The funicular is back. Maybe.

Criticism over the view impacts of a bridge and elevator tower to shuttle people from Cascade Avenue down to South Whidbey Harbor in Langley has city officials reconsidering the original proposal, according to Langley Mayor Fred McCarthy.

The funny-sounding transportation module is a tram-like cart that would move along the Cascade Avenue bluff. Its purpose is to move people and their things from the top of the hill down to the waterfront and the marina, which is owned and operated by the Port of South Whidbey.

The funicular’s potential beauty is in its ability to satisfy criticism concerning view impacts and the city’s desire to connect the marina to parking and businesses in the commercial core, McCarthy said.

People have largely opposed the bridge and elevator concept. Common complaints were that it would adversely affect the sweeping views from Cascade Avenue of Camano Island, the Cascade Mountains and Saratoga Passage.

At a Planning Advisory Board meeting last month, a few dozen people packed the typically sleepy council chambers to voice their displeasure over the bridge and elevator concept. Several people questioned whether the city even knew if it was necessary and had concerns over maintenance funding.

Now, the mayor agrees with some of the criticism.

“I think that’s a legitimate concern,” McCarthy said. “I think it’s an iconic view that should be preserved.”

“I want to assure people that we listened,” he added.

Enter, or rather re-enter, the funicular. Proposed several years ago, the funicular idea was dropped after cost estimates came well above funding the city had at its disposal. Money for either structure would come from $500,000 in Island County Council of Government grants.

Eric Levine, a Langley resident, brought up the funicular at last month’s Planning Advisory Board meeting, saying he even reached out to companies for estimates based on the height of the bluff. McCarthy said the city is again looking into the tram as a mode of transportation.

“We’ve seen a couple of rather creative designs,” McCarthy said, adding that examples being considered are one that looks like a small trolley car that’s “funky like Langley” and another that is glass enclosed for a panoramic view.

Dubbed the Langley Lift, the bridge and elevator was proposed by Paul and Pam Schell. They own property at the bottom of the bluff on Wharf Street near the marina and have plans to develop it into an inn and restaurant. Paul Schell died in late July, and since then his wife has taken up the charge.

Langley needs a partner with property on Wharf Street for any type of people-mover to land. The Schells presented such an opportunity, even paying for the bridge and elevator design work of Eric Richmond and Flat Rock Productions themselves.

McCarthy said the city has not yet spoken with Schell or Richmond about the possibility of a funicular.