Orange Line Extension Revs up to Break Ground - LAist: Los Angeles News, Food, Arts & Events
Orange Line Extension Revs up to Break Ground
Photo: Fred Camino
Not owning your own property can be a bitch. And such is life when leasing from the government, one who will now be using some of the land for a transportation corridor. The Orange Line busway extension from the Warner Center up Canoga Avenue to the Chatsworth Train Station is slated to break ground this June. That means the businesses that have been leasing right-of-way property from Metro--some have for 50 years--will be booted or have their lease properties be chopped up into small ones.
Father and son Charles and Bob Jacobi own one of those properties. "When there are so many places going out of business either on their own or through the economy, why should the government get involved in removing more businesses?" questioned Bob Jacobi to the Daily News. Other business owners and even government and economic officials agree, but they also note that no matter what, complaints will pile up and the benefit of the corridor to the region is a good thing.
The extension is scheduled to open in 2013.
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By Zach Behrens in News on May 5, 2009 8:59 AM 5 CommentsComments (5) [rss]
Sorry, Mr. Jacobi, but this is a very short-sighted view of job creation, the economy, and the government. While it is unfortunate that some people have been leasing for upwards of 50 years, you can't deny that every single one of them knew the land they were on wasn't theirs, and could be taken back at some point by the government. I have sympathy for these people, but I do not believe the government is wrong.
I have to add, that in this economy, These people should be able to get a great deal on a new lease where ever they move. Sadly moving costs are huge.
I see lots of business spots that are for lease. Looks like it's a leasers market.
But this extension has been long overdue. I think it should have been a part of the original project.
Oh, I have to ask cause I stopped following the progress of this. Did they decide in the final plans to include the bikepath along side the extenion?
Yes, most of it will have a Class 1 bicycle path.
Great, now convert it from busses to a light rail line.