Maryland Transit holds hearings on proposed Purple Line

WASHINGTON—The Maryland Transit Administration held the first of several hearings Saturday to discuss a proposed Purple Line linking Prince George's and Montgomery Counties.

The hearings are for the public to give input on a new light rail or bus system.

Several residents and community leaders attended a hearing at the Prince George's County Municipal Building Saturday say they are in favor of a Purple Line. They say it would help ease traffic and bring more jobs to the area.

However, opponents say a Purple Line would destroy recreation areas. One proposal would call for the Purple Line to cut into part of a golf course in Chevy Chase and some running trails.

Maryland state delegate Justin Ross says it's ridiculous a major project that could help the community could be placed on hold for a few individuals.

"For the few people who are still holding on to the idea that we are not going to build this road because we are too concerned about a golf course then they are nuts," he says.

The next hearing will be Tuesday night in Chevy Chase at the national 4-H Council headquarters on 7100 Connecticut Avenue from 5 to 9p.m.

For more hearings, dates, and times see the Maryland Transit Administration's website.

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