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Controversial Dodger Stadium gondola project gets new environmental report. Here's how you can weigh in
A concept rendering for the proposed aerial gondola to Dodger Stadium. People now have another opportunity to give feedback on the project.
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Courtesy LA ART
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L.A. Metro
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An environmental impact report related to the proposed Dodger Stadium gondola project was released this week, and members of the public now are able to provide feedback.
The 437-page report focuses on the noise that could be created by construction of the gondola and how it would affect residents in communities along the route. It also discusses possible remedies for the noise, including sealing cracks in windows, replacing window glass and adding insulation.
The proposed $500 million gondola project would carry 5,000 visitors every hour from downtown’s Union Station to Dodger Stadium in about seven minutes. Opponents argue the construction would affect the Los Angeles State Historic Park and surrounding communities, and contend the money should instead be invested in more free shuttle buses.
The draft supplemental environmental impact report was released Monday, kicking off a 45-day public-comment period.
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How we got here
The proposed project already has been through a similar environmental review process.
L.A. Metro released the draft environmental impact report three years ago, before the L.A. Metro Board of Directors approved a final report with conditions in February 2024.
The report later was challenged in court by separate lawsuits from the California Endowment and the Los Angeles Park Alliance, which is part of the Stop The Gondola coalition.
The alliance argued, in part, that the gondola would cause "irreparable harm” to the communities along the route, including Chinatown, Elysian Park and La Plaza, and that the proposed use of the park’s land and airspace is illegal. According to the alliance, the gondola would take nearly two acres of public land, destroy more than 250 trees, displace wildlife and permanently ruin the park’s “amazing” views.
The California Court of Appeal concluded in May that Metro’s proposals on how it would reduce construction noise from the project were “inadequate.”
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The court directed Metro to prepare a supplemental report before taking further steps to approve the project again. That report was released this week.
How to get involved
You can find hard copies of the supplemental report, as well as the draft and final environmental impact reports, at the following locations:
- Central Library
- Chinatown Branch Library
- Cypress Park Branch Library
- Dorothy Peyton Gray Library at Metro Headquarters
- Please note: The library is open to the general public by appointment
You can share your thoughts on the draft supplemental report by:
- Calling (213) 922-6913
- Sending an email to LAART@metro.net
- Snail mail to Mr. Cory Zelmer, Deputy Executive Officer, Metro One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-22-6 Los Angeles, CA 90012
The comment period will close Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. L.A. Metro is asking members of the public who wish to comment to limit commentary to what’s contained in the report.
Upcoming events
There are two upcoming events about the proposed project and report, including an informational workshop and a hearing for public comment:
- Informational workshop Oct. 9 from 5 to 6 p.m.
- Zoom link
- Call-in: (669) 900-6833
- Webinar ID: 879 2803 3819
- No formal public comment will be accepted at the workshop.
- Public hearing Nov. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Zoom link
- Call-in: (669) 900-6833
- Webinar ID: 810 8997 8579
- Formal public comment will be accepted at the hearing in writing, by phone and verbally.
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