IRVINE : City to Study Tustin Train Station Site

The City Council has all but ruled out building a train station at one of three proposed sites in Irvine. But the council did ask the city staff to study further a fourth proposed location in Tustin.

The decision was a victory for residents of the College Park neighborhood who have long opposed any new train platform in the area, fearing it would increase traffic and noise. More than 100 residents from both Irvine and Tustin attended a special Thursday session of both city councils. The meeting took place at Irvine City Hall.

Irvine council members agreed that three of four proposed locations for a Metrolink commuter train platform were too close to homes and parks.

A fourth site, set on a piece of land north of Edinger Avenue near the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station, did attract some interest, both from council members and some Tustin residents.

Irvine officials will study the site over the next few months to see what effect a train station might have on the area.

“I think we need more information,” Councilwoman Christina L. Shea said of the Edinger site. She said a train station that does not harm the community could be a benefit to Irvine by offering both residents and workers the opportunity to use mass transit.