One of the points I brought up at the meeting that seemed to be misunderstood was the increase in traffic congestion on Sandy Boulevard (and cross street intersections) due to the Sandy bus being rerouted on Sandy directly through the Hollywood District instead of serving the Hollywood Transit Station (connecting with Max via Halsey & 42nd Avenue). The additional congestion has been created by busses stopping for passengers in travel lanes and blocking other traffic, especially at 42nd Avenue. PDOT totally wasted transportation dollars by constructing the huge bus loading platform in front of Trader Joe’s that now obstructs traffic flow on Sandy when busses stop for passengers. When busses stop in both directions on Sandy at the same time, it can take three cycles of the traffic signal during non-rush hour times to get traffic moving again on both Sandy and 42nd. The sewer construction in the Hollywood District has only compounded the problem. It seems PDOT’s spending agenda is to increase congestion rather than free it up.

Another point I brought up at the meeting was the unwarranted request made by the City of Portland to Metro through the MTIP process for funds to develop the property the Hollywood Transit Center is located on. The station was designed to handle increasing transit demand with three through bus bays. The Max platform at the Hollywood Transit Center is unique in that it is the only light rail platform on the entire Max system that has only one access point, (both stairs and elevator) that has a connection to a pedestrian/bike only overpass. One of the aspects that allows Max riders to feel safe in using this particular transit station are the specifically designed sight lines to and from both the bus waiting areas and Halsey Street that runs in front of the station. Both motorists and pedestrians have a clear view of the platform when there are no busses in the station.

From a safety standpoint, particularly in bad weather, there is only one real design change needed, that would be to redesign the steep stair case ascending to the pedestrian overpass from the bus waiting areas.

Any structure development on the property between Halsey Street and the Max platform will compromise Max ridership and pedestrian safety. Planners need to take notice and a lesson from the downtown transit mall. The fact the windows of office and other buildings overlook the mall does not stop the personal attacks, harassment, drug dealing and other illegal activities. The new downtown shelters are being specifically designed to have open site lines with no places where someone can hide out of view. This same concept must remain intact at the Hollywood Transit Station by retaining the open green space between Halsey and the Max platform. The best and most wise use of this land would be for a park, not a new building. Furthermore, transportation dollars should not be used to subsidize development, and not every piece of property in Hollywood that does not already have a structure on it should be a candidate for development.

As for the bus bays themselves, they should also remain to accommodate possible future growth in bus transit. Moving the bus stops onto Halsey would only add congestion and conflict to this already congested portion of the street, and not allow for transit expansion. Any improvements to bicycle infrastructure should be paid for through a tax on the bicycle mode of transport.

At the Hollywood Transit Center, personal safety must trump all other issues including adding density. That said, redesigning of the North staircase and tweaking of the bus bays may be in order. However, constructing a large dominating structure on this piece of property that includes green and open space must be rejected.