Put it in a tunnel!
Is a street level system fair to the Rainer Valley?
Any at-grade proposal splits the Rainier Valley in half, compromises the safety of
its residents, destroys the livability of homes because of sound and vibration,
compromises the access and response time of emergency vehicles. The Schell-Sims proposal
responds to some of our concerns as a community, but does not address the threats posed by
a surface level train system.
Fatalities and accidents with an at-grade system are inevitable.
… When the first child is killed crossing the tracks how will
Sound Transit respond?
… Will Sound Transit build barrier walls or fences to further
divide our community?
… Will taxpayers have to pay the millions in lawsuits?
The Schell-Sims proposal slows down the speed of the train to that of a simple trolley
car.
… Will a trolley car version of an at-grade system qualify as
rapid transit?
… Will people avoid riding this "trolley car" because it
is so slow?
The Schell-Sims proposal promises $50 Million for economic development?
… Why do we have to trade economic development for a tunnel?
… Rainier Valley has been promised economic development in the
past. Where is the assurance that we will actually receive the money this time?
An at-grade proposal will have major noise and vibration impacts.
… How will these impacts affect property values?
… Does mitigation include retrofitting the hundreds of homes and
business to minimize noise impacts?
… Will sound walls be needed to protect pedestrians' ears?
A train down the middle of the road divides the community.
… How does the Schell-Sims plan minimize delays in the emergency
response time?
… How will children and elderly walk 5 extra blocks to cross the
street, or will they jaywalk?
… How will businesses survive when shoppers can't quickly cross
the street to shop?
Rainier Valley is getting the short end of the stick, now as it has in the
past.
… Why is more money being spent in the rest of Seattle than in the
Rainier Valley?
For more information or to get involved with the Save our Valley
campaign, please contact:
Hotline/Message: 721-9898
FAX: (206) 721-5213
chas@accessone.com
Or write:
P.O. Box 18285
Seattle, WA 98118
http://www.scn.org/neighbors/beacon/SOV/