Standing room was scarce as more than 70 people jammed the commission's meeting room.

"This is going to kill our dreams and it's going to blight our neighborhood," said Terry Hurst, a 600 West resident, who met with resounding applause from the audience.

The 600 West route would string light rail from the transit hub at 200 South to North Temple and then to the Salt Lake City International Airport. The alignment has been endorsed by city planning staff, Utah Transit Authority officials and Utah Department of Transportation representatives who belong to the project's technical committee.

It's also promoted by The Boyer Co., owner of The Gateway. The company opposes an alternate route along 400 West that would force it to give up land near North Temple.

But west-side residents, business owners and low-income housing advocates worry a 600 West alignment - and accompanying bridge over railroad tracks on 600 West - would increase crime, block views, complicate traffic flow and box in the neighborhood.

And, they say, the new route violates the area's master plan, which shows the 400 West alignment.

That route could involve an expensive reconstruction of the North Temple viaduct to allow for a TRAX stop at 500 West and to handle trains, cars and pedestrian traffic.

Many said the viaduct already is a danger to walkers, a haven for criminals and a problem spot in need of transformation. They don't want to see another bridge like it in the neighborhood.

"I'm not sure who is responsible for the maintenance of these viaducts, but they do a really bad job," said 12-year-old Joaquin Galván, who wore a suit and tie to the public hearing. "There is always litter, graffiti and pigeon poop."

Eileen Kostla, who lives in the Citifront apartments at the corner of 600 West and North Temple, worried the bridge would make it harder for ambulances to reach her building. She has diabetes and has suffered three heart attacks and one stroke.

"I don't want my life to be lost because an ambulance can't make it."

Jake Boyer said The Boyer Co. could support a 400 South route if it is altered to avoid the property taking.

"Sounds like I'm a popular person tonight," he quipped when he reached the microphone.

"As the plan currently stands, we are not in favor of the 400 West alignment and would be in favor of 600 West."

The Planning Commission, which plans to hold another public hearing on the issue Sept. 26, is expected to forward a route recommendation to the City Council in late October. The council likely would take a final vote in November.

rwinters@sltrib.com