Jules Rosen

Jake, Yes, the proposal is that it crosses at-grade across Clifton. If indeed a 30 ft. flat section is needed for crossing at Clifton, it would require a ~3ft vertical regrading, which could could be spread out a long distance up the hill before the crossing. If a 30 ft. flat section is needed for crossing at Clifton, it would require a ~2ft vertical regrading that could easily be accomodated with the pending demolition of the elementary, which could offer more space to work with.

The design which goes down the hillside to Elm and McMicken can be done at a 6.3% grade, avoiding a costly tunnel and historic building demolition and going against traffic by streetcars on Race. Also, most of the property is already owned by the city, and the ride will afford some pretty awesome views of the city..While I think the incline idea is elegantly presented, I think it misses the opportunity for a development corridor along Vine and passes through an area that is strictly residential to get Uptown, whereas Vine is mixed use and primed for redevelopment.