Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

The letters by Mr. Burkhart and Mr. Bryant that appeared in your May 31-June 13 edition choose to demonize the messenger rather than deal with the message. It doesn't matter who represents Rainier Valley because light rail is not a popularity contest. Light rail is one of the largest expenditures of public money ever made in our region. Decisions about light rail should be made using logic, not wishful thinking, and should be based on facts, not half-truths.

The fact is that at-grade light rail in non-separated right-of-way, such as proposed for MLK Way, is the most dangerous form of light rail according to the federally sponsored Transportation Cooperative Research Program. The fact is that running a 250-ton train longer than a football field every 2-5 minutes down the middle of one of only two arterials in Rainer Valley will delay police, fire and emergency response--just ask the Police and Fire Departments. The fact is that displaced businesses and residents might not be able to afford the "new" buildings, which is why the Seattle Housing Authority has discussed business loans with currently debt-free business owners. The fact is there is no more "strong justification" for tunneling in the University District and Roosevelt than there is for not tunneling in Rainier Valley, especially when the City is already planning to significantly increase density in Rainier Valley and when ridership in Rainier Valley is more assured because the people depend on public transportation. The fact is that the city will improve streetscapes all over Seattle for streets that will never have trains running down the middle--ask the Strategic Planning Office.

The people of Rainier Valley are not second-class citizens and they do not deserve a second-class transit solution. Save Our Valley is committed to ensuring that Rainier Valley receives equitable treatment and that the disproportionately high negative impacts to minority and low-income populations are addressed. Tunneling avoids those impacts. That's a fact!

Patricia Paschal, 26-year resident of Rainier Valley
via e-mail

U-District Construction Woes Presage a Better Future

To the Editor:

One of the four noble truths of Buddhism is "all things change." Any attempt to relieve congestion on our highways and get people out of their single occupancy vehicle is a "good thing," as Martha Stewart would say. So yes, construction is noisy but its final outcome improves the overall quality of life. For example, I've had holes in the linoleum in my kitchen floor for the past 5 years. Recently, our apartment building was purchased and we were fortunate enough to have the linoleum replaced. Yes, it was inconvenient to have construction workers knocking on the door at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. But in the long run, it was worth it--now we have a beautiful new floor. Please just be patient, oh fine citizens of the University District--things will get better!

Liz Latham via e-mail

Northgate Target Store Gains a Fan

To the Editor:

Thanks so much for publishing my inquiry about the Northgate Target store and its yellow underbelly. I can live with the answer.

We're going to love having Target in our neighborhood...thanks to Touchstone for the conversation about the exterior of the building - it's going to be wild!

Nancy V. Bryant

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