Yes....as CMH just suggested, there are a lot of pro's and con's.

 

I get the sense that Mayor Coleman (finally) is beginning to push COTA into doing something more than just running a bus system, which it abolsuetly needs to do.  The Mayor sees the value in having intermodal connections for moving people, as evidenced in the last streetcar meeting where he clearly and strongly endorsed passenger rail in the 3-C Corridor and (for the first-time I can recall) a strong pitch for advancing light rail service from Downtown into the "burbs".

Funny April Fools Day report on the streetcars from XING Columbus:

 

http://xingcolumbus.wordpress.com/2008/04/01/coleman-takes-message-to-the-streets/

 

Coleman Takes Message to the Streets

April 1, 2008 by Eric

 

Following a heated exchange with a group of reporters who he claimed, “just didn’t get it”, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman took his message to the streets Tuesday morning.  He hoped the display would help to educate the public on what his proposed streetcar line is, and more importantly, what it is not.

 

At the press conference, several writers at local editorial news outlets, The Other Paper and The Lantern, pressed the mayor with questions ranging from, “Why are you proposing to bring back 100 year old technology?”, to, “Do you think all of the trolley bell ringing will disturb downtown residents?”

 

“It’s not Rice A Roni!  Stop calling it a Trolley!  It’s not nostalgic!”, he proclaimed as he stormed out of the conference and down the hallways of City Hall.  “Why don’t they get it?  Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp?”

 

Utterly confused and frustrated about how difficult it’s been to educate local media outlets about his sleek, modern, mass transit system, he proclaimed, “You want to see 100 year old technology?  I’ll show you 100 year old technology!”

 

 

FROM HERE: http://walker.columbusunderground.com/?p=551

 

<A href="http://walker.columbusunderground.com/?p=551">Streetcar Weekend News Blast Roundup</a>

 

If you haven't heard anything about the Streetcar recently, then crawl out from under that rock and listen up! Ever since the Streetcar Public Meeting to reveal the financing plans on Thursday (<a href="http://xingcolumbus.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/mayor-coleman-unveils-streetcar-financing-plan/">Press Release here</a>) every news media outlet has grabbed on and unleashed a wave of information. Some of it spun positively. Some of it spun negatively. I've even heard from several sources that some local tv news teams have been asking questions during their citizen interviews based on false information. Hopefully once the dust settles a little bit, things will be presented a little more rationally and bias-free, but for now, let's bring on the three-ring circus:

 

Business First gives us probably one of the most bias-free reports of the funding development and a great headline to boot: "<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/24/daily29.html">Plan keeps funding in small group for Columbus streetcar proposal</a>".

 

The Dispatch delivers a hat trick with <a href="http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/03/27/streetcar.html?sid=101">Mayor proposes ticket surcharge to pay for streetcars</a> on Thursday, <a href="http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/03/28/howpay.ART_ART_03-28-08_A1_1H9P1CD.html?sid=101">Surcharges may power streetcars</a> on Friday, and <a href="http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/03/29/STREETCAR.ART_ART_03-29-08_B1_KD9PDC0.html?sid=101">Not all aboard on streetcar notion</a> on Saturday. Again, it seems like the people who aren't on board with the Streetcar proposal generally want to either see a longer line or a more regional rail network in place first. Best quote: "<em>What's the point, other than for show?</em>" said Joe Sanders, 37, an unemployed Gahanna resident. (Hopefully the new jobs generated by the economic development along the line will make Joe a convert).

 

The Other Paper does what they do best and <a href="http://www.theotherpaper.com/top3-27/substory1.htm">plays up the drama</a> before delivering their opinion on the news. Best quote: "<em>The plan was met by its share of skeptics: folks outside of Downtown’s 4,500 residents and 90,000 workers who would make limited use of the system.</em>"

 

10TV.com reveals on Thursday that the <a href="http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/03/27/story_streetcars.html?sid=102">Streetcar Plan Could Generate Millions For City</a> but then on Friday those millions take a backseat when they find out that the <a href="http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/03/28/story_streetcar_fees.html">Streetcar Line Could Mean Fee Increases</a>. Best quote: Pretty much everything that can be found in their <a href="http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/discussions/discuss_streetcars.html">comment section</a> on this topic.

