UNHAPPY TRAILS

TO YOU

Purple Line Advances Out of

Council Transportation Committee,

CCT All But Certain to Cross

Wisconsin Ave. at Street Level

The Montgomery County Council's Transportation Committee took several steps toward restoring the Purple Line to the CIP budget. It also went back on its word to supporters of the Capital Crescent Trail, that the trail would remain in the Purple Line tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue.

Assuming the new plan is approved by the full council, here's what you'll get:

* An underground Purple Line station

* Grade-separated crossing at Connecticut Avenue

* Funds to "rebuild" the Capital Crescent Trail alongside the rail line

What you won't get is the CCT through the tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue. This was a cop-out by the committee. Is the trail question a no-win scenario? Absolutely. But that is the council's fault. They promised trail supporters that it would remain in the tunnel. Period.

One consolation for trail users: you will witness, in the coming years, the construction of the world's first "gold standard" bike lane along 47th Street, Willow Lane and Bethesda Avenue. What exactly a "gold standard," "guaranteed to be safe" crossing (that doesn't quadruple gridlock on a state highway, to boot) consists of is unknown. Mainly because no such thing exists right now, but we are going to witness a historic first in bike safety, ladies and gentlemen! So promises your county council. And you can trust their promises, right? They're so good at keeping their promises.

This is a "gold standard" promise this time, folks! They promise!

The next big Purple Line hurdle comes Monday, when the council takes up the south entrance for the Bethesda Metro station and Purple Line.

Some are still saying this project is in a zero sum competition for funding with the "redevelopment" of downtown Wheaton.

I would say that if a developer cannot meet the financial commitments of this unnecessary and oversized "redevelopment," it ought not to be in the business of doing so. If the finances are that slim on the project, why would we put up $42 million in taxpayer money?

The elevators are the project that meet the greater public need.