Reasons to Love the Bergamot Transit Center Project

March 15, 2012

Dear Editor,

I would like to state my brief comment in response to the article "Santa Monica Coalition Fires Legal Missive Opposing Bergamot Project", published on Tuesday.

I visit Santa Monica regularly, and I have been following the developments of various projects closely. I'm very pleased to see many new projects evolving, which are transforming the City of Santa Monica into a beautiful, vibrant region that is safer, and more pedestrian-friendly, than ever before. I am in total support of the developments.

What I am disappointed with, though, is the typical case of NIMBYism of the local homeowners. It looks like those NIMBYs have nothing better to do than to create senseless oppositions, which is completely unreasonable.

I guess, those local residents don't understand the concept of revitalization of Los Angeles' various regions, including downtown Santa Monica.  Creating density to solve increased population, attracting pedestrians and getting rid of blighted spots; all of this is something that West LA and Santa Monica NIMBY residents cannot seem to comprehend. Hence their distorted view.

As for the homeowners' paranoia of the "project creating more traffic," this is the most lame excuse on record. First off, we live in a city, meaning that traffic will always, no matter what, be a part of city life. If you're afraid of traffic, then maybe it's time to move out to South Dakota, Idaho or Montana.

The NIMBYs keep singing their old "Traffic" song without realizing that, thanks to the mass transit breakthrough in the entire Los Angeles region, people have choices besides driving. Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, offers many public transit options, including buses, trains and bicycling; walking is also a highly recommended option to avoid traffic issues.

The new Expo line to Santa Monica, opening in 2015, will offer Santa Monica residents yet another convenient, reliable option of travel, taking people away from their traffic problems.

The Bergamot Transit Village should not be reduced; the current plan looks great, and will significantly improve the quality of life in the area. If anything, the Westsiders (NIMBYs) need serious education about the benefits of transit-oriented developments and a pedestrian, family-friendly lifestyle.

I totally support the developments, look forward to the beautiful new projects; and I am confident the new Bergamot station improvements and the creation of the Pedestrian Plaza will enhance the quality of life further, making Santa Monica a truly wonderful place to live, visit, and work.

Alexander Friedman