Reroute to Capitol Hill is the right road to take
Seattle P-I: Letters to the Editor
Sunday, October 24, 2004
BUS ROUTE 545
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Reroute to Capitol Hill is the right road to take I am glad to hear that Sound Transit is trying to extend service to Capitol Hill. More than 35 supporters of the reroute spoke at Sound Transit's public comment meeting in September. Only one opponent of the reroute spoke.
I cannot understand the objections that Redmond city officials raise to the route. First, Capitol Hill is not a local run. It is the most densely populated neighborhood in the Pacific Northwest. It has been designated as a regional center by Sound Transit in its long-term vision. Sound Transit is preparing to dig a tunnel for light rail to serve the neighborhood.
Second, while the revenue that pays for the route may be collected on the Eastside, this revenue is collected from residents of both sides of the lake. Like many supporters of the 545 reroute, I live on Capitol Hill, work in Overlake and pay taxes on both sides of the lake every day.
Let's hope that Sound Transit makes the choice that will reduce congestion on 520 and across the eastside, from Redmond to Bellevue to Clyde Hill.
Matthew Kerner
Seattle