Don't forget transportation
To the editor:
First, I want to commend everyone for the support they have given to Donald Bowman's plan for the continuing restoration and redevelopment of downtown Hagerstown. Although, as a resident of Alexander House, I would like for his idea for the conversion of Alexander House into a hotel to happen later rather than sooner, if it happens at all.
However, there is one glaring omission in Bowman's plan - that is the provision for an adequate public transportation system. If one looks at the impetus for revitalization of neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., one can readily see that the driving force has been close proximity to a Metro station. Obviously, Hagerstown is a long way from having Metro stations, but attention and consideration must be given to the availability of adequate public transportation when planning for future development in the downtown area.
While the County Commuter provides a vital service to Hagerstown, there are a number of deficiencies in the system that need to be addressed: