…Scottsdale will soon have to decide whether to seek participation in a Valley Metro Rail study to analyze a potential city route…
“If we don’t see if we can be included in that, that’s a big door slamming shut,” said Councilwoman Betty Drake, who has not ruled out supporting light rail. “The possibility of studying the Tempe connection isn’t something we should overlook.”
Councilman Bob Littlefield, a light-rail opponent, had a contrary opinion.
“If we said ‘let’s do a study,’ guess what it’s going to say?” Littlefield said. “Why would I want to encourage them to study something that’s a bad idea?”
…Although no Scottsdale council member has endorsed light rail, a majority has not ruled out the possibility of running it along Scottsdale Road to SkySong at McDowell Road or to, but not through, downtown…
The council is awaiting the recommendation from the city’s $1.1 million master transportation plan update… [and] has agreed in principle that it will call an election to decide the fate of light rail or streetcar, the two fixed-rail options being studied in the transportation plan.
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce endorsed light rail or streetcar and promised to be involved in a possible election…
Rest of the story in the East Valley Tribune
