Agenda item K5
Laurie Thomas, Resident
Dear City Council Members,
I am asking the city to make the installation of quad-gates, at all Menlo Park railroad/train crossing intersections (Encinal, Glenwood, Oak Grove and Ravenswood) to allow for quiet zones as one of the top priorities in 2021.
These physically blocking barriers not only reduce the noise but actually reduce the city's liability, as opposed to the current gates which are actually more dangerous. Atherton's QZ accidents reports/statistics have shown it's more effective in providing safety without horns and improving life quality drastically. It is fiscally reasonable using gate estimates from director Nikki Nagaya.
Nearby homes will have property value increased as proven through MLS sales comparing properties within close proximity which are heavily impacted by the train horns versus those that do not suffer this influence.
The number of trains that pass by our house each day is about 68 (plus freight trains). Living near the Encinal Ave crossing and backing to the railroad tracks there is persistent noise disturbance all day and all night long. Train horns sound approximately 4 times before each crossing or 272 times at each crossing. Because of our location, the sound is constant through the entire block and neighborhood. This noise greatly impacts the quality of life for Menlo Park residents similarly located. As each train goes by conversation be it inside or outside must be stopped. We are woken up throughout the night creating serious sleep deprivation. It is all exhausting.
Please consider prioritizing quiet zones for Menlo Park’s four grade crossings. The amount of noise pollution could be greatly reduced by eliminating the horns which would greatly improve the lives of so very many.
Thank you for your consideration.
