Burlingame City Council's Position on High Speed Rail

"We don't accept phased implementation as a step toward a four-track system," said Burlingame Mayor Terry Nagel. 

The Burlingame City Council has been working toward drafting a formal statement of principles that the city can support should the proposed high speed rail system be built through the region. The notion of "phased implementation" has prompted contention about the project, and about the High Speed Rail Authority.  

Members of the council, including Cathy Baylock and Michael Brownrigg, have made it known they do not support the notion of high speed rail at all, and these principles are a last-ditch effort to support Burlingame's interests if the project moves forward. 

"I think HSR (High Speed Rail) is bad for California," said councilmember Brownrigg. 

The council has made it clear that Burlingame does not support a four-track system, the favorable option of the rail authority, and is weary of a "phased implementation" that promises only two-tracks but may inevitably build four. 

A four-track system would visually impact Burlingame, creating a divide between the east and west sides of the city, and disturb transportation patterns that would cause vehicle traffic build-up along Broadway Avenue, according to the council. 

Though the council's position on the issue has yet to be formalized, there was a general consensus of support for the following principals discussed during Monday evening's council meeting:

• The High Speed Rail project should not create a visual divide through Burlingame. 
• The High Speed Rail project should include improvements to the existing Caltrain system, including electrification. 
• High Speed Rail should be consistent with the city's Downtown Specific Plan, and should not negatively impact commercial districts, including auto row, or historical sites, such as the Burlingame Avenue Station and adjacent Eucalyptus grove, during construction or upon completion. 

Mayor Nagel stressed the importance of local retail businesses as a source of economic vitality for Burlingame, and noted that high speed rail should not adversely affect businesses or home values. 

Vice Mayor Jerry Deal took issue with phased implementation, and said that high speed rail will not act as a stand-in for Burlingame's current Caltrain service which should be improved - electrified rail included. 

"We have to work to get a bona fide transportation system up the Peninsula Corridor," said Deal, adding that high speed rail is not it.