My (crude) drawing for what McDowell Streetcar could be like

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The Light Rail has been a great success, but Light Rail is only one component of a fully fledge rail transit system. Commuter and Intercity rail need to be built as well, but so does Modern Streetcar for more middle use areas. Both Tucson and Tempe are following the lead of cities like Portland and getting on board the Modern Streetcar revival. Phoenix ought to follow suit.

The best place in PHX for Modern Streetcar is McDowell Rd between 19th Ave and 24th St. This 4 mile stretch is loaded with potential, all one needs to do is drive/bike down it to see that.

McDowell Rd has perhaps the largest stock of buildings built right up to or near the street that still survives in PHX. Many of these buildings, especially along the old "Miracle Mile" stretch in Coronado are dilapidated but ooze potential.

Just think of the connective possibilities for the McDowell Modern Streetcar (MMS), from West to East it would connect:

* at 19th Ave a multi modal station connecting the MMS to the West extension of Light Rail, buses, Commuter Rail and a terminus station for the GARP (Grand Ave Rail Project)
* the State Fairgrounds (and perhaps an enhance Encanto Park)
* the Encanto Palmcroft and FQ Story Neighborhoods
* the growing corner of 7th Ave & McDowell
* the Willo & Roosevelt neighborhoods
* the LRT at Central, as well as the Art Museum and Library
* Safeway! People would actual ride rail to a grocery store
* the newly revamped Townsend park.
* the Coronado and Brentwood neighborhoods
* Good Sam & surrounding medical offices
* Coronado Park
* the old "Miracle Mile" retail section from 12th to 20th
* Calle 16
*A new park & ride on the NE corner of 21st Place
* N/S bus routes on 24th St connecting down to the Airport

A streetcar on McDowell ties together some of PHXs strongest historic 'hoods and best attractions and would be a huge engine for revitalizing McDowell Road.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Link
http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_projects