VIEWPOINT | A funicular for Langley — an idea whose time has come

By ERIC LEVINE I was pleased to read of Mayor Fred McCarthy’s continuing efforts to make the funicular a reality that would boost activity and business for both the expanded marina and downtown Langley. Regarding the article on the council meeting of this past Monday, I’m concerned that too often the opponents, few but very vocal — who may not have all the facts — can feed into the perception that they represent a higher percentage of the population than they do in reality. Although not quoted, I spoke in favor of the project that night and have talked to many in the city, not only in favor but enthusiastically so.

December 6, 2014 4:00 pm

By ERIC LEVINE

I was pleased to read of Mayor Fred McCarthy’s continuing efforts to make the funicular a reality that would boost activity and business for both the expanded marina and downtown Langley. Regarding the article on the council meeting of this past Monday, I’m concerned that too often the opponents, few but very vocal — who may not have all the facts — can feed into the perception that they represent a higher percentage of the population than they do in reality. Although not quoted, I spoke in favor of the project that night and have talked to many in the city, not only in favor but enthusiastically so.

Having done research on the funicular concept some years earlier, updating it after concern was expressed about the viewscape, and initiating what turned out to be an encouraging discussion with the mayor, I composed a summary of answers to many of the earlier and now more recent questions about the project.

The funicular/incline railway can be built to preserve the entire viewscape.

Connections would be at the top and bottom only with the rails and any other part of the undercarriage situated in the air above the bluff.

Virtually all the groundcover underneath the rails would be preserved.

The model being considered complies with all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. It would be a permanent and constant solution for most people designated orthopedically “disabled” or otherwise unable to get up and down, to and from the marina unassisted.

Previous estimates were significantly higher than the grant allocation of $500,000. After contacting several companies, I called the Hill Hiker Corporation, and after supplying them with a few basic measurements and parameters, was pleasantly surprised to learn their preliminary estimate was within the grant limit. Repair and maintenance would be included. Locals (provided they win a competitive bidding process) could be hired to do a majority of the construction work.

In a previous article Port Commissioner Ed Halloran stated that the car needed to accept the type of wheeled cart (plus one or two persons) that boaters use for gear and provisions. The model proposed would do just that or take eight to 10 people per trip.

What may well be the least talked about, but most beneficial aspect of this project is the funicular/incline railway as an attraction in and of itself. The sea and mountains provide riders a breathtaking panorama that changes dramatically as they rise to the crest of the bluff. I envision it to be an icon for the city and a great source of civic pride.

Dubuque, Iowa’s funicular (a proven and popular attraction for that town) has been called “the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway.” Langley could actually take over this claim!

According to the Langley Planning Department website, both further marina expansion and increased tour-boat operations are symbiotically connected with the construction of this transportation link. All three can build on each other to make it a win-win for the city, the port, downtown merchants and the Langley residential community.

Levine is a Langley resident, retired teacher and counselor.