ANAHEIM : Council Puts Off Plan for Train Noise Study

After complaints from residents, the City Council decided last week to delay its plan to study a nagging train noise problem in a residential community near Anaheim Stadium.

Residents of Northfield Avenue expressed skepticism at the council meeting Tuesday that the city’s proposal would abate train noise quickly enough. They argued the city’s proposal to commission an environmental study and enlist financial support from nearby cities, and county, state and federal transportation authorities would take years.

But leaders of a neighborhood coalition agreed to present the city’s plan to residents this week for further comment.

Neighbors submitted a petition with more than 800 signatures this summer demanding the council help build a sound wall along the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad tracks, which run within yards of residences. Neighbors have been upset over a growing noise problem since January, when a second railroad line was opened increasing the number of trains passing by from about four to 40. In the next decade, the number of trains may increase to 100, officials said.

City officials stressed Tuesday night that the burden of mitigating train noise should not fall solely upon Anaheim. Rather, it’s a regional problem, requiring a regional and multi-agency solution, said a city staff proposal.

City officials, who have said they cannot afford the estimated $3 million to build a sound wall, said a noise study should be conducted. Officials will also explore creating an assessment district, so residents could pay for the sound wall.

The City Council is expected to vote on that proposal on Tuesday.