And thus the entire issue with the project to build a streetcar from Portland to Lake Oswego, Oregon, on the former SP Jefferson Street Branch.

When the line was abandoned by SP and sold to the local governments, something had to be operated to protect the rail use of the tracks. Thus, the Willamette Shores Trolley.

This June will be two years since the trolley last operated...my guess is that either that trolley will come back to life even if it means lots of public dollars, or there will be an adverse abandonment proceeding. There are some (very wealthy, politically connected, and legally aware) landowners that would much rather not have to deal with a railroad crossing in the middle of their driveway (and I'm talking, they cannot park a car in front of their garage door for it would foul the track)...or having to cross the tracks just to get the morning newspaper and their mail.

Especially given that some of the Streetcar proposals were to put the Streetcar...well, on the "street" (Highway 43) that doesn't bode well for those who want to protect the railroad right-of-way. And since Lake Oswego has suspended support for the project and Portland has decided to work on other projects...