Purple Line and Our Kids
I became aware of an issue that is a big deal, in particular, to parents of school age and younger children who live in the downtown Silver Spring neighborhood to be affected by the proposed purple line route. (As I understand it, whichever route they go with- the concern is the same.)
A parent I am acquainted with, Anna Howle, is much more informed on these issues than I am. I asked Anna to articulate them in a post for this blog. It would be great to hear from others who have insights or opinions on this issue...
Thanks, Liesl
Hello Liesl,
So sorry I have not written any sooner. I have been so busy with school finals,
etc...
I am glad you are interested in hearing about how parents feel about the proposed
purple line routes in our neighborhood.
My greatest concern is for the proposed route (Silver Spring/Thayer Avenues) that
would have tunnels for two trains running out of the back yard of East Silver
Spring Elementary. The latest configuration has the tunnels appear just past the
crosswalk in which children cross Thayer to ESS elementary. This is too close to
the school and crosswalk for my comfort.
Over 250 kids attend that school today. This number will continue to grow as the
school expands to other grades.
The MTA has not suggested any safety measures other than water sprinklers for
keeping kids safe and away from the tunnel. What about the wildlife? Will a
sprinkler deter them?
Speaking of wildlife...
As the train continues down Thayer, it is proposed to cross into Sligo Creek Park.
The proposed path will take a significant portion of this wooded, thriving green
space of which we have so little of in Montgomery County. This green space is our
teacher. My son and I frequent that area counting trees, nests, finding insects,
birds, animal tracks, etc... We look forward every year to returning herons and
blooms on our favorite trees and plants. This green space is more than our
teacher, it aids in the reduction of erosion, protecting the creek.
While I support public transportation, not at the cost of our children's safety
and loss of valuable green space. I support encouraging more ridership on the
buses that currently run the route of the proposed Purple Line train. For
example: Two bus routes I have noticed that run the proposed path are the J4 and
#20 Ride On bus which always have space. We are either riding these routes or
observing them. My son finds it fun to count trees and buses in this neighborhood
so we see how empty/full they are.
Liesl - Thanks so much for creating a space in which parents can voice their
concerns about issues that affect their families.
I look forward to sharing with you again soon.
Anna Howle