"Pro-streetcar City Council members won a victory Monday by approving preliminary steps to get federal money for service to Uptown."
"Opponents at the same time raised the prospect of a referendum that could kill the city's streetcar plan."
"Chris Bortz, the leading streetcar advocate, asked the panel to OK $800,000 for preliminary studies required for federal funding applications. The detailed studies would cover Uptown, which the city's original streetcar plan covered in general terms."
"Supporter David Crowley endorsed the proposal 'to prove to the public that we are moving ahead.'"
