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Council declines to proceed with donated historic railroad cantilever, cites funding and permit gaps
Summary
After staff reported $6,000 raised against ~ $60,000 estimated cost and pending letters from LA Metro and BNSF, the council voted 3–1 not to move forward with refurbishing and displaying a donated historic cantilever rail signal.
The San Dimas City Council voted May 26 not to proceed with a project to refurbish a donated historic cantilever railroad signal and display it at the city’s rail museum.
Staff and volunteer coordinator Paul Lauda told the council the city has raised roughly $6,000 toward an estimated $60,000 project cost, and letters of support/clearance from LA Metro and BNSF—needed to confirm placement and safety near active tracks—were still pending. Lauda estimated a calendar-year timeline if fundraising and permits were secured.
Several councilmembers said they support preserving rail history but concluded the city cannot commit public resources or hold the artifact in storage indefinitely without a credible funding plan and clear rail-industry approvals. Councilmember Ryan Vienna said the piece “is unique and worth saving,” but other members noted the project’s long delay and uncertain path to completion.
After debate, the council approved the staff-recommended alternative to not proceed at this time and instructed staff to remove the cantilever from Horse Thief Canyon Park within 90 days unless a viable partner or funding is documented.
The council’s action will free staff time and reduce liability associated with long-term storage of heavy equipment, while leaving open the option for an outside museum or organization that can demonstrate funding and operational readiness to take the artifact.
The decision was procedural and administrative; staff noted potential interested parties (Pacific Electric Society, Griffith Park rail museum) but said no executable transfer arrangements had been finalized.
