Metro light rail is inviting the public to a meeting next Wednesday so residents can learn and comment on details of the agency’s plan for light rail’s west extension through west Phoenix.
The proposal under consideration by Metro’s advisory board involves laying track from Central Avenue along Jefferson Street, past the Capitol and state buildings to Interstate 17, then north to Interstate 10, where it would then head west to 79th Avenue.
Barring any serious funding issues, the 11-mile west extension could be up and running by 2021.
Some residents in the St. Matthews neighborhood near the state Capitol grounds oppose the proposal, fearing the extension could affect the historic homes in the area. But representatives from various neighborhoods, including Maryvale, have supported the proposal.
And some critics have argued Metro light rail should create a faster commuter line, instead of using the much slower light rail trains, to serve west Phoenix.
Metro has been studying the west Phoenix area for a possible extension since 2007.
The meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, at the Isaac Middle School cafeteria, 3402 W. McDowell Road.
For more information, contact Terry Gruver at (480) 664-2631or via e-mail,tgruver@metrolightrail.org.
– Emily Gersema, emily.gersema@arizonarepublic.com
Downtown Voices Coalition 