LAT Column: Beverly Hills Needs Perspective in Subway Fight

A columnist in the Los Angeles Times says a subway line through Beverly Hills will give residents a much easier time than the residents of Compton, who currently deal with the inconveniences and dangers of the Blue Line.

Hector Tobar interviewed residents of Compton about life near the Blue Line after the and its last week against the Westside Subway Extension. According to Tobar's column, there have been 114 deaths associated with the Blue Line. Above-ground trains pose a risk to pedestrians and students, and several of the stations are not easily accessed, Tobar writes. He reluctantly calls the Artesia stop a "Third World train station."

Beverly Hills is sure to get a world-class subway station. But like every transportation project in our crowded city, it's going to require inflicting some headaches on the locals.

...

But I ask that people of Beverly Hills look at the larger context. Public good requires public sacrifice. Compton, Boyle Heights, and many other communities have sacrificed a lot in the building of the rail lines and freeways that link us together.

I don't think it's asking too much to expect Beverly Hills to do its share.

To read the complete column, click here.

Do you agree with Hector Tobar? Tell us in the comments.