Becca Vargo Daggett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Traffic has shifted from Hiawatha to Minnehaha and the River Road,
and through Minneahaha Falls park. That's bad for neighborhoods.
I'm agnostic on this. I love the idea of LRT in the same way some
people love the idea of stadiums for their sports teams. But it makes
no sense. The Pi-Press article yesterday indicated that the capital
costs are 4 times higher than BRT and the annual operations are about
the same.
At least if we're going to do it, and if we're going to do it in the
name of economic revitalization, we should pay something to the
existing businesses that are going to lose business during the
construction period. . .
ML:
Is this agnosticism directed towards transit in general or LRT? BRT would
surely affect auto traffic and bicycle traffic ;) (in the negative sense of
getting in the way) just as much if not more than LRT--unless we build a
subway system or an elevated freeway (just imagine, wide enough for a rapid
bus in each direction) for the busses. All of this with less passengers on
board than LRT.
(Side note: I believe rail transit will be the most economical mode of
transit in the long run. That said, streetcar lines (much less expensive and
intrusive) are appropriate rather than full blown LRT in many cases, IMO).
Our region will gain over 1 million new residents in the near future and
they will have to live somewhere. Without transit, how will they get around?
(I've given up on getting everyone on bicycles).
On the small business side, I agree that we should do all that we can to
ensure their survival. In my neighborhood many small businesses recently
endured (or soon will) a major reconstruction project about which I was
somewhat agnostic. I know that Smith Parker was hired by someone (the
County?) to do a "we're open for business" marketing campaign. Was there
anything else done for Lake Street businesses? I don't know. If we can get
these businesses through the construction, my crystal ball says they won't
remember why they ever questioned the line as long as it's rail, that is.
I'm glad that the Pioneer Press on-line (very scientific ;) poll showed a
large majority supporting the transit line yesterday.
Matty Lang
Central
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