CenterLine plan raises questions

Slowly but surely, plans for a light-rail system in Orange County

have shrunk over the years. First imagined as a 28-mile alternative

to the county’s jam-packed freeways 10 years ago, CenterLine

eventually became an idea 11 miles long. But even that was too

lengthy for Irvine residents, who earlier this year voted against

having it run through their town. After that rejection, the Orange

County Transportation Authority decided to go with an 8.5-mile route

from the transportation depot in Santa Ana, through the South Coast

Metro area to John Wayne Airport. The cost of this shortened route is

less than $1 billion, or less than half the original cost.

In other words, there does not seem to be overwhelming support for

this plan. And that is why the latest twist involving the rail going

underground by South Coast Plaza is especially troubling. This plan,

being pushed by Costa Mesa city leaders, would force the removal of

the Lakes Pavilion business center, home to four businesses -- Avo’s

Bistro, Ocean Park Cleaners, Digital Hearing Technology and the

Corner Office. That is significant news that raises a critical

question: Is CenterLine worth the removal of four businesses?

We’ve supported the CenterLine idea in the past:

“Costa Mesa made the right choice in volunteering to be a stop

along the line,” we wrote two years ago. “Its leaders are on the

right track when it comes to the area’s transportation woes and know

it’s best to start sooner than later.”

That track appears all but run out at this point. Its usefulness

to the county at 8.5 miles is questionable. Others ways to spend the

$1 billion -- on better buses, for one -- are being discussed.

In that environment, again this question: Is CenterLine worth the

removal of four businesses?

There will be a public hearing on Nov. 24 for property owners,

business owners and others to comment on the project. Proponents and

opponents of the plan should make that meeting mandatory and work to

answer that question and one more general: Is CenterLine the best

solution to the county’s transportation problems?

When the transportation authority’s board of directors votes on

the final route in December, after completion of an environmental

report still going through a public comment period, members should be

certain they have answered those questions, as well.