MTDB Backs Compromise Trolley Plan

In yet another attempt to fashion a compromise over a bitterly debated San Diego Trolley alignment through Little Italy and Harbor View, the regional transit agency Thursday backed a plan calling for the city of San Diego and the San Diego Unified Port District to share the $16-million cost of running the tracks underground.

In a unanimous vote, the Metropolitan Transit Development Board supported a proposal by City Councilman Ron Roberts seeking $8 million from both the city and the Port District to fund the underground tracks at two major crossings--Grape and Hawthorne streets--included in a 3 1/2-mile, $89-million expansion to Old Town from downtown.

Earlier this month, the Board of Port Commissioners rejected Roberts’ request for the full $16 million, but the councilman said subsequent conversations with port officials have encouraged him about their willingness to share the expense with the city.

Under Thursday’s action, MTDB officials will ask the port commissioners to reconsider paying for the underground tracks at the port’s Dec. 3 hearing.

During the protracted debate over whether the trolley tracks should pass through Little Italy-Harbor View at ground level, above it or beneath it, Roberts and others have argued that the port would benefit from the underground plan and therefore should bear a major share of the expense.

Studies have shown that most traffic through the neighborhood is generated by trips to and from Lindbergh Field, from which the port derives much of its income. During peak traffic periods, street-level trolleys and trains would eventually block autos for 38 minutes per hour, MTDB officials note.

“The port has as big a stake as anyone in making sure this is handled the right way,” Roberts said.

San Diego’s share of the funds, he explained, would come from hotel room tax revenue that the city already contributes to the MTDB.