Twin Cities’ Newest Light Rail Corridor
Maybe they could’ve named it “the orange line.”
That way, no one would be able to say that the Twin Cities’ spanking-new light rail corridor connecting downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul — officially, the green line — “runs through the West Bank.”
Not THAT West Bank
If you don’t know the Twin Cities, the West Bank in question is the West Bank of the Mississippi River and the University of Minnesota campus, which straddles the river (the West Bank is home to the Humphrey School of Government, the Law School, and various other graduate schools).
Of course, the (slightly) more famous Green Line is the one that separates Israel’s pre-1967 territory from the occupied West Bank land gained during the Six Day War.
With that quibble out of the way, the (Twin Cities’ green) line was clean, quiet, and on time — and had plenty of bike racks for my and my son’s bikes when we rode it between the two downtowns yesterday.
After reaching the last stop, St. Paul’s gorgeous Union Station (mostly empty, alas), we promptly disembarked and rode our bikes to Cossetta’s for the Twin Cities’ best lasagna.
Two (Lines) Down, One to Go
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the debate over the proposed Southwest Light Rail corridor appears to be entering a new phase.
Namely, vanquished opponents of co-location — the now (mostly) approved design — are exploring litigation options (I live in the neighborhood and am on several email lists).
Presumably, the list of options includes seeking an injunction stopping the line until a court (courts?) weigh in after — yup — more study.
Compensate Homeowners vs. Pay Lawyers
I, too, think that co-location is a dumb idea, motivated mostly by dubious priorities and cost considerations (none of which seemed to apply to the Vikings’ new, $1 billion cathedral stadium rising downtown). See, “Getting Light Rail Right: a Recommendation.”
However, after years of contentious debate, I would rather see the Southwest line built, however flawed, than no line at all.
So, here’s my suggestion: instead of further delay, study, and now possibly litigation expense, compensate the homeowners most directly affected.
My estimate is that fewer than 100 Kenwood homes back up to the corridor and would be seriously affected by increased noise, traffic, etc.
Assuming that the average affected home is $1 million (some are much more), and the average dimunition in value is 10% – 15%, a fund of $10 to $15 million should help make things right.
That seems like an equitable solution — and a drop in the bucket compared to the line’s estimated $2 billion price tag.
