"Our" Rails to Trails?

Did you happen to see the article in Friday's Seattle Times about Sound Transit looking into "our" rail line? I just received an email from a Highlands resident who asked what my thoughts were regarding "our' rails, so I thought I would add my thoughts to this post.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/eastsidenews/2003683431_lightrail27e.html


If King County does go through with their exchange/purchase, obviously the best thing for us as home owners, then the tracks would be ripped up. If they are ripped up, the likelihood of light rail coming through at a later date is diminished, although not completely eliminated. It is my understanding the existing tracks could not accommodate light rail and there is only one line out there.

So the question would be if King County does not go through with the purchase, would it make sense for Sound Transit to purchase the line and develop it? It seems Sound Transit's main interest is in the east-west line to the Overlake area. It would be hugely expensive for them to develop the BNSF line by us and the payback does not look to be that great as the payback would be for an east-west line. It seems the discussion is happening now about "our" tracks because Sound Transit is covering all the bases and is reluctant to see "our" rail line go, in case they should want it in the future.

I am hoping we do get the line ripped out and the trail is more established. (I saw some bikers zoom by on the trail this morning!) The trail will add to our property values and the amenities of our neighborhood. It will be a great feature for the enjoyment of Highlands residents and a wonderful selling point.

We still are not completely out of the woods yet with regard to any future light rail and that will be an issue for discussion. So far, the existing rail line has not negatively impacted values along its route. In fact, there are many high end properties abutting the line as you go along the water in Renton, to South Bellevue, and on up into Kirkland. Within the last few years there have been several view properties in Kirkland near the tracks that have sold in the $2,000,000. There is one listed in Houghton right now that is at 2.3 million dollars.

If the county moves forward with their plan, I think we will be in great shape. It will help lessen the chances of light rail in the future. It does feel this is the way things will play out and it does feel as if "our" rail corridor is not as desirable as other areas for transit development. I am going to be positive along these lines as it looks to be the direction we are headed.

Will there be people who object to the specter of rail hanging over the area? Possibly. If, of course, there is light rail, it would impact the homes' values if they are close to the tracks. My home would be one of these homes.

The flip side is it is hard to completely escape things like traffic, noise, etc., if you live in any close-in neighborhood on the Eastside.

Below is an article from the King County website about the proposed BNSF line purchase.



http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2007/0226connections.aspx


Anyone have any thoughts or information to share about "our" rails?

Oops, gotta go and wave to train as it is going by for its brunch run!