IRVINE : Meeting to Discuss Cleared Right-of-Way

The last of the rusting tracks were removed from a 1.3-mile railroad right-of-way in 1984. And for most of the last decade, Northwood village residents and city officials have been debating what to do with the land.

Plans to transform the undeveloped land into a park will take a major step forward with a community meeting this morning to discuss how to design the area.

The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at Sierra Vista Middle School.

It will be moderated by Lawrence Halprin, a noted San Francisco landscape architect who volunteered his time for the effort.

Residents who live along the narrow strip of land hope the meeting is the first step in developing a park complete with a trail for walking and perhaps bike riding.

“I’m very excited that we are finally at this point,” said resident Ann Cleland, who lives next to the Northwood Abandoned Railroad Right of Way, or NARROW.

The meeting will give residents a chance to discuss ideas for the park with Halprin, and take a tour of the land.

Officials aren’t sure how much it will cost to develop the site, but the bill is expect to run more than $1 million.

What to do with the right-of-way has been the subject of much debate over the last few years.

Residents opposed one proposal to make it part of a regional bike trail.

The idea of having residents buy chunks of land next to their homes was also ruled out.

The city settled on a plan for a “linear park” with a path running through it.

The land is an average of 65 feet wide, so Cleland doubts a playground or exercise circuit would fit in it. The right-of-way runs from Culver Drive to Jeffrey Road and is lined by homes.

Cleland said some residents are concerned about protecting the safety of pedestrians who must cross major streets such as Yale Avenue when walking the path.

Another issue likely to be discussed at the meeting is security and privacy.

Most homes that back up against the right-of-way are separated by walls, but the interiors of some homes remain visible.