Officials to Review Possible Train Station Sites

Consultants will be studying three possible locations for a MetroLink commuter train station here, which city officials hope will draw new residents and tourists.

Some neighbors and City Council members fear a station could be disruptive to property owners in whatever area is selected. But the council was unanimous in support for the research Monday, when the contract was awarded to HNTB Corp. of Irvine.

Buena Park landed on the MetroLink map in 1990, when the Orange County Transportation Authority identified potential commuter rail sites along the Santa Fe lines, officials said.

The Irvine consultants will study three areas to determine which would work best. All are north of the Santa Fe lines and south of Malvern Avenue. One site is east of Dale Street, another is west of Dale, and a third is at Beach Boulevard and the rail line.

The council may suggest a fourth site at Beach and Stage Road later.

Once a recommendation is made, a full environmental study of the site will begin, said Public Works Director Donald K. Jensen. The study, costing $75,000, will be paid for out of state funds set aside to improve air quality.

Given the mixed feelings about having a MetroLink site, Jensen emphasized that the study will not commit the city to a site.

But Councilman Donald L. Bone disagreed.

“I thought we had determined that we really needed the station,” he said, reminding the others that a 3-2 vote earlier this year signaled the council’s commitment to a station.

The site recommendation should be complete by February or March, Jensen said.

City Manager Kevin O’Rourke added that the city is seeking additional federal funds to ensure the station fits in with the community and serves its needs.