by Slim Smith, Scottsdale Tribune.
About 25 folks showed up Saturday morning for the groundbreaking ceremonies at Sycamore Transit Center on Main Street in Mesa. Depending on your orientation, the station will either be the end of the Valley’s 20-mile stretch of light-rail line or the beginning…
I was pretty skeptical. But as I listened to the speakers and asked a few questions, my attitude about light rail began to soften. Like most projects, light rail won’t be the disaster that its critics suggest nor will it be the success its proponents proclaim. It will take a long time for the jury to return a verdict, and it’s likely to be a mixed ruling at that…
What I did not take into account is light rail’s impact on business. There’s reason to expect that the trains will enhance business opportunities, especially those businesses close to the tracks. As much as I am a fan of bus service, I can’t say improved bus service, even on a massive scale, would achieve that…
