LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Why not extend funicular line?

Editor, The Record’s online comments regarding the Langley funicular contain delightful input from Bob Prasch. He wrote, “Why take [the funicular] just to the top of the bluff? Why not all the way to DeBruyn Ave to conquer that long steep hill too? There can be ‘stations’ at Cascade, Anthes, and Park avenues along the way. Chimed music (like the kind you hear from an ice cream truck) can emanate from the vestibules as they go by. People from places like Lynnwood and Renton would be coming to Langley in droves! Maybe even Oak Harbor too!”

March 13, 2015 7:23 pm

Editor,

The Record’s online comments regarding the Langley funicular contain delightful input from Bob Prasch. He wrote, “Why take [the funicular] just to the top of the bluff? Why not all the way to DeBruyn Ave to conquer that long steep hill too? There can be ‘stations’ at Cascade, Anthes, and Park avenues along the way. Chimed music (like the kind you hear from an ice cream truck) can emanate from the vestibules as they go by. People from places like Lynnwood and Renton would be coming to Langley in droves! Maybe even Oak Harbor too!”

Thanks Bob for the fun.

Boaters will like the access to the laundromat. The funicular can return to the waterfront by way of Second Street to be fair to all struggling merchants. Stops can be made on demand for full ADA accessibility. Personal wheelchair attendants can be made available or motorized wheelchairs provided for independence as golf carts are somehow not fully effective.

Funding for the expanded route can easily be obtained with another grant request or two. Langley grants always get approved by Island County commissioners, so there are no worries.

Mr. Darrell Bryan, CEO of Victoria Clipper, will be pleased. He can sell out Clipper cruises to seniors by advertising “Complete your bucket list now! Visit Langley, have a whale of a time, and ride the fully ADA accessible FUNicular.”

So what if funicular riders complain the advertised expansive views are blocked for half the ride by Schell’s new four-story building with restaurant? So what if they complain about the other four-story Schell residence blocking their vistas of bay and mountains? Advertise and they will come bringing their money.

I doubt Mr. Bryan learned of the funicular reading the South Whidbey Record at his Mercer Island home. If informed of it by the city, why wouldn’t he endorse it? He did not say the funicular was necessary, only that it could be a tourist attraction and would meet ADA guidelines. Funicular advocates have twisted his words to say the Clipper requires a funicular. The Clipper has five bookings this season and obviously does not require the funicular.

MARELLE SADLER

Langley