Saving and wisely utilizing the Eastside railroad is one of the most effective, least costly and least disruptive ways in which the Eastside can fight deteriorating air quality, global warming, traffic congestion, sprawl, habitat loss, and other environmental ills.

As part of Earth Week*, Eastside Rail Now! will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 24 at the Bellevue Library to (1) review what has been accomplished to date and (2) discuss what we should do next to ensure that the full potential of the railroad and its unique right of way are utilized.

Among the topics of discussion will be:

• The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is now available on the Eastside -- and how to avoid squandering it.
• How the Eastside railroad could could help reduce greenhouse gasses and other toxic emissions.
• How the Eastside railroad could promote the development of walkable, pedestrian-friendly communities.
• How the Eastside railroad could improve public health.
• Preservation of the railroad's unique greenbelt.
• The Eastside railroad and energy independence.
• The latest advances in green railway technological, including hydrogen fuel cell power.
• The Eastside railroad as a potential global example of wise planning for the 21st century.

Informal discussion begins at 6:30 p.m., and the main agenda will start at 7:00 p.m.

The library is located near at 1111 110th Avenue NE, west of the I-405 freeway in downtown Bellevue. It is just a few blocks north of the Bellevue Transit Center.

Everybody who is interested in helping to improve the Eastside's environment (as well as improve its transportation and increase the accountability of local and regional government) is invited to participate. We look forward to meeting you.

Contact:   info at eastsiderailnow.org

________
^*April 22 is Earth Day. However, a single day is clearly not long enough for focusing attention on the very important task of protecting our irreplaceable but increasingly endangered environment. Thus Eastside Rail Now! advocates extending it to a full week.