 

MORPC pushed out a Press Release on Friday: <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13138&start=84">Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Committed to Streetcars</a>.  Best quote: “<em>The streetcar is an investment that is a part of a broader vision for an integrated transportation system in central Ohio</em>,” said MORPC Executive Director Chester R. Jourdan.

 

Paul Bonneville at ColumbusRetroMetro gives his two cents with the article <a href="http://columbusretrometro.typepad.com/columbus_retrometro/2008/03/columbus-stre-1.html">Columbus Streetcar System gets Thumbs Up</a>. Best quote: "<em>Long story short, the streetcars have passed the funding hurdle in as much as to whether or not is looks like we'll be able to fund a system without additional taxes. The streetcar system has an official "go ahead" as of last night.</em>"

 

Despite being loaded down with inane commentary, <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/03/27/hotissue_streetcar.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101">The Dispatch poll</a> from Thursday is showing that 51% of pollsters would ride the downtown Streetcar. Given the history of these types of polls, that's a pretty high vote in favor of ridership. In addition, many of the comments of the folks who voted "no" still support the idea, or would prefer to see other forms of rail transit first.

 

1000 Friends of Central Ohio announced <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13138&start=93">their support of the plan</a>. Best quote: “<em>Any way you look at it, from an economic standpoint, an air pollution standpoint, human health, responsible use of the land, livable community, or economic development standpoint – any way you look at it</em>,” says Baker, “<em>public transportation options are a tremendous benefit to a community. And, a fixed guide way – where rail lines are built into the pavement – lower investment risks because of the permanency, so citizens can expect a tremendous return that will add enormous benefit to their way of living.</em>”

 

NBC4i.com starts on Thursday with the question, <a href="http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-03-27-0036.html">Downtown Streetcars: Who Funds The Project?</a> and follows on Friday with another question, <a href="http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-03-28-0024.html">Are Taxpayers Really Clear From Funding Downtown Streetcars?</a> Best quote: "<em>But if you don't use the system, is your wallet really in the clear?</em>" (Stay tuned for more at 11!)

 

BOMA Columbus (The Building Owners and Managers Association, not the Bar of Modern Art) also showed their support with a Press Release: <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13138&start=90">BOMA joins Mayor Coleman’s Office in support of Downtown Streetcars</a>. Best quote: "<em>streetcars make good economic sense, because they attract millions of dollars in development</em>".

 

OSU President E. Gordon Gee also released a short statement on the Downtown Streetcar Plan: “Ohio State enthusiastically supports Mayor Coleman’s streetcar initiative. It will benefit our students, faculty and staff, as well as the people who live and work in the University District. And it will provide easy transportation to campus so that visitors can enjoy the South Campus Gateway, Wexner Center for the Arts and the many other arts, entertainment and sporting events on and around our campus. A streetcar line along the High Street corridor is a symbol of the close ties that exist between our world-class university and our world-class city.”

 

Columbus-ite.com gives us a photo tour of what <a href="http://columbus-ite.com/2008/03/27/before-high-street-downtown/">High Street Downtown looks like before the Streetcars</a>. He points out the empty retail spaces, undeveloped parking lots, and other spaces that could use some improvement. Stay tuned for part 2 in 2012 when the Streetcar opens and part 3 in 2016 when some development has sprung up.

 

Tim Doulin from The Dispatch has a new blog post discussing <a href="http://blog.dispatch.com/commuter/2008/03/streetcars_for_columbus.shtml">Streetcars for Columbus</a>. Best quote: "<em>I’m not sure how many times I will need to use the streetcar. But for those who live in the Short North or OSU and those working Downtown or visitors spending a few nights in Downtown hotels, it could be a relatively cheap and easy way to get to destinations along the line. It also represents a chance to get a foothold on building a more elaborate rail system.</em>"

 

John Kazalia (About.com Guide to Columbus) thinks the Streetcar Proposal is <a href="http://columbusoh.about.com/b/2008/03/29/streetcar-proposal-off-the-tracks.htm">Off the Tracks</a>. Best quote: "<em>If we really need streetcars, get COTA to build and operate it with a federal grant. And if we're not eligible, how important is it then?</em>"

 

And finally, this story from This Week News is about a week old, but worth mentioning because some suburban <a href="http://www.thisweeknews.com/?sec=home&story=sites/thisweeknews/0031308/NewAlbany/News/031308-News-509608.html&tab=tab1">Civic officials question streetcar plan.</a> Best quote: "<em>What's the point here?</em>" - John Best, president of the Far Northwest Civic Coalition (FNWCC)

Great roundup.  And great blog too Walker.

