Sound Transit continually marginalizes Island residents’ access | Letter

I agree with Elizabeth Buckley’s recent letter (“Time for Mercer Island Council to step up regarding I-90 access,” Dec. 28).

We should have an immediate injunction as our residents and access are continually being marginalized by Sound Transit. Whoever heard of multiple buses from the Eastside disgorging passengers, parking on Mercer Island (the lowest beginning number I heard was nine) on North Mercer Way until the buses can “turn around” and pick up more passengers for the Eastside commute?

The most shocking is that there is no plan for evacuating the Island in emergencies. Island Crest would be the most direct and the least compromised east-west route in the event there is a natural disaster.

Losing four access routes would be devastating. Both West Mercer and East Mercer would probably be blocked by tress, slides, etc., which would necessitate immediate evacuations. (Consider all the press we receive from the city, county and state to prepare for the next “big one.”) Sound Transit plans are not helping.

Medical emergencies are time sensitive.

Is there a group that could effectively step in and protect our Island? We need it.

Linda Barber

Mercer Island