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May 18, 2009, Mesa, AZ City Council Chambers.
Monday night the Mesa City Council approved the proposed 2.7 mile extension of the lightrail tracks. This new addition adds to the .9 miles existing in Mesa from the Tempe border to the end station at Sycamore/Main. The Mesa line will be a total of 3.6 miles and will end near Mesa Drive.

Controversy for months sparked the ongoing discussion of what to do about the hsitoric Mesa downtown area. Some business and property owners wanted to bend the tracks one block North or South and go around the historic downtown. Many council members expressed their intial opinions that diverting the tracks around the downtown was the best alternative. But in the end after much discussion and research, the council vote 7-0 to approve the tracks to be built on the current main street right of way. Major reasons expressed by the council to stay on Main Street were:  less expensive (diverting could cost in excess of $12 million; any cost overruns would be paid for from the Mesa City budget), faster service (bending around downtown would be 4 extra track turns- slowing the train), and unwillingness to use eminent domain (required if the tracks diverted around downtown, and private property would be required for the turning spots).

The Light Rail Chamber of Commerce contributed to this article. Visit us at www.LightRailChamber.org.

-LightRailConnect staff reporter

Help! We want to find “LightRail’s Best” in all areas of ‘live, work and play’ near the lightrail tracks. Vote for your favorite restaurant, bar/club, hotel, or grocery store. Or tell us who the best professional is – Doctor, Dentist, CPA, Attorney.

We are running this poll until September 1st (90 days) to capture wide audience and customer response. Vote for the best in each category, suggest a new contestant! See the current vote leaders. Winners will be announced September 1, 2009. Those who win “LightRail’s Best” will be listed on this site, be published in the LightRailConnect Magazine, and other recognition. We aim to make it an annual event.

Check back tomorrow for current standings. Be sure your opinion is heard. Vote Today!