The Ohio Rail Development Commission has also endorsed the Streetcar Plan and thanked the Mayor for his support of restoring rail passenger service in the 3-C Corridor and an eventual tie-in with the Streetcar and (hopefully) light rail.

Columbus Retro Metro has the text of The Ohio Rail Development Commission endorsement of the Columbus Streetcars at their website.

 

Link: http://columbusretrometro.typepad.com/columbus_retrometro/2008/04/the-ohio-rail-d.html#more

 

Just anecdotally, I was up in Columbus yesterday, grabbing a few beers at the Elevator (awesome beer btw, and quite nifty bar interior), and I was talking with the patrons at the bar and the bartender about what they thought about the streetcar idea.  There was definitely still quite a bit of negativity and skepticism.  Anyhow, public perception does matter, and even if this is just anecdotal, it seems that there is still some public marketing that needs to happen.  I heard some of the same skeptical comments I've heard down in Cinci (this is a foolish waste of taxpayer money cause there's nothing here, etc).  No matter how unconnected to reality those comments may be, there is politicking yet to come.

 

Just "the word on the street" :)

 

As a comare and contrast between the line that is proposed in Cincinnati, I walked the proposed Columbus route, and it definitely seems like it will serve somewhat different development agendas, but also the area seems well suited to a streetcar line.  (Going past the convention center is going to be a big win I think)

Another local endorsement of the downtown streetcar proposal posted at the Columbus Retro Metro website...

 

Experience Columbus Supports Streetcars

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Beth Ervin, Director, Communications                                                

Experience Columbus

March 31, 2008

 

DOWNTOWN CONNECTIVITY VITAL TO VISITOR EXPERIENCE

 

Streetcars that link hotels to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, downtown visitor attractions, The Ohio State University campus and entertainment districts, would do much to enhance the experience of visitors to Columbus, according to Experience Columbus, the region’s destination sales and marketing organization.

 

“The connectivity of downtown is a vital component to a desirable and vibrant city for both leisure and convention visitors, as well as local residents” said Paul Astleford, president and CEO of Experience Columbus.  “It is one of the key components we need to compete for a larger share of the convention and visitor markets and the significant economic contribution those visitors represent to our community.”  Independent research documents that visitors spend more than $5.3 billion in Greater Columbus annually.

 

Other components that are key to building the community’s competitive strength as a tourism and convention destination include 1) a full-service convention hotel near the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 2) development of more unique retail and entertainment alternatives along the downtown High Street corridor and 3) collaborative image building and marketing initiatives to address the city’s perennial struggle with its lack of recognition in the national and global marketplace.

 

“Mayor Coleman’s plan to bring streetcars downtown represents a visionary and innovative approach to our city’s future not only as a great place to live, work and raise a family, but also as a wonderful place to visit and play,” said Astleford.

 

Experience Columbus is the destination sales and marketing organization for the Greater Columbus community. Known for 65 years as the Greater Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau, Experience Columbus works with the Columbus community to create a competitive distinction in the visitor marketplace, attracting leisure visitors, conventions and meetings. Visitor spending annually tops $5 billion in Franklin County.

 

http://columbusretrometro.typepad.com/columbus_retrometro/2008/04/experience-colu.html#more

Great roundup.  And great blog too Walker.

Thanks! ;)

Initial streetcar line seen as start of much larger system

By JENNIFER WRAY

Suburban News Publications

Published: Tuesday, April 1, 2008 10:36 AM EDT

 

It's been a half-century since Columbus residents could hop aboard a streetcar in the city.  With a funding plan now in place, such transit could be available for use as soon as 2012.  At a public meeting Thursday, March 27, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and other city leaders discussed the cost of the proposed 2.8-mile starter line running from Ohio State University's campus to Downtown.  They also detailed how the $103 million construction and $4.5 million annual operation costs would be paid.

