Letter — A Purple Line Could Destroy Chevy Chase's Character

I was dismayed to see The Post give the go-ahead to the Purple Line [editorial, Nov. 16]. Because the long-term consequences of light rail through Chevy Chase have not been fully publicized or studied, more study must be put into that portion of the project.

The immediate consequences of light rail are horrible enough. We will lose the Capital Crescent trail, the last refuge of nature's forested beauty and tranquility in our neighborhood, now used by thousands. What will replace it is a treeless sidewalk with shrieking trains passing every three minutes. Think of Washington in the summer with the heat and humidity. Where will all the families with their strollers go?

The long-term effects on our neighborhood's character will be disastrous. Light rail is a Trojan horse that will require that we accept high-density development. We must understand light rail if we are to avoid becoming an extension of Friendship Heights.

I propose that the Purple Line be built as light rail through Prince George's County to Silver Spring, and that an interim bus rapid transit be set up from there to Bethesda. With time and funds, an alternative solution may be found that saves us from the proposed route's community-destroying consequences.

GARY REPP

Chevy Chase