Urban Discoveries Baltimore

We’ll just come right out and say it — we’re pro-public transportation. Parking is a hassle and cars are generally expensive. So we were delighted to hear of the Red Line, the proposed expansion of the current light rail system. An east-west line would provide more freedom of movement in Baltimore, facilitating access to Fells Point, Canton, East Baltimore and all the way out to Hopkins Bayview. It sounded great.

Not everyone is in favor of the proposed line, though. Community groups along Edmondson Avenue corridor in particular are expressing so much concern that recently-indicted West Baltimore City Councilwoman Helen Holton has said that she cannot support the Red Line and will not vote for the favored route, known as Red Line Alternative 4C. (All route proposals can be found here.)

Neighborhood worries are typical of this sort of large public works project: noise, pollution, declining property values, increasing congestion. These issues deserve serious attention from the City Council. And it should be noted that problems with the current light rail gave rise to many of these concerns; it is, as much as we like it, not a perfect system. Overhead wires, a sometimes noisy and clunky design, and a high step-in height? These aren’t the most endearing features of the Baltimore light rail. But while the current system leaves a lot to be desired, we’d rather see the Red Line built than derailed.

Encouragingly, conceptual renderings depict it as part of community life, rather than apart from it. Modern light rail tends to be quieter, faster, and, well, prettier. The mayor’s office holds up Portland’s MAX light rail as an example of current, quiet, neighborhood-improving public transit. The models are in place, Baltimore, it’s time to move forward.

That’s our two cents, anyway. What’s your opinion of the proposed Red Line routes? Which is the most preferable to you and your neighborhood?

Posted in: Fells Point, Neighborhood News, TransportationNo Comments