San Mateo moves ahead with street closures to help lessen train noise

But residents haven’t fully agreed on the best approach. The city has proposed a few options, including building a median at East Bellevue Avenue — the least popular option according to city surveys — closing the crossings to traffic altogether or implementing four-quadrant gates. Those gates would go down on all sides, rather than just two.

For some residents, such as Chris Minerva, the latter is the option that would not only enhance safety but wouldn’t come at the expense of residents’ parking and ability to get in and out of the area.

“I think we should take a second look at the quad gates. They solve all of our problems. Our street parking is irreplaceable, and there are no alternatives,” Minerva said. “It would isolate us. The aesthetics of a barrier is not conducive to a neighborhood.”

But others, including Angus Chandler, said he wanted to see the crossings completely closed.

“I have two children, a lot of children are in the neighborhood and there is a nursery in the neighborhood. These other options may provide some increase in safety but objectively, it seems like closing this at-grade crossing just seems like the safest option,” he said.

The four-quadrant gates are the most expensive option, estimated to cost about $7 million. The cost estimates for the closures are about $4 million. That means staff expects a budget increase of $2.85 million is necessary based on the existing budget of $1.25 million, according to a staff report.

“I appreciate that this is an imperfect solution, but we’ve already put forth some resources at other intersections to get where we are today,” Councilmember Adam Loraine said. “I do think that despite being faced with imperfect choices, there is a path forward that will allow us to achieve a quiet zone.”

Councilmember Lisa Diaz Nash agreed with the crossing closures, citing safety benefits as the main reason.

“I’m hearing there is consensus … that most people in the vicinity are supportive of both closures. Certainly, from a citywide perspective there is no question wanting a quiet zone to lessen the noise is a favorite overall,” Nash said. “From a safety and quality of life perspective … I am hearing strong community support for closing both Villa and Bellevue.”