Valley Light Rail Line Moves Forward With Metro Land Acquisitions

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Metro Board of Directors approved resolutions Thursday to begin a process allowing them to acquire property needed for construction of the future East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project.

In a unanimous vote, the board authorized the resolutions and staff are expected to work with the owners to relocate their businesses. According to Metro officials, the action was necessary to preserve the schedule and cost of the light rail project.

Metro is attempting to acquire SCV Recycling, located at 14646 Raymer St., and SIT Catering & Event Rentals, Inc., located at 14706 Raymer St., both in Van Nuys, for the construction and operation of a new 6.7-mile light rail along Van Nuys Boulevard from the G (Orange Line) to San Fernando Road.

The parcels of land are required to construct a maintenance and storage facility for the project, according to a report. The building would be constructed on the west side of Van Nuys Boulevard on approximately 21 acres, bounded by Keswick Street on the South, Raymer Street on the east and north, and the Pacoima Wash on the west.

Metro has written offers to the tenants and owners, which were sent early summer.

"While the project will cause private injury, no other alternative locations for the project provide greater public good with less private injury," Metro documents read. "Therefore, the project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury."

Jose Zavala, owner of SCV Recycling, addressed the board Thursday. He shared his excitement for the transit project, but explained that he had concerns about Metro taking his property, mainly about the impact it would have on his employees.

"I want to keep all my staff. Most of them, they've been with us since day one. We just want to have the opportunity to survive and thrive in the new area," Zavala said.

Zavala explained he is likely to move his business to recycling business to Lancaster because of issues related to zoning in the area. Metro and Zavala's attorneys are expected to continue negotiations to ensure fair compensation.

The light rail aims to improve access to jobs, schools, health care and key destinations while reducing emissions. Metro is also considering a potential northern extension to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station, which would make the light rail a total 9.2-mile alignment.

The project is expected to be complete by 2031.

City News Service