Alarcon Questions Metrolink Plan Delay

Concerned over delays in opening a Metrolink station in Sylmar, Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon requested Friday that city officials explain the cause of the delays and provide a plan to speed station construction.

The proposed stop at Hubbard and 1st streets suffered several months of delays due to stalled real estate negotiations with the site’s property owner.

Now, Metrolink officials say the project has been put off again by delays in getting city permit approval for its design.

Metrolink Executive Director Richard Stanger said that when plans for parts of the stop were delayed, he was forced to cancel a construction contract so that the city wouldn’t have to pay contractors while waiting for the permits.