And besides, who was there first? Correct answer: NWP.
At no point through the entire city of Novato is the mainline too close to a residence or commercial property. And a town of its size should be grateful that only five grade crossings are present. Grade separation exists in four places: Twice with the US 101 freeway, once with San Marin Drive, and once with DeLong Avenue. The latter two thoroughfares are among the busiest streets in the city. And, what, complaints about train noise? Because as we all know, the parallel freeway is quiet, right? What about weekend football games, church bells, holiday parades, police cars, fire trucks, planes at nearby Gnoss Field, and the next door neighbor yelling at his children at odd hours? Might as well abate all noise from Novato, including some of the elected and appointed officials!
The ongoing NCRA / City of Novato / et.al. legal battle is shortsighted and totally ridiculous. Glad to know that local bureaucracy feels it has the time, money, and obligation to pick the wrong battles! Hey Novato ... how about addressing more compelling issues like the deterioration of city services and the eroding condition of some arterial streets in your community?

Chris Goepel ... one-time Novato resident ...