Highway 101 sound wall divides residents, business

Indeed, at a Public Works Commission public hearing last night, Caltrans spokesman John Hessler said the noise levels in many areas in the city exceed the standards considered acceptable by Caltrans.

"Today, the existing noise levels are very high," Hessler said. "It's pretty bad out there."

The compromise being proposed by the city is to lower the walls in the areas around businesses to just eight feet - the minimum height required to make the venture worthwhile. Otherwise, Hessler said the noise reduction is so minute that people wouldn't even be able to discern the difference.

The City Council will hold a study session on the matter July 19. Interested parties are encouraged to voice their concerns then. Caltrans will only build the walls if the community indicates it wants them, Hessler said.

Several business owners at the hearing said they could support an eight-foot wall. But going as high as 16 feet could put a serious dent in business, they said.

One business owner said the location of his building along the freeway was one of the key reasons he chose to move to the area.

Unlike business owners, residents pointed out they must stick around after normal business hours. As such, they said they deserve as much buffer from the freeway as possible.

In general, Hessler said higher walls block more sound.

The walls will be constructed as part of a Caltrans project to extend an auxiliary lane project on Highway 101 from Third Avenue to Millbrae Avenue. The project is being funded by Caltrans and the Transportation Authority; no money will be taken from the city's general fund.

In Burlingame, city officials are also contending with the sound wall issue and residents and business owners remain divided. The proposed Burlingame sound wall would run along Rollins Road just south of Broadway. A public meeting is planned for June.

Yunmi Choi can be reached by e-mail at yunmi@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109