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 12 months on Redmond Manner, I feel safer transit is overdue. As a College of Washington scholar dwelling within the College District of Seattle with no automotive, I understand how laborious it’s to search out reasonably priced housing close to faculty or work. Gentle rail helps, however it doesn’t repair all the things.
The article notes that 700 individuals utilized for 21 “reasonably priced” items beginning at $1,091. Even that’s laborious to handle on a part-time earnings whereas making an attempt 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 usually ignores lived expertise. Redmond dangers doing the identical by celebrating development whereas providing too little help to these most impacted.
Deeply reasonably priced housing should be tied to future transit. If gentle rail goes to attach us, it must serve all of us.
Alex Mendoza, Seattle
