The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority held an open house March 11 at Palomares Park Community Center in Pomona, where residents were invited to learn more about the Gold Line extension and how construction would impact them.
This was the second installment in a planned series of four open houses — one for each city that will be receiving a new Gold Line station with the extension. Glendora and La Verne’s open houses took place March 5 and 10, respectively.
San Dimas’ March 12 open house was canceled “out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our community,” according to a March 11 email from Lisa Levy Buch, chief communications and strategic development officer for the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. The coronavirus was not explicitly mentioned as the reason for the cancelation.
Pomona’s open house featured art renderings, site plans and additional information for each new station, including a list of street intersections that will be impacted during the project. The Kiewit-Parsons Joint Venture (JV) team was also present to answer questions relating to construction. Kiewit-Parsons JV was awarded the design-build contract for the new extension.
“It impacts people’s commutes, it impacts their movements so we’re trying to make sure they’re aware ahead of time,” said Albert Ho, media relations for the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. “We want them to come out and ask our engineers any questions they have.”
Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval was present at the open house, interacting with and getting feedback from his constituents.
“What I’m hearing from folks is excitement,” Sandoval said. “They’re looking forward to being able to ride (the Gold Line) to different communities … there’s certain conveniences that will come with it. I think from that standpoint it’s a win-win for the community, and it’s obviously good for the environment. The more that we can get people out of their cars … it’s a good thing for the region.”
One of the booths at the event showcased artwork from Pomona Station artist and Pomona native Stephen Farley. Farley was unable to make it to the open house as he could not get a flight from Arizona at the time.
The station will be a “Hall of Gratitude,” paying tribute to members of Pomona’s community. Images of the selected individuals will be displayed on ceramic tiles, designed by Farley, throughout the station. The fact sheet for Pomona’s station states, “This project is designed to connect Pomona to its past and its future, generating a renewable source of people power for positive transformation of the entire community.”
Pomona residents will be able to submit suggestions of community members they think should be featured in the Hall of Gratitude. The station will display 30 to 50 people in the art installment.
The Pomona station is expected to be completed in 2025.
