Toll road decision in public’s interest

Re “Toll agency appeals for calm,” April 5

It’s clear that the Transportation Corridor Agencies will stop at nothing to push the Foothill South toll road through San Onofre State Park and down our throats. If that includes stifling democratic public discourse, the TCA would be only too happy; hence, its appeal to the U.S. Department of Commerce. It’s not acceptable to the TCA that the California Coastal Commission rejected its proposal. It’s not material to the TCA that thousands of opponents showed up to register their dissent. No, the TCA would like the whole issue to be taken out of the “circus atmosphere” in which people passionately concerned about preserving an irreplaceable state park have a voice.

But, of course, there’s billions of dollars at stake here and one of the last bits of accessible coastal wilderness in Southern California. In its quest to pave it over, the TCA and its developer friends have no sense of shame. This unique area should be preserved for future generations, just as the Coastal Commission has already determined.

Paul Holmes

Laguna Beach

The TCA has been disingenuous from the beginning regarding Foothill South. It has been equally disingenuous with regard to other projects. The Foothill South plan is no worse than the others, but this time there is a history of taxpayer costs of those roads. The public is now aware that it foots the bills for maintenance, improvements and lawsuits. And the “no competition” clauses in the toll road contracts deny the public any option of using an alternative route.

The TCA would rather do the entire thing behind closed doors. In rejecting the Foothill South project, the Coastal Commission acted in the public interest. I hope the Commerce Department will do the same.

Alan Remington

Costa Mesa

The idea of building a toll road through the fifth-most-used state park is absurd. Approval of this project could be the first of many dominoes nationwide as other parks face the same threat. To build this road establishes a dangerous precedent. Can you imagine a six-lane highway cutting through Yellowstone National Park? I can, if our governor and the proponents have their way.

The fastest way to create more traffic is the “build it and they will come” eventuality, as in more homes, businesses and an even greater strain on our already limited water supply. Widen Interstate 5 and be done with it.

Rick Cole

San Clemente