American Cyn vs UP...

I always thought the tracks at Napa Jct and American Cyn belonged to California Northern not UP.....


AmCan OK's Napa Junction Plan Despite Railroad's Objection
AMERICAN CANYON, CA -- The City Council has approved the expansion of the Napa Junction retail center despite a last-minute attempt by Union Pacific Railroad to derail the project.
The council OKed an environmental impact document, zoning change and general plan amendment for the project's third phase being developed by Lake Street Ventures of Menlo Park at a special meeting Tuesday.
"My feeling is that we have a developer who has a track record of delivering a very outstanding project," Vice Mayor Leon Garcia said. "I think this will be an asset to our economic base and our city - I think we should move forward."
The estimated $20 million Napa Junction Phase III will be developed on 17 acres at Broadway (Highway 29) and Napa Junction Road. It will be designed to attract small to mid-level retailers like banks, restaurants and stores that sell clothing, electronics, hardware and books.
The landscape and architectural design will continue themes already used in Napa Junction's first two phases to create one seamless project.
The $85 million phases I and II include a Wal-Mart Supercenter, retail stores, restaurants, an upscale 216-unit apartment complex and a three-acre park.
A Union Pacific Railroad representative tried to stall the project's next phase, however, saying the city should allow up to 60 days for it to hold talks with Lake Street Ventures. The company wants property it owns nearby to become part of the planning effort, said Rick Gooch, the railroad's director of special properties.
He said the Union Pacific's property could be used for a big box store, hotel, movie theater or some to benefit the city, the railroad and Lake Street.
City planning officials noted that no plans have been submitted to the city by Union Pacific, and Lake Street Ventures plans have been deemed complete for 14 months.
VIncent "Buzz" Butler of Lake Street said he has tried to discuss planning efforts with Union Pacific for five years without any response. Now, he said, it should be too late for the railroad to try and force a change of direction.
A long line of American Canyon residents rose to praise the job Lake Street has done with Napa Junction.
"I was not an advocate for the development across the highway from where I live," homeowner Al Donaldson said. "But when I look across there now, I'm proud of what's being done. Not only what they've done, but how they've done it."
He noted that Lake Street has worked diligently with the city and taken the input of residents seriously.
Councilwoman Cindy Coffey, who abstained from voting because of a "perceived conflict of interest," said the project does not adequately address traffic issues.
Other council members argued that much of the traffic proliferating on Highway 29 is merely passing through to other destinations and the city cannot hamstring itself by nixing all commercial projects. "If we do anything for economic development and we're successful, there's going to be traffic," said Councilman Ben Anderson. "I'm looking forward to the development of facilities where we can shop in the community." - Dan Judge, The Vallejo Times-Herald