Dodging a Speeding Bullet, Literally Dodging the Railroad...for a while

I expect to hear the familiar whistle of The Dinner Train in about an hour. We know the Dinner Train's days are numbered, 14 days to be exact, and it will be sad to see it go. It has become part of our neighborhood's unique feel. I know it is 7:10 PM when I hear the whistle blow as the train approaches!

It's been common knowledge for some time that the county has been negotiating to buy the tracks and put in a trail. Since I live right on the tracks, I see people already using some of the area alongside the tracks for walking or biking. It will be wonderful to see people out walking dogs or riding bikes along the trail on a regular basis. I think a trail that circles part of the neighborhood will be a true asset to us all and add to the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Today, The Seattle Times reported a private group called All Aboard Washington has been trying to buy the rail line and keep the rail line active. The BNSF responded by stating the railroad will first work with the county to conclude the elaborate three way deal that has been in the works for a long time. The proposed deal involves The Port of Seattle buying the rail line for $103 million dollars and then trading it to King County for Boeing Field. Boeing Field is currently owned by the county. As part of this deal, the county would pay $66 million to build a trail along the 42 mile rail route.

If the county, the Port of Seattle, and BNSF are not able to come to agreement, this organization, All Aboard Washington, could come back into negotiations with BNSF. The group is determined to put a commuter and freight line on the tracks by upgrading the tracks.

In my opinion, whether you live right on the tracks or a few blocks away, the quality of life in The Highlands would be greatly and negatively impacted.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone else know anything more than what is published in the newspaper?