Woodward light rail excites supporters

From The Detroit News

“The train is coming.”

That was the message sent by city official March 10 to neighbors and members of Mount Olive Baptist Church about a proposed light rail system on Woodward that would pass directly in front of the church.

Hosted by the Detroit Department of Transportation, the meeting provided environmental, economic and quality of life information about the 91/3 mile long project, which would run from Hart Plaza to the former Michigan State Fairgrounds near Eight Mile.

Officials noted the uniqueness of the project which would be funded by private investors, the city of Detroit and the federal government.

The cost of the electrically powered system is pegged at about $450 million, with private investors — including Mike Ilitch, Peter Karmanos and Roger Penske — funding the first segment running from Jefferson to the New Center area for $125 million.

Lifelong Detroiter Carl Hoskins came to the meeting because he said he’s concerned about the lack of transit in his city.

“I’ve been all over the country and I feel like Detroit is so far behind when it comes to a mass transit system,” Hoskins said. “They pulled up the rails to make us buy cars.”

Jason Fligger brought his daughter Jessica, 6. “I live near McNichols and Woodward and I’m excited about the idea to be able to take a trolley downtown and not have to pay for parking,” Fligger said.

Public comment on the project ends on Monday.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed by 2016.

Source: http://www.detnews.com/article/20110311/METRO05/103110387/1410/METRO01/Woodward-light-rail-excites-supporters