On April 2, a temporary full closure of Wilshire Boulevard between Crescent Drive and Beverly Drive took effect after the Beverly Hills City Council approved an accelerated construction timeline for the Metro Purple Line Extension Project. The decision was made in an effort to expedite the construction of two subway stops, taking advantage of the reduced traffic due to the COVID-19 emergency. However, what may have seemed like an ideal time to move forward on the project – residents are under stay at home orders – is now under question. Residents living near the construction sites have reached out to the City regarding the loud noise negatively impacting their mental and physical wellbeing, citing “constant banging” sounds. Some residents, such as Beth Braun, Ph. D., reached out to the Courier and are speaking out publicly.
“The Metro has been pounding on Wilshire from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. six days a week. It is brutal. It is impossible to sleep, homeschool kids, work or relax in the middle of a global pandemic,” Braun told the Courier.
