Residents Say Station Would Be Too Loud

The City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a controversial plan for a development project combining housing and a new MetroLink train station to serve Buena Park and adjacent areas.

Residents of the Summertree community have expressed concern about increased noise that would be generated by the proposed 14-acre Transit Village at the southwest corner of Dale Street and Malvern Avenue.

“We just think that the city should put up a sound wall,” said Rob Spencer, account executive with Sea Breeze Management Co. “They’re giving permission for all the noise to take place in the area. They should make the area less noisy for residents.”

But some city officials said train noise is not new to the area. They say commercial and passenger trains have traveled along the same tracks that the MetroLink system would travel for years, and that MetroLink trains are quieter than freight trains.

“I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t sympathize with [the homeowners’] problem, but this area has had freight and Amtrak trains coming through the area for a number of years now,” said Don Jensen director of public works.

But some Summertree residents said they fear their property values will be hurt by the noise and low-priced housing planned for the project.

“It will be pretty difficult for me personally in the future if I ever decide to sell my home,” Summertree Village condominium owner Carol Locke said.

The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the council chamber at City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd.

Andre Briscoe can be reached at (714) 966-5848.