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Hermosa Beach council tables formal position on Metro C‑line extension until final EIR
Summary
After extended debate and public comment from neighboring communities, the Hermosa Beach City Council voted 3–2 to table action on agenda item 17E (the Metro C‑line/K‑line extension route) until the project’s final environmental impact report is issued and staff can return with information.
Hermosa Beach City Council paused consideration of a formal position on the Metro C‑line (K‑line) extension route, voting to table the item until Metro issues its final environmental impact report (EIR).
Council and public concern focused on whether to support routing the rail extension down the existing freight right‑of‑way (ROW) through Lawndale and Redondo Beach or along Hawthorne Boulevard. Council Member Jackson moved to table 17E until the EIR is finalized; Mayor Pro Tem Seaman seconded. The roll call vote was Jackson (yes), DeToy (yes), Mayor Pro Tem Seaman (yes), Council Member Keegan (no) and Mayor Francois (no). The motion to table carried 3–2.
Why it matters: speakers from neighboring Redondo Beach and Lawndale urged Hermosa Beach to formally oppose using the narrow ROW adjacent to homes, citing safety, derailment risk, loss of green space and potential impacts to emergency response. Advocates said the Hawthorne alignment would avoid removing community greenbelt areas and carry less residential risk. Council members debated whether delaying a local position until after Metro’s final EIR would forfeit the city’s chance to influence Metro’s decision timeline.
Council debate Council members repeatedly cautioned against discussing the merits of the route while the motion to continue was pending, noting that public comment would be required if the council opened debate. Supporters of tabling the item argued Metro’s EIR schedule (which may include a 30–45 day public review window depending on CEQA procedures and whether the state clearinghouse is involved) could leave little time for the council to prepare a considered position before Metro board deadlines. Opponents said Hermosa already has ample information and that delaying local action would disadvantage communities opposing the ROW.
Public comment More than a dozen community members from Lawndale, Redondo Beach and Hermosa spoke at council’s public comment period, urging Hermosa to oppose the ROW alignment and back the Hawthorne Boulevard alternative. Speakers described proximity of the ROW to residences, presence of high‑pressure petroleum lines and repeated recent freight derailments in the corridor. Several told the council the ROW is a community greenbelt and warned of construction impacts and long‑term safety risks if commuter and freight trains run in the same narrow corridor.
Next steps The council’s vote to table means Hermosa Beach will not take a formal position today on Metro’s locally preferred alternative. Council members and staff discussed the timing constraints that could arise if Metro’s final EIR is released and the Metro board schedules action on short notice; several council members said staff should be prepared to expedite review if the EIR is issued. The council can revisit the matter after the final EIR is published or sooner if the city determines it must provide a timely comment.
Votes and motions recorded - Substitute motion to table item 17E until the EIR is finalized: moved by Council Member Jackson; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seaman; vote 3 yes (Jackson, DeToy, Seaman), 2 no (Keegan, Mayor Francois); outcome: tabled.
