PASADENA Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas and Board of Directors, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority 1 Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012 RE: Proposed Ballot Measure Dear Chairman Ridley-Thomas and Metro Board Members, ‘The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce would like to be supportive of the proposed ballot measure. We think this measure can fund important projects in the region and locally, and go a long way to easing traffic congestion in the greater Los Angeles area while supporting commerce, trade, local businesses and employment. We also see the proposed ballot measure and the projects that will result as an important potentlal economic development tool. In addition to providing employment and contracting opportunities, projects funded by the plan could lay the groundwork for future development in proximity to those projects, ‘The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Is pleased to see additional funds being allocated to local communities. Surface street improvements, local transit operations and more funded through the local return will enhance our local communities and help foster economic development and prosperity for local businesses. ‘The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce wants to ensure the second phase of the Foothill Gold Line Project 's guaranteed funding through the ballot measure. As we have seen with the first phase of the extension, ridership is robust. People in the San Gabriel Valley have embraced light ral as a preferred alternative to driving the |-210. We would like to see the traffic/train management systems and signalization updated for the Gold Line from Union Station to Pasadena. We note that signalization along the Expo Line near USC does not negatively impact cross traffic as the current system does along the Gold Line. An upgrade/modernization of signalization ‘technology could very positively impact traffic flow along the first phase of the Gold Line. ‘The Pasadena Chamber would also like to see some attention paid to alleviating traffic on the I-210 east of Pasadena. Finally, the Pasadena Chamber would like to continue to be supportive of the 710 extension to Pasadena, but need to be absolutely certain there are no negative impacts on Pasadena for us to express support for that Project. it would be our preference that no funds from the sales tax measure be allocated to the I-710 extension project and that this be specifically called out in the measure. Ifthe project isto receive any funding, we would lke Pasadena provided the same measure of concern that our neighbor to the south Is receiving: cover the freeway completely to 100 yards north of Union Street in Pasadena; ro exits, ether on or off, In Pasadena; ‘+ no towers or structures visible above the existing skyline and no nos Pasadena’s air; ‘© rebuilding of the /-710/!-210 connector so that traffic is not choked at the intersection and easing traffic flow on the 1-210 so congestion Is not increased upon completion of the project. is vapors released into ‘Thank you for considering our position as you deliberate the potential ballot measure to fund. transportation projects and upgrades on our region. singe, Paul little President and Chief Executive Officer cc: P, Washington 44 North Mentor Avenue m Pasadena, California 91106-1745 626-795-3355 ph m 626-795-5603 fax winwpasadena-chamberorg