HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/13/2025 03.C. Misc Distributed at the MeetingDistributed at Meeting:
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Price, Cally
From: Andrew Jennings <aajennings@aol,com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 9:56 AM
To: All City Council
Subject: Comments on tonight's Study Session C; Design Options - 6th Ave Rebuild & Rail
Renovation Project 2796 (TBD Fund)
I wish that I did not have a conflict that prevents me from participating via Zoom at tonight's
meeting. Please add the contents of this email to the public comments considered by the City
Council Members tonight.
It is less than 45 days ago that I learned that the very unique, early 20th century, interurban service
provided by Yakima Valley Trolleys is under threat if the 6th Ave Rebuild were not to include the
trolley option. I believe that the full implications for Yakima of eliminating that service should be
considered, and if if they are considered it would be seen how short-sighted such a removal would
be, Removal would be a self-inflicted wound to Yakima's tourism.
As someone who spent over 50 years in or consulting to the rail and public transit industries I con
attest to the uniqueness of and the historic importance of the Selah line. Even if it has not yet been
placed on the appropriate historic registers, removal of the line from 6th Avenue deserves the
protection of a full historic review.
I learned about the possible removal because I am planning a trip to Washington State later this
year. Yakima is on my tentative itinerary because of Yakima Valley Trolleys and the 6th Ave
connection to the Selah line. I will spend a few hundred dollars in Yakima on hotel, meals and
incidentals. I will likely be a passenger on one of the essential air service flight serving Yakima. As
you can easily deduce from the first survey, there are many others worldwide who will make a similar
trip, either this year or in the future, principally to ride the Selah line.
Please take the wise course. Recommend an option that includes the the trolley on 6th Ave. Work
with Yakima Valley Trolleys to restore the green transportation that was available in the early 20th
century, Help make the trolley an everyday attraction rather than simply a seasonal weekend one. I
expect that such actions will bring dividends to the City of Yakima and the region.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Andrew Jennings
29 Talbot Avenue
North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862
land line: 978-663-8193