HomeMy WebLinkAboutPresentation - Late Document 02/06/2012 (2) Late/Docu1snevlt - Pre4entatum'
RECEIVED
February 6, 2012 FEB 6 2012
Mayor David Glass
MAYOR
Council Members: Mike Healy, Teresa Barrett, Tiffany Renee, Mike Harris,
Gabe Kearney, and Chris Albertson,
City of Petaluma
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
RE: Trestle Report
Dear Mr. Mayor and Council Members:
You will hear options tonight to remedy the turning-basin trestle. The report provides
comprehensive recommendations that are conclusive. However, the report does not
address the most basic of essential points—the economic viability of the trolley!
The report identifies Petaluma, not SMART, in evaluating the enormous cost to bring
back the trestle like it used to be.
Are we considering replacing the trestle because Petaluma wants a trolley? If the answer
is yes, then postpone this process and begin looking at the viability of the trolley itself.
The 2011/12 budget earmarks $88K to assess the trolley viability. If not, let's look
seriously at turning the trestle area into an event plaza producing economic vitality for
Petaluma.
While the trolley concept remains beloved by many in the community including myself,
the estimated construction cost of a $9 million clearly is not practical. How will the
trolley operate? Where will revenue come from? Who is impacted along the proposed
route?
Mr. Mayor and Council Members, this classic 'cart before the horse' dilemma can be
avoided with practical good thinking and common sense.
Sincerely,
0j ' O
LO�
Chris McCarthy
1673 Del Oro Circle
Petaluma, CA 94954
Cc: John Brown, City Manager