 

As proposed, those who would most benefit from the streetcar line along North High Street would shoulder the greatest financial burden.  The area in the so-called "benefit zone" would be responsible for 80 percent of the $11.4 million annualized cost of the line.  It would run along High Street from Mound Street Downtown to 11th Avenue on the OSU campus. 

 

Boundaries for the benefit zone are drawn approximately three blocks on either side of the line, with a bulge to the west in the Arena District, because people are more willing to walk longer distances in the area, said John Rosenberger, formerly of Capitol South.  Rosenberger worked with consultants HDR in developing the detailed funding plans.

 

Full story at http://www.snponline.com/articles/2008/04/02/the_booster/news/bostreetca_20080331_0217pm_1.txt

 

Friday, April 4, 2008

 

Editorial

 

A streetcar's desire

 

Business First of Columbus - Business First

 

The proposal to develop a rail line along High Street would serve as a proper entree to the power of public transportation in a car-happy town.  For years, the Columbus region has suffered from the scarceness of public transportation options.  Beyond hopping a few buses, most commuters have taken to the highways in their cars as the only way to get around town.  The results are mounting traffic congestion, longer commutes, frustration and an ever-widening divide between Columbus and its sprawling suburbs.

 

More at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/

Friday, April 4, 2008

 

Editorial

A streetcar's desire

Business First of Columbus - Business First

 

For years, the Columbus region has suffered from the scarceness of public transportation options...

 

Creation of the line would show Central Ohioans that public transportation has considerable merits, and that its development is imperative if we hope to keep the health of this community from taking a bad turn...

 

...it stands to break down barriers to developing a comprehensive public transportation program for this town...

 

Another groan headline but a great editorial from Business First.  Especially with the points high-lighted about streetcars being a part of the overall public transportation picture for central Ohio.  Thanks for posting this Noozer.

 

^ Shouldn't there be a law prohibiting the use of the word "desire" with the word "streetcar" in the same sentence? Or do we just need more competent headline writers?

^ Shouldn't there be a law prohibiting the use of the word "desire" with the word "streetcar" in the same sentence? Or do we just need more competent headline writers?

 

I think there should be a law!

I don't think journalists take out the time to see if their headlines have ever been used. Or maybe they assume their local market hasn't seen it before, therefore still making theirs clever. Seems like a lot of headlines are cliche these days. For example anti-war articles called "Nukes of Hazzard".

Journalists don't write headlines -- their editors do. And their editors usually don't care THAT much as to whether headlines have been used before. Newspaper editorial staff don't work as the writing equivalent of cosmetic surgeons -- that's the MO for magazine writers or even novelists. We work as MASH-unit surgeons. Get 'em in, get 'em out, erase memory, move on to the next story.

Interesting article from the Newark Advocate that provides some historical context.  Also mentions the Columbus Downtown Streetcar plan toward the end.

 

Article published Apr 7, 2008

Electric railways once tied together Ohio's small towns

By TIFFANY EDWARDS

Advocate Reporter

 

NEWARK -- In a 1930s photo on display at The Works, a billboard advertisement featuring an electric train from The Lake Shore Electric Railway promised travel that was "Safer -- and No Traffic Jams."  Facing a suffering economy and stiff competition from automobiles, the electric interurban railways were trying to preserve an industry that once was booming in Ohio.

 

By World War I, 2,798 miles of interurban track existed within Ohio, according to the Ohio Historical Society. Ohio's mileage, the most in the country, exceeded the next closest state by about 1,000 miles. And in Licking County, some of the first electric railway tracks to stretch between towns were laid.

 

Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080407/NEWS01/804070336

Business First of Columbus

 

Friday, April 4, 2008

City's streetcar plan may face road bump

by Jeff Bell Business First

 

Backers of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's streetcar plan have a sales job ahead of them.  Their pitch will include getting City Council to pass legislation supporting the proposed financing plan for the $103 million project and Coleman explaining the details of a 4 percent surcharge on sports and concert tickets to owners of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

"There's a lot I need to know about this proposal and what it will accomplish before I could feel 100 percent about it," said Councilman Kevin Boyce, chairman of council's finance committee.  The surcharge on paid admissions to sporting and entertainment events has the Blue Jackets' attention, said Mike Priest, president of the National Hockey League club.  "It obviously raises concerns for our fans and season-ticket holders that we'll want to address with the mayor," Priest said.  "Anything that affects our ticket holders affects us."

