Tunnels beneath Bel-Air homes: Metro Update from Fred Rosen

To the Bel Air Community:

This communication will be short. I want everyone to know that I met with Michael Beck (author of UCLA's letter to Metro) last week. It was a very candid, open, civil and professional discussion. We came away with a better understanding of each of our respective positions. We both acknowledge and understand each other's red lines--no tunnels under Bel Air and a stop at UCLA for the UCLA community. There was also acknowledgment that our community should have been directly reached out to and consulted prior to the letter being sent.

We both recognize the importance of finding a solution that works for both parties--and have agreed to have further meetings in May and June to see if we can accomplish that. To be clear--we will both be making good faith efforts--but its not a given. We both believe that if we can find a workable solution (and it will be necessary to include the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association), a united front will be able to shape and impact Metro's decision (but there's no assurance of that either---considering Metro's actions to date and you all know my opinion of Metro).

Clearly this is a fluid and complicated situation but I believe its necessary to keep all of you informed.

As future events unfold, I will provide information.

Sincerely,

Fred Rosen

Chair of Metro Committee, Bel-Air Association

Subway-related article of interest from the WASHINGTON POST, “Crime is rising on subways across the country, experts say”