A Metro presentation from last month sheds new light on a proposal to relocate the Northridge Metrolink Station to Reseda Boulevard, in order to provide better connections to Cal State Northridge and the regional bus network.

The existing station, located a half-mile west at Wilbur Avenue, was initially constructed over five days in 1994 to provide an emergency stop following the Northridge earthquake.  The more permanent station which is still in use today was built in 2000.

Metro considered five potential sites surrounding surrounding the crossing of the Metrolink right-of-way and Reseda Boulevard, and eventually selected a narrow site at the southwest corner of Reseda and Parthenia Street for further review.  The subject property offers proximity to CSUN and potential for future development, but also will require property equisition and potential construction impacts on the adjacent railroad right-of-way.

The intial concept for the new Reseda Boulevard station calls for two side platforms, as well as a park-and-ride facility for 470 cars and new access for buses and cyclists.  Pedestrian access to Reseda would be provided by a ramp.

The development site is sufficiently large to eventually allow for the development of a mixed-use project featuring residential uses above ground-floor commercial space and a bike hub.  New structured parking could also be built as part of this concept.

However, a transit oriented development has not been proposed at this point in time.

As an alternative to relocation, Metro is also considering upgrades to the existing station on Wilbur Avenue, including the addition of a bike and pedestrian walkway to provide access north of the station, a bike hub and a reconfigured drop-off area for buses.

An existing park-and-ride facility and community center would remain on the property.

As with the Reseda Boulevard site, the existing park-and-ride facility could accommodate the development of a mixed-use building featuring apartments and transit amenities.

The existing Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Youth Center would be incorporated into any development under this concept.

A report to the Metro Board of Directors on the two alternatives is expected in September.

Metro is also studying potentially relocating three other Metrolink stops in Los Angeles County.