Why a Columbia Pike streetcar line is a good idea now

The July 30 editorial “A desire named streetcars,” on plans by Arlington and Fairfax counties for a streetcar line on Columbia Pike, appeared to have been written by a committee. The editorial acknowledged that the counties believe “streetcars will more than pay for themselves over time by spurring new investment,” but it suggested that the counties defer building the streetcar line for budgetary reasons. This is shortsighted advice.

The editorial said the streetcar line “could be the first step toward a revitalized Columbia Pike” but also acknowledged that the corridor now includes a “shiny high-rise apartment complex” and “a brand-new supermarket.” Did it occur to the editorial board that the revitalization has already begun because of the streetcar plan? That has been the economic development pattern nationwide when communities commit themselves to streetcar projects.

It would be penny-wise foolishness to defer such an investment in Northern Virginia’s future.

Tim Lovain, Alexandria

The writer is chairman of the Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition.

●

As the local representative who helped initiate the Columbia Pike streetcar project, and as the author of the Small Starts legislation cited in the July 30 editorial, we have a different perspective on the Arlington-Fairfax streetcar proposal. We reject the premise that local governments must choose either transportation investments or balanced budgets.

This project has been in the works for a decade, and delay would create higher costs to taxpayers. Streetcars carry more people than buses, have lower operating costs and attract more riders. The new line will create transportation choices, spur economic revitalization and boost local tax revenue. Streetcars in Portland, Ore.; Seattle; and Little Rock have transformed neighborhoods and become powerful magnets for development.

For a fraction of the cost of light rail, local governments can construct streetcar lines in much less time and with more sources of financing. Today, in Portland, we are even seeing the first new domestically manufactured streetcar in 58 years.

After years of planning, and with the government supporting projects around the country to rebuild and renew our infrastructure, now is the time to use the streetcar to revitalize Columbia Pike.

Earl Blumenauer and Gerry Connolly, Washington

The writers, both Democrats, represent Oregon and Virginia, respectively, in the U.S. House of Representatives.