Dozens of Burbank residents gathered ahead of a crucial City Council meeting to voice their concerns over a proposed Metro project that could significantly alter downtown Burbank’s landscape. The North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, aiming to link Metro’s North Hollywood Red Line station with its Gold Line in Pasadena, has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on Olive Avenue.

Proposed Changes and Controversy

At the heart of the debate is the proposal to designate dedicated bus lanes along Olive Avenue, potentially reducing the thoroughfare to one lane in each direction. Local business owner Karen Ross articulated the sentiment of many residents, expressing opposition to dedicated bus lanes and advocating for mixed-flow traffic instead.

Eddy Polon of the Burbank Transportation Commission described the bus lane proposal as a compromise, emphasizing the need for an inclusive street environment accommodating various modes of transportation.

Community Concerns

During the City Council meeting, passionate advocates both for and against the project voiced their opinions. Proponents argued that dedicated bus lanes are crucial for prioritizing public transit and reducing congestion, while opponents expressed concerns about exacerbating traffic congestion and impacting neighborhood streets.

Project Timeline and Resolution

Despite the spirited debate, the project has been in the works since 2022 and is currently in the preliminary design stage. With an estimated completion date of at least 2027, the final configuration of the project remains uncertain.

Following hours of deliberation, the City Council reached a cooperative agreement with Metro, although specific details regarding the project’s implementation were not finalized. A Council subcommittee was designated to collaborate with the Metro Board of Directors and other officials to determine the project’s final configuration and secure support for improvements to the Olive Avenue bridge.

Navigating the Future

As Burbank grapples with the complexities of urban development and transportation planning, the debate over the North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit project underscores the importance of community engagement and compromise in shaping the city’s future infrastructure. Balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and transit users will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration to achieve a sustainable and inclusive transportation system.

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