Views on Light Rail
The story about the debate over light-rail options (Times, Sept. 15) reflects once again on how self-interest fails to consider the community’s best interests.
I recall when the San Diego freeway was coming into place along Sepulveda Boulevard the same cries and screams as to property values of “not in my back yard” dissenters. Reality makes a mockery of their concerns. Property values alongside and near the freeway have skyrocketed. (I lived on Cashmere Terrace at the time, behind the Veterans Cemetery.)
The sooner we get to build light rail and subway transportation throughout the city, the better prepared we’ll be for the expanding population in the Los Angeles basin. Existing rights of way, including use of our freeway paths, are the most practical locations. It also will save the costs incurred through exercising the right of eminent domain. Landscaped gardens and parks should also be built, especially in the nearby residential areas, as screens for any park-and-ride lots put in place.
HYMAN H. HAVES
Pacific Palisades
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