West End Business & Professional Association

Light Rail in the River Corridor

Aug 27, 1999

There was amazing community turnout at the June WEBPA meeting, at the invitation of St. Paul City Planners. Many West End business owners, residents and representatives were in attendance to ask questions and voice their opinions about the possibility of Light Rail Transit here in the River Corridor.

Representatives from the City of St. Paul's planning committees etc. and hired consultants presented the benefits of Light Rail Transit in a community such as ours. Attendees were warned up front that the purpose of this meeting was NOT to discuss alternatives to Light Rail, but rather to discuss the community's "vision" for the future and how we might redesign things to include Light Rail. Some negative implications of Light Rail were also discussed, but prompted only by questions and concerns by some in attendance.

County Commissioner Raphael Ortega was present (supporting Light Rail in the River Corridor) as was our City Council representative, Chris Coleman (not in support of Light Rail in the River Corridor). In fact, perhaps Chris Coleman summed it up best when he voiced an opinion that seemed to be on the minds of many: "It seems that we've skipped a couple of important steps here. We have never even had a discussion about whether or not this community WANTS Light Rail, let alone how it's going to look!", said Coleman.

More debates are scheduled to discuss if and where LRT will come to St. Paul. To voice your opinion, contact:
?• Mayor Coleman--651-266-8510 ?• E-mail: norm.coleman@stpaul.gov -and/or - ?• Chris Coleman -- Ward 2 City Council Representative. Phone: 651-266-8620 ?• Fax: 651-266-8574. Web Site: www.stpaul.gov/council Mail: Ward 2, Room 310-B, City Hall, St. Paul, 55102.