 

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/04/07/story2.html

:-)  Real nice pro-streetcar letter to the editor from local restaurant magnate-in-the-making Liz Lessner.

 

Fewer would drive if there were streetcars

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Dispatch Letter To The Editor

 

I own three restaurants within the benefit district of the proposed streetcar line, where parking is at a premium.  I employ roughly 100 workers and cater to hundreds more, seven days per week from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.  Eighty percent of my staff would use the proposed streetcar line, eliminating up to 80 cars per day.

 

While it is uncertain just how many customers would benefit, the customer response from my restaurants has been overwhelmingly positive, and most of our regulars agree that they would prefer to take a streetcar to eat in the Short North or on Gay Street rather than have to battle for parking spaces.

 

The proposed streetcar line would bring relief to the traffic and parking gridlock in the Short North and Downtown.

 

ELIZABETH LESSNER

CEO/President

Betty's Fine Food and Spirits

The Surly Girl Saloon

Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails

 

Full letter at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2008/04/09/Lessner_ART_04-09-08_A10_AO9SE0K.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101

Great letter. More letters like it are needed!

When streetcars ruled

Columbus prepares to step back into the transit future

Monday,  April 14, 2008 3:13 AM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Mayor Michael B. Coleman doesn't want to bring streetcars to Columbus.  He wants to bring them back.  From Bexley to the Hilltop, from the South Side to Worthington, from Westerville and Upper Arlington into Downtown, earlier generations of central Ohioans were regular riders of the rails.  In streetcars' heyday in the 1920s, more than 700 miles of track crisscrossed the region, a system far more extensive than the 2.8-mile run between Downtown and Ohio State University that could make its debut in 2012 if the City Council approves spending $103 million to start it.

 

Several old routes covered the stretch of High Street where Coleman hopes a modern streetcar will attract housing and businesses.  The Dispatch retraced parts of those runs -- the High and Whittier line and the North and South High line -- to see what's left of the old system and how people feel about a new one.

 

Full story at http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/04/14/OLDTROLLEY.ART_ART_04-14-08_A1_P59S41B.html?sid=101

Awesome article!

Good job by the Dispatch! 

Yeah, I thought it was a nice weaving of the past and future as far as Columbus streetcars.  Vitale did a great job of telling a story without being cute or condescending.

 

BTW: The photo I posted was from the last run of the streetcars in 1947 and the map was one I had in my files.

FUNDING REQUEST

Council brakes on streetcar, cameras

Mayor's proposals need more public input, members say

Wednesday,  April 16, 2008 7:48 AM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Is the Columbus City Council still relevant?  Some council members say they feel overlooked by Mayor Michael B. Coleman, who is asking them to approve money for a streetcar line and neighborhood surveillance cameras before they've passed judgment on the merits of either idea.

 

"These are huge dollars we're talking about to be obligated by the city of Columbus," Councilwoman Charleta B. Tavares said of the mayor's requests.  He is asking for $2 million on design and engineering for a streetcar line and $1.45 million to study how the Division of Police should deploy the cameras.

 

"These are taxpayer dollars," Tavares said. "I would think we'd want the public's input on it."

 

Full story at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/04/16/capitalredirect.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

"These are taxpayer dollars," Tavares said. "I would think we'd want the public's input on it."---Coumbus City Council Member Charleta Tavares.

 

Not enough public input? :wtf:

 

Where have Tavares and Boyce been for the last 18 months?  There has been extensive public input on this: not the least of which was the Citizen Summit earlier this year.

