I received my copy of the Centerville City News today. The front page article is entitled, "South Davis Transit Study." It was written by Mayor Russell. The concluding sentence states, "It is difficult to predict where are economy may go or what our transit needs may be in the future, but for now let's move on and talk about other issues."
I thought the Mayor explained the current status of things fairly well. However, I did have a couple of thoughts. It is true that future economic conditions are hard to predict. And the uncertainly is elevated significantly because of the current administration in Washington that is doing everything possible to prolong the economic downturn we are experiencing. But this much we do know, with 8% growth coming to Centerville and 3% to Bountiful over the next 30 years (remember, that represents 4% of the growth in the transit study area), with current ridership on bus transit that is at best characterized as low, and with existing rail transit running well below capacity and expectations, the need for a another rail line will NEVER exist. Maybe, Mr. Russell, that's why the citizens of this community continue to talk about this issue. They don't want rail tracks on Main Street and are waiting for their leaders to acknowledge what they already know.
Some feel the city can move forward when the General Plan ackknowleges NO RAIL or TOD's (Transit Oriented Developments)in Centerville period! Our neighbors on 400 West don't want it there either. The Clipper Newspaper informed us that UTA is thinking about moving it there. The reason we don't want Rail is because it's not needed. South Davis citizens don't want to pay for a project we don't need. UTA says there is no money to fund the project but continues to look for funding. If Mayor Russell wants the city to move on, CHANGE THE GENERAL PLAN and prove to the citizens RAIL IS DEAD IN IT'S TRACKS in our city. Thanks to so many who have helped with the awareness of this issue and gotten involved. It has made a big difference when it's been time consuming and not an easy thing to do. There are still people in Bountiful who continue to work and need our support in helping get the messsage out about the UTA study. Many South Davis residents are still unaware of the potential threat and cost of such a project. Stay informed! Thank you, and have a nice summer.
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