Little late for the council to realize that HSR will decimate downtown, now, isnt it? Palo Alto's boondoggle tunnel will have to emerge, giving MV the noisiest and most unsightly part of the track. Way to go, council, for sticking your heads in the sand on this!

Still waiting for someone to talk about the impact fees that will require the city to build such density in downtown that it'll make Mintons look like a dog park

@eric - What impact fees are you talking about that would require the city to build at a certain density downtown?

"subsidize a grocery store downtown"!!!???

What business does this city have in subsidizing a grocery store downtown. If one were economically feasible, it would already be there! Why does this city engage in such fantasies? What is wrong with downtown citizens who can't drive, walk, or bike to the next nearest store like the rest of the world?

Hooh RAY! Why are there not enough funds in the General Fund (> 100 residents show up at Council)? This special district (and 8X bigger Shoreline District) It is time for this city slush fund to go to the general needs of the community (two school districts, city General Fund and the county). Businesses NEED to pay their share of the community they thrive off of!

The problem with Shoreline's $3 Billion "off the rolls" is that the general community will NEVER SEE any of this tax money unless our state assembly man can see to introduce a law to change "the perpetual nature" (city attorney words) of the Shoreline District. Give them 5-10%, and let the entire community (not just the Shoreline Community), get the rest! (your assemblyman is Paul Fong)

The schools forum - instead of facades, why not invest this community money in the substance of the schools? Businesses say they support schools - let's see them demonstrate this by insisting that this money (denied to the schools) be spent on schools rather than business fronts. Chamber - where are you?

I did learn one lesson: the "sunset date" doesn't mean much at all.

@impact, the surprises in the HSR package are many. Lots of cost to cities, LOTS of eminent domain, little regard for existing property, communities or businesses.

HSR will not be built, because they are destroying towns and parks up and down the state. I tell you, folks are ready to RIIII-ot! Once everyone unites and raises a few million to pay signature gatherers for a citizens 1A reversal initiative, it is all over, because there is so much negative press that 2% lead is already gone. Diridon cry cry cry. Kopp head go boom.

Jay Tulock, Vacaville

It is clear, to the rest of the state, that these wealthy little cities suffer from the Nebraska, Louisiana Syndrome. They want this project, but they are holding it hostage to get as many freebies as possible, that the rest of us, sensible tax payers, have to pay. What a bunch of parasites! It is clear that this is a logical evolution of transportation. I live in the valley, and it is very expensive for me to fly to New York or drive to LA. I have to drive 2 hrs to SFO. Park in a very expensive parking lot. Stand in line for the cattle-call safety inspection. I am not allowed to smoke a cigarret after disrobing and having angry security police feel me all over. Fly like sardines, and hold on using the toilet, because all the suspicious looks. I have been stranded in airports or on the tarmac many times. I often had to sleep in the airport or pay expensive flee infested motels. How is that for a good reason to build the HSR? Enough with your winning. You are not making any points.

There already IS a grocery store downtown: Mountain View Market.

conservative87, there're a few things you say that I don't get.

Why is it expensive for you to fly to L.A.? Are you not able to take advantage of the same cheap fairs as everybody else? And why do you have to fly out of San Francisco instead of San Jose?

Do you think HSR won't be perceived as a potential terrorist target, and won't have security lines?

Correct. There are 3 stores in the downtown area but not one for the wealthy elitists who refuse to shop at the ethnic stores.