Re: “From Deadmond to Redmond, light rail transforms a suburb to a city” (Might 4, Native Information):
The article paints an optimistic image of Redmond’s future with gentle rail. With a mean of 11 crashes per yr on Redmond Means, I believe safer transit is overdue. As a College of Washington scholar dwelling within the College District of Seattle with out a automobile, I understand how laborious it’s to search out inexpensive housing close to faculty or work. Gentle rail helps, but it surely doesn’t repair all the things.
The article notes that 700 individuals utilized for 21 “inexpensive” items beginning at $1,091. Even that’s laborious to handle on a part-time revenue whereas attempting to remain at school. With out extra choices, college students and low-income employees face lengthy commutes, packed trains and missed alternatives.
Creator and activist Jane Jacobs warned that metropolis planning typically ignores lived expertise. Redmond dangers doing the identical by celebrating development whereas providing too little assist to these most impacted.
Deeply inexpensive housing have to be tied to future transit. If gentle rail goes to attach us, it must serve all of us.
Alex Mendoza, Seattle
