Residents complain about frequent Union Pacific stoppages at Montebello crossings; council pledges follow‑up

Summary

A longtime Montebello business owner and resident told the council repeated and lengthy Union Pacific train stoppages at the Vail, Maple and Greenwood crossings are disrupting businesses, emergency response and daily life. City officials said they would review the complaints with the city manager and report back.

During public comment the council heard from Ray Brogier, a local business owner, who described multiple recent incidents in which freight trains stopped and blocked the three Montebello crossings for prolonged periods, in some cases an hour and a half or longer. Brogier said the stoppages were affecting local businesses and posed potential risks for emergency response. "When that train stops, everybody on the south side of those tracks ... really affects my business big time," he told the council.

Brogier listed several recent dates and long stoppage times at the Vail, Maple and Greenwood crossings and questioned whether the city could do more to hold Union Pacific accountable. Mayor Melendez said the city manager would review the complaints and follow up with Brogier.

Council did not take immediate action on the public comment but acknowledged the safety and economic concerns raised and committed to discussing the issue with the city manager and appropriate staff for follow up.