 

If anyone would like to give their "input" on the Downtown Streetcar to the members of the Coulmbus City Council, to whom the plan appears to be some kind of new revelation, here is their contact information:

 

Michael C. Mentel, Council President

Chair: Rule and Reference Committee

Legislative Aide: Mark Rutkus

Email: [email protected]    (614) 645-8558

 

Kevin L. Boyce, Council President Pro-Tem

Chair: Finance; and Zoning Committees

Legislative Aide: Kym J. Nelson

Email: [email protected]    (614) 645-0851

 

Hearcel F. Craig

Chair: Judiciary and Court Administration; and Minority and Small Business Development Committees

Legislative Aide: Kathy Owens, Interim Aide

Email: [email protected]  (614) 645-8559

 

Andrew J. Ginther

Chair: Safety; and Utilities Committees

Legislative Aide: Kenneth Paul

Email: [email protected] (614) 645-2931

 

Maryellen O'Shaughnessy

Chair: Public Service and Transportation; and Development Committees

Legislative Aide: Lelia Cady 

Email: [email protected]    (614) 645-8529

 

Charleta B. Tavares

Chair: Health, Housing and Human Services; and Workforce Development Committees

Legislative Aide: James C. Ragland

Email: [email protected]  (614) 645-8580

 

Priscilla R. Tyson

Chair: Administration; and Recreation and Parks Committees

Legislative Aide: Carl Williams

Email: [email protected]    (614) 645-2933

Welcome to Cincinnati ;) 

 

On a serious note, I'll send a few letters (I'd come to CBUS more if, blah blah) if anyone can tell me which council members are the best "target audience"

 

Tavares, Boyce and Mentel would be the ones I would especially contact.

 

O'Shaughnessy is an avid supporter of the streetcar and passenger rail, but it would hurt to copy here on anything your send to the others.

Here is the basic text of what I will be sending...

 

-- snip --

Dear Council Member [blah],

Let me preface this letter by stating that I am not resident of Columbus, but a resident of Cincinnati.  I am currently a law student at the University of Cincinnati college of law, just finishing up my last year.  One thing that comes with the last year of law school is watching my fellow students make big decisions about where they will live upon graduation, and for new graduates with heavy debt, issues such as quality public transportation (considering the exorbitant cost of gasoline) weigh heavily in our considerations.  This year I will see many of my friends leave Ohio for greener pastures and I feel strongly that Ohio needs to do everything possible to keep these folks in the fold.

 

My current job will keep me in Cincinnati, but that said, I am up in Columbus fairly frequently to attend conferences, musical events, and sporting events.  As a non resident, I am well aware that there are many bus routes that cover the city fairly well, but I don't know these routes or their stops, and I am unlikely to hop on a bus if I don't know that I can get off near where I want to be.  This is just one of the reasons the proposed Columbus streetcar would be of great benefit to me.

 

I have been watching the debate over the proposed streetcar line for some time now, and it seems to me that there has already been a great deal of discussion about the benefits, costs, and planning of the currently proposed system.  I can state with some certainty that if and when this system is built it will encourage me and my wife to come up to Columbus more often, even if just to get away for a weekend.  There are tons of attractions along the proposed route that I would certainly frequent more often if I could just leave my car at the hotel.  As it stands now, if I have to drive everywhere I would like to go, visiting Columbus for recreation just isn't high on my list.

 

I urge you to please support the Columbus streetcar as it is currently proposed by Mayor Coleman.  It great potential to encourage investment in Columbus and keeping our best and brightest in Ohio.

 

Sincerely,

Christopher St. Pierre

Got this message from a friend tonight.....

 

Subject: write a letter in support of streetcars for Columbus! 

 

Hello!

 

We have recently found out that City Council members are receiving many letters opposing the streetcar, as many as 15 opposing to 1 supporting. We would like to get a 'Letters in Support' initiative going.

 

Please join me this Saturday the 17th, 10:00 A-m until Noon for the breakfast at The Warehouse Cafe, located downtown on N 5th Street. to write a letter to Council members in support of the streetcar!

 

I will have plenty of paper and pens so we can get lots of letters written and I will take care of getting them in the mail!

 

We all need to speak up and make sure council knows Columbus citizens DO want a streetcar.

 

If you are unable to join me on Saturday, please write a letter on your own! Here is the address:

Columbus City Council

City Hall

90 W Broad St, Room 231

Columbus, OH 43215-9015

 

Please address it to any of the council members: Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, Kevin L. Boyce President Pro-Tem, Michael C. Mentel President, Andrew J. Ginther, Hearcel F. Craig, Priscilla R. Tyson, and Charleta B. Tavares

 

Also, please consider speaking to Council in support of the streetcars:

See this link for more information on how to do that: http://www.columbuscitycouncil.../speak.asp

 

I hope to see you at The Warehouse Cafe on Saturday morning!

