Council affirms intent to proceed with CPUC railroad‑crossing plan after heated public objections over Henderson Road

The City Council voted 4–1 to affirm its intent to support California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) applications that would close three existing at‑grade railroad crossings and construct two new crossings, a decision that drew sustained public comment from property owners concerned about access impacts.

City staff described the project as part of the Mountain House master plan and said the applications (identified in staff materials as A25‑five‑two and 3) would reduce conflict points and improve safety by replacing three older crossings (Kelso Road, Henderson Road and Wickland Road) with two new crossings at Great Valley Parkway and Mountain House Parkway. Staff said the project is expected to move through CPUC review with final approvals anticipated by spring 2026 and that CEQA compliance is covered by the city’s master plan EIR/addendum.

Multiple residents who said they own property adjacent to the Henderson Road crossing urged the council not to approve a permanent closure. Abraham Akhtar said the Henderson connector serves “over 5,800 residents per day” and described the closure as an “undue burden,” saying the proposal would force much longer detours; his son Michael A. Akhtar and Rabia Aftar also objected, saying they received short notice and that loss of direct access would harm existing uses and future plans for their properties.

Mountain House Developers LLC (David Sargent) and staff countered that the changes have been in the master plan for decades, that the proposed new crossings will improve safety and that the actual incremental travel distance would be far less than some commenters claimed (staff estimated roughly a half‑mile reroute rather than the multi‑mile detour cited by opponents). The developer said outreach to nearby owners had been attempted and that impacts vary by parcel.

Councilmembers pressed staff and the developer on notification procedures and emergency‑access concerns. Multiple councilmembers said the road would not be closed until a replacement access is in place and asked staff to meet quickly with affected property owners to explain timing. The council ultimately approved a motion to affirm intent to proceed with the CPUC filings on condition that staff follow up and meet with affected property owners; the vote was 4 in favor and 1 opposed.

The council’s action is a confirmation of intent rather than CPUC final approval; staff said CPUC’s process and final order will determine the specific schedule and the city will continue coordination with Union Pacific Railroad and Mountain House Developers.