Hello Menlo Park City Council Members - My name is Tim Warner and I’m a 37 year resident and property owner in Menlo Park.
I have lived during that time in a neighborhood that is within shouting distance of the rail road tracks. And, yes indeed, 'shouting distance' is certainly the operative term when it comes to the impact that the train whistle has on everyday life.
One does need to shout a lot to overcome it!
Some may say you get used to it. While it may dull the senses, you really don’t get used to it.
However, what I have learned is that I really notice the lack of the whistle on those days or at those times when it is not present. Whether you are walking the neighborhood, sitting outside, or working in the garage, it’s hard to escape the 10-20 times a day blast (under the normal train schedule), starting with the wake up call at 5ish-am and going on well into the evening. But, when that piercing shriek is not there, like maybe on Sunday morning, the quality of daily life is greatly enhanced.
I occasionally wonder what is the marginal value to safety of that L-O-N-G whistle, as yet another train rumbles through Menlo Park. It is truly the most jarring form of noise pollution out there.
I strongly encourage the council to consider moving as much of the city as possible to a Quiet Zone situation. Thank you.
Tim Warner
650/799/6270
