OPINION
Mercer Island rEporter | www.mi-reporter.com
Travel times L
ets imagine how it will be to get to work or school or the doctor from the south end of Mercer Island in let’s say, three years time. The operative word might be, ‘challenging.’ The failure of the 2013 Legislature to pass a $10 billion transportation package will leave many roads and bridges in need of repair, fewer buses on the roads and more uncertainty about the future or our state’s economy. It is ugly from every angle. But lets just look at Metro for a moment. Metro says plans to cut bus service by 17 percent could take effect next year. Even those who do not use bus service will feel the effect of cuts — even if the routes eliminated are in places far from here. Fewer buses will mean more cars on the roads at peak hours. Commute times will certainly increase as the population in our region continues to grow. And a new wrinkle in all of this seems to be about to appear. Metro is planning a pilot study next year to see if charging commuters to park at four busy park and rides (including Issaquah’s) in the region, can work. The agency will investigate how much to charge based on whether the vehicle is used to carpool or by the time of day, etc. Those who purchase a permit to park will be guaranteed a place to park. So, the Island Park and Ride is already at capacity. If such an idea becomes reality, how will parking there be allocated? Anecdotal evidence indicates that many Eastside commuters already skip lots closer to home to come to the Island instead. It will help when the new SR 520 bridge opens to traffic in 2014 or 2015. But the work needed on routes that feed into the new bridge, is not yet funded. In addition, Sound Transit will begin construction on the tracks for light rail in the existing center lanes of Interstate 90 right-of-way. The HOV center lanes will be shut down by the end of 2016 for the duration of construction, planned to end in 2023. The new HOV lanes constructed on the outer lanes are to pick up most but probably not all of that traffic. So life will change. We will adapt. It won’t all happen at once. But, we’d better start walking now.
‘Cuts in funding mean fewer buses, more cars, less commuter parking.’
ISLAND
TALK
“Phil Mickelson winning the British Open.” Ked Westgate Retired Mercer Island
Online poll: Do you think a study of what teachers do each day is worthwhile? Vote in the latest poll online • 53.7 % said no. at www.mi-reporter.com • 46.3 % said yes. Wednesday, July 31, 2013 | PAGE 5
To the editor Islanders upset about noise from Seahawks’ open practices A letter to Larry Warren, City Attorney, Renton, Wash. I live on Mercer Island and starting yesterday have been subjected to extremely loud, publicly addressed, music emanating from the Seahawks Football Training Facility located in the City of Renton adjacent to I-405. The music starts around 9 a.m. and, as I write this email, I still hear the noise/music at 12:30 p.m. The music upsets me and my family interfering with our peace and tranquility, which we are entitled to have. According to the Seattle Times, tainly not part of their EIS, is it? the Seahawks are planning 14 trainLarry Barsher ing sessions and the first session drew 2,800 spectators each paying $7. A new food concession area was constructed to serve those people who attend. Is not all the above a violation We have read your letter regardof their environmental impact ing your concern with statement? And is VFW Post 5760 naming there not a City of out new flagpole area, Renton noise ordiPatriots Plaza. I am nance that can be Send your letters to: responding with our enforced? editor@mi-reporter.com. thoughts. Why does playing Keep it brief, courteous, The word, Patriot is a sport need loud and sign your name. defined as follows: A music? person who vigorously This building supports their country was approved as a and its way of life, and training facility, not for a spectator is prepared to defend it against public event and for retail selling of enemies or detractors. refreshments to the public. We do not share you concern The Seahawks have created a regarding out use of the word, side business that is probably not patriot, in the name Patriot’s Plaza, approved for the zoning and cer-
Response from VFW about the naming of Patriots Plaza
Have your say
and do not agree that this would connote anything that could be construed to be hateful or prejudiced. We believe the football team, the New England Patriots,” or the producers of the movie, The Patriot, and the air show group performing at Seafair this year, “the Patriot’s Jet Team,” would share our view on this matter. Veterans who have fought for our freedom and whose names will be engraved on the paving stones have supported and defended their country from enemies and therefore are patriots. It is my hope that you will decide to include your husband’s name to be among the Veterans and community members honored on Patriot’s Plaza as his service to our country certainly qualifies and defines him as a patriot. Frank Sorba Commander, VFW Post 5760
What do you think was the biggest news story of the month?
“The train crash in Spain.” Dick Moller Retired Mercer Island
“Kate Middleton having her baby.” Maggie Raicu Office manager Bothell
“Snowden, the whistleblower.” Linda Lang Retired Arizona
“On Mercer island, the potential of the I-90 toll.” Daniel Perrin
Driver, worship pastor Newcastle
Online poll The Seahawks are once again at their training facility across Lake Washington in Renton. Many Islanders have complained in the past about the loud noise levels, and this year, the facility has a record numbers of visitors to watch the team. We want to know what you think. Does the Seahawks noise bother you? Vote now online at www.mi-reporter.com and look for the results in next week’s paper.