The city of Torrance is calling on Los Angeles County Metro Board members to reject a proposed extension of the Metro K Line along Hawthorne Boulevard, arguing the plan would cause major economic damage and add hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs.
City officials say the Hawthorne Boulevard Alternative, which would extend the line about 4.5 miles to the Torrance Transit Center, would “devastate the regional economy,” increase taxpayer costs by nearly $800 million and disrupt the South Bay’s main commercial corridor.
Instead, Torrance supports Metro staff’s recommended Hybrid Locally Preferred Alternative for the C/K Line Extension to Torrance, which aims to provide a direct rail connection to the South Bay while reducing impacts on residents, businesses and regional mobility.
“For decades, L.A. Metro had the vision to improve mobility and reduce congestion by extending light rail incrementally,” Torrance Mayor George K. Chen said in a statement. “The Hybrid Locally Preferred Alternative along the existing Metro right-of-way is the most practical and common-sense approach, offering the shortest construction schedule and lowest cost. This path has the least impact on the South Bay, avoids negative effects on businesses and residents, and builds on prior investments to deliver real benefits to our communities sooner rather than later.”
City officials estimate the Hybrid option would cost $2.7 billion, nearly $800 million less than the Hawthorne Boulevard Alternative, which is projected at $3.4 billion. The Hybrid plan is also expected to open sooner, with a projected start date of March 2036, compared with December 2036 under the Hawthorne Boulevard route.
According to the Daily Breeze, the Hawthorne Boulevard Alternative is estimated to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by about 2,639 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year and generate approximately 65,000 jobs by 2042.
Torrance officials warn, however, that the same proposal would significantly disrupt the city’s economic core.
“These impacts extend far beyond Torrance,” City Manager Aram Chaparyan said in a statement. “Torrance generates more sales tax revenue than nearly every other city in the county. When you disrupt Hawthorne Boulevard — the gateway to our shopping centers, auto dealers and businesses — you don’t just hurt Torrance. You hurt the schools and services across L.A. County that depend on that revenue.”
Metro Board members are expected to vote on the project Thursday. Public comments will be accepted but limited to 30 seconds to allow more speakers to address agenda items.