Point streetcar east | The Salt Lake Tribune

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The Salt Lake City Council is debating whether the Sugar House streetcar should be continued:

1. North on 1100 East, avoiding the east bench, to the TRAX station at 400 East and 900 South; or

2. East on 2100 South, perhaps connecting one day to Foothill Drive, Hogle Zoo, This Is The Place State Park, the Natural History Museum, Red Butte Garden, the University of Utah complex and a U. TRAX station.

The 1100 East route is preferred by the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency and the mayor's office, despite significantly higher bus ridership numbers near Sugar House Park and the public schools on the 2100 South bus route.

We must consider our public schools, parks, neighborhood businesses and east-side residents.

Consideration should be given to the economic hardships and rewards. How many construction mitigation loans would be needed for businesses on 1100 East when the street is torn up?

The 9th and 9th business district is already thriving. This is the chance to grow existing business areas at 21st and 21st, along Parley's Way and Foothill Drive.

Let's take this opportunity to create neighborhoods with uniquely local Salt Lake business areas connected by rail.

J.D. Smith Chair, 21st & 21st Business District

Salt Lake City