As you read through the article, note that the transit options are not just to create a congestion relieve valve for current area residents, but are to further the goal of dense development along the transit corridor. That, my loyal readers, is the whole objective of high capacity transit is to be the catalyst for increased density in the suburbs, not to be of any benefit to current residents.
This measure is aboout preserving the current streets for automobiles AND preserving the quality of life in Tigard for the people who call it home. Without light rail, heavy rail, streetcars, buses with dedicated road lanes AND urban renewal money, developers would not be at all interested in building high-density and/or mixed use projects anywhere other than in the popular parts of inner Portland. How far will the Central Planners get before we the people "get" what this expensive and disruptive, transformational game is all about?
High capacity transit = high density
Tigard transit initiative touches a nerve
The Times, December 26, 2013
By, Jim Redden
Excerpts:
Ballot Measure 34-210 opposes new high-capacity corridor projects in Tigard. It was placed on the March 11 special election ballot by activists opposed to Metro’s Southwest Corridor Project. They do not believe that either transit option being studied — a new light-rail line or a bus rapid-transit line with dedicated lanes — would reduce congestion. Instead, they think it will be used to increase density throughout the corridor.
That's the whole point. Read the Tigard Triangle Plan for details.
“Replacing car lanes with a MAX train or dedicated bus line will increase congestion,” says measure supporter Art Crino, the initiative’s co-petitioner. “People want to live in houses with a back yard big enough for a swing set for their kids.”
And that's exactly what Metro does NOT want. Central Planners do not like local control.
The fight over the measure is expected to kick into high gear after the first of the year. Supporters have already filed their campaign committee, the Roads Not Rail Committee, with the Oregon secretary of state’s office. Murphy says his committee, called Stop Congestion, Vote No Committee, should be filed soon. And the first public forum is already scheduled.
Supporters and opponents are set to square off at 7 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the King City Club House, 15245 S.W. 116th Ave. It is organized by the Democratic Party of Washington County. “This issue is extremely important for the Southwest Portland, Tigard, Sherwood and Tualatin areas, as it will impact future transportation and planning for the next 20 years,” according to an announcement for the forum.
The current version of the [SW Corridor Plan] does not simply call for a new high-capacity corridor between Portland and Tualatin. It also involves a wide range of other projects along the corridor, including new pedestrian and bike paths, zoning changes to allow new residential and commercial development, and the preservation of existing natural areas and open spaces. The first transit project envisioned in the plan is the expansion of TriMet bus service within the corridor.
The SW Corridor Plan includes Lake Oswego's western end at Kruse Way and Boones Ferry Rd.
“Why does it have to be either a light-rail line or a bus line with dedicated lanes? Why not just run more buses on the existing roads?” asks Crino, a retiree.
Because if you were given a choice you might like, Metro's goals for high density suburbs are limited. Metro only gives people choices that they favor.
“I’m a strong believer in democracy, and nobody better mess with my right to vote, but the requirements in the measure would be difficult to comply with,” Murphy says.
When anyone follows, "I'm a strong believer in democracy" with a "but" - Watch Out! Probably your democratic rights of self government have just been erased just a bit more in favor of the Central Planners.
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