Last Gasp Before the First Train: Transit Opponents Sue Over Light Rail to Eastside
When the state built express lanes on the I-90 bridge, it signed an agreement reserving them for high-capacity transit. Now that we have that transit scheduled for them, a bunch of people are suing to stop that from going down, arguing that, because the state spent gas tax money on the project, it can't be used for rail. (The state constitution specifies that gas tax money can be used for only roads.) But the state can be reimbursed for its contributions, which is being negotiated.
The most recognizable among the litigants is Kemper Freeman Jr., the Eastside developer who bankrolled the opposition to 2007's failed roads and transit measure as well as to last year's light rail vote. As always, it's a little baffling that he'd fight so hard against a train that would make it easier for potential customers to visit Bellevue Square, the mall he owns. (Especially given that competitors Northgate and Westlake will be served by the rail.) Unless he's worried about the wrong type of customer, the type with the hair curlers and the flop-flop-flopping shoes.
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