Save the streetcars!

What a tragedy it would be if the beloved streetcars fall victim to a misguided “vision” for the new waterfront. [“Hey, arena! Save our trolleys,” Danny Westneat column, NWWednesday, June 20.]

I feel they can still have a vital role shuttling tourists and locals alike along our newly revitalized waterfront, and reinforce the link to Seattle’s past that I fear we will lose in the rush to modernize.

Do we need another blunder to add to the list of recent civic “improvements” perpetrated on the people of Seattle?

Is anyone really pleased with the architectural monstrosity that is EMP, the vanity project that is the new Chihuly Garden and Glass? Does anyone really enjoy the inhospitable and barren South Lake Union Park? And soon, if no one stops them, does anyone want to see glass viewing boxes grafted onto the viewing deck of Seattle’s Eiffel Tower, The Space Needle (nothing less than the desecration of our favorite landmark)?

Where does this shortsighted stupidity stop?

— Larry Jost, Seattle

Trolleys and the proposed arena

Thank you Mr. Westneat!

I hope this inspires the rebirth of our beloved waterfront trolley.

I just gotta say, I am against the whole damned arena thing because only Seattle property owners would have to pay a higher property tax — all of King county should! — and I feel like another arena is being shoved down our throats.

If my memory serves correctly, we voted down the referendums and taxes to pay for the other arenas. The state stepped in for the Safeco Field (which, granted, is beautiful), and Paul Allen forced the football field on us. So, if the arena people put back in place our trolleys, I’m all for it, and that alone would completely change my mind!

— Rita Martinez, Seattle