Historic Palo Alto Redwood May Affect High-Speed Rail Project
PALO ALTO (KCBS) - A historic redwood tree in Palo Alto has come under fire in the argument to bring high speed rail to the Bay Area through the Peninsula.
The El Palo Alto Redwood has stood for centuries and has great historical significance, being featured on the seals of both Stanford University and the City of Palo Alto.
KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:
The debate is because the tree sits a few feet from a set of Caltrain tracks, the same tracks that would ultimately keep the state's high speed rail moving, if and when it is built.
Some local residents said they believe any modification of the rail line could spell the end of El Palo Alto.
"It would just destroy the historical flavor of the whole area," said one concerned resident.
But others think it is time to take a look at the bigger picture.
"Whatever we have to cut down to make room for transportation is going to save a lot more than what we do cut down," said another Palo Alto resident.
Rachel Wall with the High Speed Rail Authority said they are still looking into all the possibilities.
"We're looking at any potential impacts and eliminating those that have impacts that can't be mitigated or are not considered feasible," Wall said.
She said they are a long way away from making any decision, but can't imagine any scenario where they would do the tree any harm.
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