News Summary
Residents of the Bonifant building in Silver Spring are expressing frustration over ongoing construction of the Purple Line light rail. The work disrupts mobility, particularly for seniors and individuals with mobility devices. Hazardous conditions, including difficult navigation through construction zones and reported injuries, have raised serious safety concerns. Local businesses are also feeling the impact as road closures limit customer access. Community members are urging for improved safety measures and expressing worries about long-term effects on local businesses, while officials acknowledge the challenges posed by infrastructure improvements.
Silver Spring, Maryland—Residents of the Bonifant building in downtown Silver Spring are increasingly frustrated with the ongoing construction of the Purple Line light rail, which has created significant challenges for everyday access and mobility. The construction site presents obstacles that particularly affect seniors and those with mobility devices, making it difficult for them to reach essential amenities.
Locals claim that navigating the construction zone has become perilous due to the presence of light rail tracks and uneven sidewalks. Elaine Dobson, a resident of the Bonifant, shared her concerns after her mobility device got stuck in a hazardous position caused by the construction. The dangers extend further as Jan Brown, another resident, expressed worries about having to aggressively maneuver her scooter to cross the unsafe construction zone. Both residents emphasized the pressing need for safe access as many seniors live in the building.
Safety incidents have been reported, including falls that resulted in injuries. Iva Kittrell Rayfield experienced a dislocated shoulder and a torn rotator cuff after falling in the construction area, exemplifying the risk posed by the ongoing work. Other residents have also faced similar struggles with injuries associated with the hazardous walking conditions created by the construction.
Moreover, Dr. Marsha Plater noted the poor road conditions have led to problems for motorists as well. She reported multiple flat tires on her vehicle, directly attributed to the construction work, highlighting how the project affects not only pedestrians but also drivers in the community.
A spokesperson from the Maryland Department of Transportation has acknowledged the frustrations expressed by residents. Efforts are in place to keep the Bonifant’s residents updated on construction developments. Recently, a new walkway was introduced to improve pedestrian access, but the full completion of a new sidewalk on the Bonifant’s side isn’t expected until the end of September.
The construction has caused road closures, specifically on Wayne Avenue at Fenton Street, which has disrupted both vehicular traffic and bus routes in the area. Local businesses have also reported declines in customer traffic due to these disruptions. Owner Chef Mosada of Sweet Sweet Kitchen lamented that road closures have led to fewer patrons visiting his establishment, emphasizing the negative impact on commerce due to the ongoing construction.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich addressed the situation by stating that the Purple Line’s effects on local communities are beyond the county’s control. He criticized past state leadership for not adequately managing the oversight of such major projects that have lasting implications on community interactions and business health.
The Purple Line light rail project is projected to open in winter 2027. However, local entrepreneurs remain concerned that the extended duration of the construction could jeopardize their businesses, with fears that some may face permanent closure if customer traffic does not rebound.
This growing tension amidst ongoing development highlights the delicate balance between infrastructure improvements and community needs in Silver Spring, as residents, business owners, and local officials navigate the challenges and consequences stemming from the Purple Line light rail construction.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Washington
- Wikipedia: Silver Spring, Maryland
- WTOP
- Google Search: Purple Line construction Silver Spring
- Bisnow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Source of the Spring
- Google News: construction Silver Spring
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
