DALLAS — Most people can agree that DART needs a new rail line in downtown, but the debate continues over where it should go.
Two key votes are coming up this week.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit board is set to vote today, but could hold off until they find out what the city council recommends at its Wednesday meeting.
The city council and DART officials have been considering a number of options, but two alternatives remain under serious consideration. One option, known as B4, will run along Young Street into the Farmer's Market neighborhood. However, if that's chosen, the city would have to tear down the First Presbyterian Church parking garage and some new townhomes to make way.
Another alternative has arisen as an answer to some of those issues. In this scenario, the line would run relatively along the same route, but move to Jackson Street in some spots to avoid the need to demolish buildings.
The Dallas City Council is set to vote on the concept, known as the B4 Jackson alternative, on Wednesday. The Jackson alternative is so new that DART hasn't had the chance to analyze it as thoroughly as the original plan.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. is set to voice their comments and concerns at a press conference on the topic Tuesday morning. The group initially recommended DART construct option B4 Lamar-Young, but that was before the Jackson alternative was drafted.
Officials have until the end of the month to ask for federal funding to build the new line. DART will cast its final vote September 22.
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