Subway Impacts

It’s bizarre that The Times’ in-depth look at the potential economic impact of the subway in North Hollywood failed to mention the positive experience in Hollywood where the Metro Red Line just extended service June 12.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and other business groups, elected officials and top economists all agree that the subway is spurring the revitalization of Hollywood. A prime example is a joint development project valued at more than $400 million under construction surrounding the Hollywood / Highland Metro Rail station.

An even bigger development project is planned next to the North Hollywood Metro Rail station, which opens next spring. The Times does mention this project but it’s buried in one of the articles.

The Times is right in reporting that many Valley commuters will ride Metro Rail to downtown simply because it will take less than half an hour to travel there on the subway, rain or shine, no matter how clogged the freeways are.

However, with new stations opening next year at Universal City and the NoHo Arts District, many people who live in other parts of the county as well as tourists will visit the San Fernando Valley via Metro Rail.

Rather than taking a wait-and-see attitude, local merchants and real estate brokers should now start marketing the advantages of their convenient location.

MARC LITTMAN

Metropolitan Transportation

Authority Media

Relations Director