Parks, Homes, Bikes, Trains? Debating RR Rights of Way

Regarding Lake’s concern about the purchase of railroad rights-of-way, what may be viewed as a “hunch” by some can be fairly academic to others. For example, an experienced urban planner knows with the confidence of an eagle spotting its prey that a straight and continuous railroad right-of-way traversing an increasingly congested city landscape is an invaluable asset as a transportation corridor. He also knows that it would be a fundamental mistake not to acquire the right of way at the earliest opportunity.

The Westside-to-downtown Los Angeles corridor would serve some of the fastest high-rise development currently under way in downtown Los Angeles. There is no question about its commuter potential. The alternative bus lanes suggested by Lake are definitely an idea worth considering. But where? Double-decking the Santa Monica Freeway would significantly increase noise pollution in sensitive areas such as Rancho Park and other neighborhoods. Make Olympic Blvd. a transit-only affair? I seriously doubt that the nearby streets could absorb the displaced traffic.

Why not use the Exposition right-of-way? Make it a busway, light rail, monorail, you name it. But let’s preserve the one remaining open corridor from the Westside to downtown.

PETER P. ZIMMERMANN

Los Angeles