Is being a squeaky wheel the best way to get what you want when it comes to the Central Corridor light-rail line? St. Paul City Council Member Melvin Carter III is starting to think so.
This week he broke from his typical role of unequivocal supporter to write a letter to Metropolitan Council Chairman Peter Bell expressing frustration with how the project is playing out in part of his ward. He even mentioned that he could grow to oppose it if things don't change.
"There exists a rapidly growing sentiment that this project, as currently planned, holds the potential to produce both the greatest cost and the least benefit for the residents and business owners who have planted their lives in closest proximity to the corridor," he wrote.
Of concern is a potential lack of transit service on three blocks near Western and University avenues, as well as long distances between some light-rail stops, he said. The 11-mile line will run from downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis, mostly along University Avenue.
"When I take a sober look at what has and hasn't caused changes, those who have been willing to stand in front of the train have been rewarded for it," Carter said Thursday.
Bell has said several times that dissension among the project's partners could cause problems in getting federal funds.
But those who have chosen a "more adversarial approach -- even to the extent of jeopardizing the whole line" have been rewarded, Carter wrote.
Although he doesn't name them in the letter, Carter is referring to the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). Both institutions have had very public disagreements with the Met Council, and at least $30 million has been set aside in a special budget to address concerns such as noise and vibration.
