Anthony Cafarchia grew up in Eagle Rock, where his family has owned the Eagle Rock Bakery and Deli since the 1960s. The shop survived personal losses, the pandemic, and the Eaton fire that destroyed his brother’s home. He now fears a planned bus lane may jeopardize the business. “I don’t know how we’re going to benefit with this big change,” he said. “I think it’s going to kill the business.”
A 19-mile bus route connecting North Hollywood to Pasadena will pass through Eagle Rock along Colorado Boulevard’s Historic Route 66. This is part of Metro’s initiative to enhance public transit ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Metro aims to transport large crowds to the Games across L.A. County using an extensive bus network. The Eagle Rock route is one of several Metro projects under construction or design, set for completion before the 2028 Games.
The route won’t lead directly to Olympic venues but is praised by transit advocates as a car-free travel option between the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. However, many local residents and business owners worry about traffic bottlenecks, reduced parking, and the erosion of Eagle Rock’s small-town charm. Concerns extend beyond Eagle Rock, as Burbank blocked Metro from obtaining construction permits for a segment believed to affect residential traffic.
After Metro sued, a judge ruled in favor of Burbank and questioned Metro’s claim that delays would affect the Olympic plan.
Transit advocates argue the updates will enhance traffic flow for the Games and long-term. Metro stated that about 30,000 passengers could use the route daily. A Metro statement highlighted the benefits: “By giving people a reliable way to travel across the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, Metro is investing in greater mobility and providing travelers with more choices for getting around the region.” The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will operate mainly in dedicated bus lanes with enhanced stations, all-door boarding, frequent service, and connections to Metro lines A, B, and G.
The project costs nearly half a billion dollars, funded mainly through Measure M. Construction has started in Pasadena and will begin soon in Eagle Rock, where the path will run along a median, eliminating one car lane to create a bus lane. Cars will be restricted from some left-hand turns on Colorado Boulevard, and dedicated left-turn lanes will be on remaining streets. This will also reduce street parking.
Cherryl Weaver, a local realtor and former resident, supports public transit but questions the current plan. She noted the impact on long-time residents: “These people… are now saying just because of this project, they’re moving.” Nadine Levyfield, who grew up in Eagle Rock, worries about diverted traffic affecting safety around her child’s school.
Residents have consistently voiced concerns to Metro and local leaders, suggesting mitigations like adding speed humps to busier side streets. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado acknowledged the residents’ concerns as legitimate, needing solutions. She stated, “We will continue pressing Metro, LADOT, and other responsible departments to respond to community feedback and communicate clearly before each phase of work begins.”
Colorado Boulevard features local eateries, businesses, and various architectural styles. While some residents and business owners see potential long-term benefits, such as increased foot traffic and a transformed business district, fears remain for many. Michael Sweeney, former president of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, supports the project, citing safety improvements. However, business owners fear the reduction in traffic lanes and parking could harm them.
Tom Anderson, owner of a pub and wine shop, sees long-term benefits but worries about the effects on central town businesses. Mark Arnott, who owns a martial arts studio, is concerned about the potential traffic chaos and reduced parking. Marcel Wittfeld of Peekaboo Playland fears losing customers due to limited parking, saying, “If this is really seriously happening, I think that could be the death blow for us.”