SHERMAN OAKS—The Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association have raised concerns to LA Metro about the above ground transit plans in the Valley.

Metro narrowed down to four concepts for the ongoing public transit project along the Sepulveda Corridor, which will allow for travel between the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles International Airport, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. The project aims to minimize traffic congestion on the 405-freeway and is projected to be completed in time for the 2028 Olympic Games.

After seeing Metro’s proposal’s back in January 2019, the SOHA sent a 11-page letter on February 5 to Cory Zelme, Metro’s manager of the program, declaring it “[They] will strongly oppose any concept that is not fully underground in Sherman Oaks.” The Sherman Oaks Home Association indicated above-ground transit could increase congestion and they have concerns that the concepts Metro outlined may eliminate street parking that multiple business and residential areas rely on and suggest multi-story parking structures near a Metro station and the I-405 are “simply mandatory.”

The SOHA stated they are aware that fully underground transit may exceed available Measure M funding and offers states in the letter, “To this end, SOHA commits to support Metro any way necessary to secure the additional funding needed to make the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project fully underground in our community, the Valley, and the Westside,”

They affirmed they have started conversations with political leaders and community members about the matter.

SOHA and Metro will meet for further discussions on Wednesday, March 20 about the project.