Proposed Purple Line Concerns Some, Is Supported by Others

It's been about seven years since talks of a new mode of transportation stirred the communities of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, and now Maryland Transit Authority is a few steps closer to locking in on construction after the Purple Line became part of Montgomery's Master Plan last week.

The Purple Line will include double track light rail into Bethesda from New Carrollton, and its construction will coincide with efforts to keep popular walking and biking routes on Georgetown Branch trails adjacent to the track.

Safety is a concern for pedestrians going up against the large mode of transportation, but city officials are still toying with the plans, which would include a barrier surrounding the track on the trail.

Additionally, a locally preferred alternative (LPA) was approved, with 21 stations proposed to stretch across 16.3 miles. Construction plans are under heavy scrutiny for reasons other than its proximity to the trail; so the $1.5 billion project may take longer to get off the ground as there are issues with actual construction.

"The concern is in where the line will actually be in operation, in respect to Riverdale Park," Christopher Henry, council member for Ward 4, said. "I think overall, residents and traffic flow in general will be affected."

The station would hit Ward 4 at Kenilworth Avenue and East West Highway, dubbed Riverdale Park. Other stations in the area include Riverdale Road, M-Square and a connection to the Green line at College Park.

The actual construction of the line will be parallel to businesses and behind homes, Henry said, hinting that such construction may cause minor issues with Riverdale Park residents, with noise being a preliminary factor. Furthermore, construction won't be completed on residential grounds in Riverdale, and he hopes structural adjustments won't cause the Metro to intrude on the properties.

Long periods of construction can tend also to have a negative effect on small businesses, in terms of their visibility and accessibility. But the town has had public meetings with the MTA to discuss the issue of businesses that may be displaced due to construction.

"The MTA has been very proactive about trying to address the issue of possible displacement," said Sara Imhulse, Riverdale Park's town administrator. "Businesses on Kenilworth Avenue, for instance. There are multiple options for where the train is going to go, and right now there are just drafts for the physical placement of the train."

Imhulse said that businesses like Rinaldi's Lanes are a concern, as the train may cut too close to the front of the building. But MTA has been working closely with them, and it has the funding to assist businesses that may have to relocate as a result of construction.

Nonetheless, the town of Riverdale Park is in support of the project, Imhulse said.

Much encouragement is given to the community's input though, as the MTA hosts small group sessions sporadically to get their participation in the planning, designing and engineering of the Purple Line.

Issues related to construction will be discussed at the next Riverdale Park council meeting, held in September.