Eagle Rock Residents Concerned Over Metro’s Bus Route Plan

Anthony Cafarchia grew up in Eagle Rock, where his family has owned the Eagle Rock Bakery and Deli since the 1960s. The shop has endured the loss of his parents, the pandemic, and the Eaton fire, which destroyed his brother’s home. Now, he worries that a proposed bus lane might end their business.

“I don’t know how we’re going to benefit with this big change,” Cafarchia expressed. “I think it’s going to kill the business.”

This concern comes as Metro plans a 19-mile bus route connecting North Hollywood to Pasadena, slicing through Eagle Rock along Colorado Boulevard’s Historic Route 66. The project is part of Metro’s goal to boost public transit ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The agency aims to shuttle large numbers of fans to the Games across L.A. County through a vast bus network.

Metro’s strategy involves several bus projects slated for completion before the Olympics, connecting Northridge to Long Beach and Pasadena to Mid-City.

Although the route won’t directly lead to an Olympic venue, transit advocates see it as a car-free option for travel between the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Yet, many residents and business owners have voiced concerns. They predict traffic congestion, reduced parking, and the deterioration of Eagle Rock’s small-town feel.

Resistance extends beyond Eagle Rock. Burbank opposed Metro’s permit requests, fearing traffic disruptions. After a legal dispute, a judge supported Burbank, challenging Metro’s claim that a delay would impact the Olympics plan.

Metro claims the updates will ultimately ease traffic. They estimate 30,000 daily passengers along the entire route. At a community meeting, Metro stated, “By providing a reliable transit option across the valleys, Metro invests in mobility and offers travelers more choices.” The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will mainly operate in dedicated lanes, enhancing speed and reliability with features like all-door boarding and frequent service.

The project’s budget nears half a billion dollars, backed largely by Measure M. While construction proceeds in Pasadena, work in Eagle Rock is expected soon.

The route through Eagle Rock replaces a median with a dedicated bus lane, banning left turns onto over 10 streets from Colorado Boulevard. Remaining streets will feature dedicated left-hand turn lanes. Street parking will diminish where only a single public parking lot exists.

Cherryl Weaver, a local Realtor, supports transit expansion but questions the current design, especially when a previous plan with shared bus and bike lanes might have minimized traffic impacts. Weaver noted, “Residents who have built Eagle Rock into a charming neighborhood feel compelled to leave due to this project.”

Nadine Levyfield, an Eagle Rock native, worries open turn traffic on her street might divert traffic into her quiet neighborhood and school area. “I want to focus on street safety and walkability to school,” Levyfield said. She shared residents’ frustrations over their lack of transit expertise and the effort needed to ensure accountability.

Residents have urged Metro and local leaders for traffic solutions, like adding speed humps to busier side streets. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado has committed to advocating for Eagle Rock’s needs and addressing residents’ valid concerns. “We will push Metro, LADOT, and other departments for clear communication with the community,” Jurado declared.

Colorado Boulevard offers shops bustling with business, surrounded by motels, churches, and office buildings. Housing styles include bungalows, Craftsman, and Spanish-style homes.

Michael Schneider from Streets for All believes the project could draw more visitors to the business district. “Business owners often misjudge parking preservation, and seeing multimodal streets firsthand might change perceptions,” Schneider stated.

Michael Sweeney, former president of Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, advocates for safety enhancements, contending that safe streets benefit everyone, bus riders or not.

Tom Anderson, owner of Talon Tap and Wine, feels that while commuter traffic dispersion might benefit Eagle Rock, the project poses risks to central businesses experiencing a revival. “Business owners have valid fears,” Anderson noted.

Mark Arnott, who relocated his martial arts studio to a Colorado Boulevard Art Deco building, worries about handling potential traffic surges, given the usual freeway congestion.

The owner of a nearby indoor playground argues that reduced parking discourages families from choosing transit over driving. “We are barely hanging on,” said Marcel Wittfeld of Peekaboo Playland. “This project could be a fatal blow.”