Metro Green Line Project Raises Concerns In Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA —Metro's C Line Extension project from Redondo Beach to Torrance aims to improve accessibility and mobility in the South Bay but has been met with mixed reactions from residents in both communities.

Currently, Metro is considering different alignments for the C Line, also named the Green Line, and the residents of Redondo Beach and Torrance are in opposition over which would be the best option.

One option would use the existing railroad right-of-way that connects the two cities and another option proposes building an elevated track from the Metro Marine Station to Hawthorne Boulevard. Redondo Beach residents oppose the first option due to environmental issues along the proposed route.

"There are seven jet fuel pipelines running the length of the corridor and severe ground instability deep with loose dirt," Redondo Beach resident Niki said. "A sinkhole opened up in a townhome complex caused by pipeline maintenance which compromised the foundation and separating wall. What would happen to these condo and townhome complexes with years of heavy construction and then constant trains 20 hours per day?"

Niki, a Redondo Beach homeowner who shares a property line with the rail corridor, said that she has been to many Metro meetings to voice her concerns, but felt like she was dismissed. In April, Metro visited the area along the railroad right of way and saw the tracks that go along the backs of people's homes.

To build the new Metro line, the existing tracks would have to be moved closer to the homes to make room for more tracks. Niki said when she told others in the area they were stunned, as they already deal with loud train horns echoing from their backyards once per day.

Niki and other Redondo Beach residents support the route at Hawthorne Boulevard because it would impact fewer residences.

"The Hawthorne elevated route is the solution and the only thing that makes sense," Niki said. "The elevated profile will not impact traffic and will enhance rider experience boosting ridership, a well-known goal for Metro."

Residents in Torrance have the opposite opinion. In a statement, the Torrance Transit system said the Hawthorne alignment would create "significant negative impacts to businesses and residents of the City of Torrance on, and in the vicinity of, Hawthorne Boulevard."

According to the Torrance Transit System, the estimated cost of the elevated route would be $100 million to $300 million more than the other alignment along the Metro right-of-way. The statement said the city of Torrance strongly opposes the route due to impacted parking, high costs and reduced convenience for pedestrians.

TTS supports the Metro right-of-way alignment because it will not encroach on the California State Route 405 freeway and would cause fewer delays in the project.

"The train would utilize the existing railroad right-of-way to connect with the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center in Torrance," the statement read. "[The route] is fully funded and is part of Metro’s top priority for projects to be completed by 2028 Olympics."

Due to developments in the timeline, the project will likely not be completed by the 2028 Olympics. The Green Line is projected to open in 2030 to 2033 Per Measure M, according to Metro spokesperson Rick Jager.

The project is in its early stages with Metro currently going through the environment review process and developing engineering, drawings which will be investigated in the Draft Environmental Impact Report. The report, which is due to be released in late 2022 or early 2023, will answer community concerns, Jager said.

"Metro is actively working with local residents along the corridor to address their concerns with the project and to mitigate environmental impacts," Jager said. "As we move forward we will continue to have public meetings to gain comments and feedback on the project."

The Locally Preferred Alternative needs to be adopted after the release of the Draft EIR, according to Jager. The LPA will determine which alignment the project will take.