Fremont Avenue Interchange Project & 710 Corridor Funds

An urban planner with 25 years of experience questioned why Alhambra is acting as the project sponsor for Caltrans and urged the council to halt the agreement.

Expressed concern that residents were promised a town hall before any votes on the 710 project and asked the council to listen to the community.

Suggested it is premature to sign the agreement tonight and noted that the Fremont interchange improvements primarily benefit regional commuters rather than Alhambra residents.

Echoed previous speakers, urging the council to hold a town hall meeting first and questioning the value of the Fremont improvements relative to rising costs.

Argued that pushing a project that brings more cars up Fremont ignores resident input and called for a town hall.

Questioned why Alhambra is spending reduced Measure R funds on projects that mostly benefit drivers from other cities who opposed the 710 extension.

Warned the council not to vote on the item, explaining that EIR scoping meetings are distinct from general town halls and pointing out a lack of cut-through traffic data.

Suggested postponing interaction with Caltrans until a community design workshop can be held.

Shared anxiety over moving so quickly on a complex project without fully understanding terms like 'braid' and requested a well-publicized town hall.

Argued that improving the Fremont interchange will only induce more cut-through traffic and urged the council to ask key questions about cost and resident benefit.

Questioned the urgency of signing the cooperative agreement and asked how much of the $241 million Measure R fund remains uncommitted.

Expressed support for the braided concept to manage 710 traffic but echoed calls for more community meetings and clarification on cost overruns.

Expressed deep distrust of the city's process and consultants, criticizing the placement of the item on the consent calendar.

Expressed shock at the item moving forward, arguing that pedestrian and bike improvements were sidelined to fund freeway expansion.