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Waiting Lists Overshadow Transit Issues At Bay AreaTransportation Workshops

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—The nine-county Metropolitan Transportation Commission is holding a series of workshops on the issue of the future of sustainable growth near Bay Area transit centers.

The planning meetings typically aren't known for generating excitement among the public, but hundreds of people are on the waiting list and not all of them are in favor the plans for the future.

Heather Gass, a realtor who's been following this issue, said it has nothing to do with politics and is fighting the so-called, "stack and pack" mentality of the proceedings and questions the costs associated with the planning.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

Stephanie Reyes, policy director of the Greenbelt Alliance, said the issues are being overshadowed, by long waiting lists.

"This is a great opportunity for residents to shape the future and make sure that we continue to keep the focus on what is the future of the region rather than who's in the room," Reyes said.

Some reports indicate the meetings have been highly political with Tea Party members and environmentalists challenging each others' views.

Gass, a Tea Party member, said it's not about left or right; but more of a practical matter.

"What's this going to cost? They have no numbers associated with what any of these scenarios are going to cost," Gass exclaimed.

The transportation commission's workshops are intended to plan ahead for the coming decades.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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