Purple Line Debate Event Drawing Protest Rally

There will be a host of opinions at a forum Monday night on the proposed Purple Line — both inside and outside of the venue.

The Purple Line is a proposed $2.44 billion light rail extending from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County, according to MyMCMedia.org.

The 16-mile route of the proposed light-rail received approval in March 2014 for state authorities to begin condemning property needed. The Purple Line would make stops at the University of Maryland, Silver Spring and Takoma Park and other major population centers. But, more than 116 home and business owners are going to have to vacate their property to make room for the new train’s route, The Washington Post reports.

Leaders in the Town of Chevy Chase have criticized the route for the line and in its January 2015 newsletter the city says it will continue to suggest alternatives to the project.

Hosted by the Maryland Public Policy Institute, the $45-per-person forum will reportedly “examine whether the Purple Line is the best way to reduce road congestion, achieve its ridership goals, and whether it is the most cost effective way to spend transportation dollars.”

But The Action Committee for Transit (ACT) is planning a rally in support of the light rail outside of the event at the AFI Silver Spring Theater and Culture Center. ACT claims the debate is a fundraiser for the Maryland Public Policy Institute.

MyMCMedia notes ACT is hosting a Purple Line discussion following the rally at the Tastee Diner in downtown Silver Spring at 7 p.m., complete with Purple Pancakes, according to the organization.

Read more of the report.