railroad’s Burbank branch right of way from North Hollywood to Warner Center, 226 respondents said they support it and 126 said they oppose it.

“While this does not signal any immediate change in position, it certainly sends a message to the leadership of our homeowners organization that our position may not reflect the views of most homeowners and residents in our own community,” Glushon said.