Residents voice safety concerns over Ascension and Lakeshore truck haul route

In the heart of San Mateo County, community members gathered at a recent Planning Commission meeting, their voices echoing concerns about safety and environmental impacts in their neighborhoods. As the meeting unfolded, residents expressed their worries about a proposed haul route that would see heavy trucks navigating narrow, winding roads.

One resident, deeply concerned about the safety of Ascension Drive, highlighted four particularly dangerous spots where visibility is severely limited. “These are spots where the trucks are going to run into neighborhood cars,” they warned, emphasizing the potential for accidents at intersections where stop signs are absent. The resident also pointed out the instability of the hills along Rainbow Drive, where ongoing construction has raised fears that increased truck traffic could further destabilize the area.

Another voice, Kim Rickett, representing the San Mateo Oaks Homeowners Association, took a moment to express gratitude to the county for addressing some community concerns, such as the relocation of wood rats and the requirement for wet weather grading plans to be reviewed by the commission. However, she also raised alarms about the removal of numerous trees in the area, noting that the loss of these trees could have lasting effects on the local environment.

Rickett's remarks underscored a growing sentiment among residents: while they appreciate the county's responsiveness, there is a pressing need for more robust safety measures and environmental protections. As the meeting concluded, the community's call for attention to these critical issues resonated, leaving a lingering question about how the county will balance development with the safety and well-being of its residents.