SAN CLEMENTE : City Backs Plan for Commuter Station

City Council members have unanimously endorsed a proposal that could someday bring a new commuter rail station to the city’s North Beach area rather than the Pier Bowl, where trains now stop.

Although detailed environmental and traffic studies eventually would be needed to determine if such a train station would be feasible, the council has agreed to work with the Orange County Transit Authority to explore such a proposal.

Amtrak trains stop twice daily at a small depot next to the San Clemente Municipal Pier.

About $1.3 million in county transportation tax funds are available for the construction of a new San Clemente station, which would be part of a regional commuter rail line from Los Angeles to San Diego.

“This will be a definite improvement in air quality if we can get people to stop using their cars,” Councilman Scott Diehl said.

In a report to the council last week, City Planner Teri Delcamp said county transportation officials targeted the city’s North Beach location for a potential station because it is near the freeway and has ample space for parking.

“The beachfront location gives rise to issues associated with the highest and best use of land,” said Delcamp, referring to the usually heavy demand for expensive developments on beachfront property.

“However, the North Beach location is logical since much of North Beach is less developed than the Pier Bowl . . . and there is more potential for a parking structure to be located in this area,” Delcamp said.