by 34thStreet
Bill R. wrote:Questions:Yes I don't think the KOP rail website has been updated yet. I'm guessing that they identified these options partly by figuring in cost/complexity to build the line, plus impact on residential neighborhoods. While some people are coming around on the project, there are still a fairly vocal group of people who are scared of having a noisy train in their backyard (those N5 cars are probably quieter than the school playground in mine, but those people have never used the line).
1) How did SEPTA come to identify the remaining four options as the most desirable? There is no explanation on http://www.kingofprussiarail.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. In fact, the website still shows what it calls "Preliminary Alternatives", which is what I would have expected to be presented at the public meetings.
Bill R. wrote:2) Why is the focus on so obviously on the Convention Center / Casino? That isn't so great a traffic generator that it's proximity should reorient the priorities of the project (i.e. the tail wagging the dog).I'm guessing because, at least for the time being, the Casino is giving the Township a nice financial boost in tax revenue each month, so maybe there is some encouragement from the township to serve the Casino. I agree, I can't see too many people taking the NHSL to the casino, especially considering the massive parking lot they have. But the casino is right down the street from part of the business park area, so it isn't that far of a diversion.
Bill R. wrote:3) How many residences are located along Route 202 that an elevated structure would visually impact? My answer is not many. And if you live in one of the developments located away from the highway, why would it matter.There aren't a whole lot of residences right on 202 itself, but enough very close that you'd probably see it, i.e. living on Chestnut St, you can still see and hear the El going by in West Philly. One reason could be the former Marquis Apartments, renamed to 251 Dekalb which sits right near 202, I'm guessing some people there wouldn't want to see a giant steel structure running down what is already not a terribly nice view from their "luxury" apartment. Plus Prussian woods sit pretty close to the road. The 202 elevated is all but dead, as the township supervisors are supposed to ask Septa to drop the 202 alignment altogether since it would be an elevated structure. They want to keep the area looking suburban (a little too late for that maybe!) hence no El.
Bill R. wrote:4) Does it make sense to reconsider the viability of a Radnor intermodal transfer station between The Paoli Regional Rail line and NHSL due to travel demand to KoP from areas along the Main Line? This isn't even addressed.Not a bad idea, they always announce "transfer to the Paoli Thorndale Line" but don't tell you its a decent 10 minute walk up a hill... not fun in the snow. I don't see too many people making that transfer there though.
t.
"Next stop, 34th Street! Exit for University City, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania."