If you’ve read the papers or seen the local news in Southern California lately then you have probably heard of the new Metro Gold Line extension that opened recently. The new 11 mile section which had been under construction since June of 2010 now extends from Pasadena to the city of Azusa.
The next phase of construction which is still in the funding stage will eventually extend the line all the way through to Montclair in the Inland empire. For now, the 11.5-mile Foothill Gold Line extension, which consists of six stops through the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa will connect these communities with the large metropolitan areas of Pasadena and Los Angeles.
City officials said their goal is to surround the stations with new housing, dining and shopping and create walkable, sustainable communities that eliminate the need for cars and encourage use of the rail.
Most of the cities along the route began preparing at least five years ago, adjusting zoning requirements and writing up master plans. Officials say they know the transformation won’t happen overnight, but they’re encouraged by the surge in interest from developers that’s been triggered by the rail’s inception.
The cities are in various stages of planning. Monrovia recently completed $25 million worth of infrastructure improvements and new facilities, including a park and band shell, at Station Square. Officials have also approved several projects, including the Parks apartment complex and the Lumberyard food hall concept, that are set to open within the next year or so. Adding a rail line doesn’t always guarantee more growth as has been the experience for the Blue Line which goes to Long Beach and is still struggling to attract the development that was hoped for. Gold Line backers however are not thwarted by this and are confident their story will be one of success.