Ok, I just wanted to follow up a bit on my previous post concerning a SW LRT line following Lyndale Ave. into Downtown:
First, I think Minneapolitans should oppose the route that goes through Kenwood not on the grounds of disturbing the peace for an upper-income neighborhood, but because this route adds little transit amenity for Minneapolitans. Kenwood would not provide either a rich (pardon the unintended pun) source of either trip generators or ridership, whereas Uptown and Lyndale Ave. does. In addition, bike trails should not be destroyed as they provide both an amenity and a commuting compliment to other forms of transit. The article (http://swjournal.com/display/inn_opinion/opinion04.txt) mentioned that rail would either have to replace parking or a lane of traffic. One lane of traffic could be replaced, providing for One driving lane in each direction as well as a left-turn lane. The parking lane would remain for local businesses (as would the sidelots and sidestreets). Finally, yes, the present state government will make it difficult to build new rail. Effort should concentrate on building healthy mixed-use pedestrian environments around the new Hiawatha line to ensure its success. But Hennepin County is studying the Southwest line now for future investment. It would be encouraging to see them make a transit decision that really emphasises present urban assets and begins to build a transit system. This should not simply be a commuter line for the suburbs. No Pawlenty, Mulnau, and Krinkie will not be likely to be building many new rail lines soon, but who knows? Perhaps Pawlenty could become the proverbial "Nixon in China," breaking down the partisan stalemate over transit... Matt Mason NYC __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