Anne Evans

 

Anne's my wife. ;) Hope to see some of you out on Saturday to help write letters! :D

Folks, if any of you have seen the naysayers letters in the Dispatch, you know what we're up against! Let's not drop the ball now by being silent while they continue to voice their opinions. Instead, we should react as soon as we can and that goes double for the members of Columbus City Council, who seem to be responding to the critics.

 

This fight won't be easy. Even if the streetcar is a freebie we'll have opposition.

 

My current job will keep me in Cincinnati, but that said, I am up in Columbus fairly frequently to attend conferences, musical events, and sporting events.  As a non resident, I am well aware that there are many bus routes that cover the city fairly well, but I don't know these routes or their stops, and I am unlikely to hop on a bus if I don't know that I can get off near where I want to be.  This is just one of the reasons the proposed Columbus streetcar would be of great benefit to me.

 

I'm curious- where are the Cincinnati and Columbus streetcar proposals at relative to each other?

In the political process: about at the same point.  Columbus route plan is pretty well locked in and now awaits debate by the City Council.  Cincinnati's route plan is also a matter (so far) of extensive debate in the City Council.

 

John Schneider.... don't want to presume to speak for you folks.  Is that a fair assessment?

In the political process: about at the same point.  Columbus route plan is pretty well locked in and now awaits debate by the City Council.  Cincinnati's route plan is also a matter (so far) of extensive debate in the City Council.

 

John Schneider.... don't want to presume to speak for you folks.  Is that a fair assessment?

 

 

In Cincinnati, opponents are complicating the route -- making it longer, more expensive and requiring Federal funds -- as a tactic for killing the streetcar.

Is there any action underway to get Columbus and Cincinnati together on common purchasing for rolling stock, etc. as mentioned by jmecklenborg in a previous post (might have been on a different thread on the forum)?  It seems that could contribute to some major cost savings that would help sell the plan to both cities.

We're starting to see some opposition bubble up here: nothing of an organized sort.  Mostly the usual naysayers.  I think the "benefit zone" funding plan has kept any serious opposition quiet, because the plan spreads the cost among a broader group and doesn't put a burden on taxpayers in general.

 

What's interesting is that many of the letters to the editor have the common theme of knocking the plan for not going far enough: that streetcars ought to serve a broader area.  I see that as good news in that it speaks to pent up demand for an alternative.

 

The other interesting thing is that most letters come from people outside of Columbus and their comments run the range of "streetcars would never make me want to go downtown".... "what a waste of money when there are buses"....etc.  I doubt any of these folks even use public transit to begin with, so I look upon them as a non-factor.

 

lincolnkennedy..... since equipment purchases would likely have to be put out to bid, as would construction and engineering, it's doubtful you would see streetcars purchased at a "group rate".  Nice thought, however.

What's interesting is that many of the letters to the editor have the common theme of knocking the plan for not going far enough: that streetcars ought to serve a broader area.  I see that as good news in that it speaks to pent up demand for an alternative.

Until requirements to make it larger make financing not possible.  -- see Cincinnati (this is an easy one for council members to grab onto to stall)

 

The other interesting thing is that most letters come from people outside of Columbus and their comments run the range of "streetcars would never make me want to go downtown".... "what a waste of money when there are buses"....etc.  I doubt any of these folks even use public transit to begin with, so I look upon them as a non-factor.

 

Don't dismiss these comments too lightly - they can become very vocal and command a suprisingly large amount of press especially when newspapers are trying to be regional papers.  Again, see cincinnati, and the enquirer

 

lincolnkennedy..... since equipment purchases would likely have to be put out to bid, as would construction and engineering, it's doubtful you would see streetcars purchased at a "group rate".  Nice thought, however.

 

I think Seatte and Portland teamed up on their most recent streetcar purchases.

>lincolnkennedy..... since equipment purchases would likely have to be put out to bid, as would construction and engineering, it's doubtful you would see streetcars purchased at a "group rate".  Nice thought, however

 

 

Salt Lake City and DART have the same equipment, they may have ordered together.  I do know that some DART equipment was towed up to Salt Lake for the olympics.  Also, Baltimore and I think Miami or Atlanta bought equipment as a group for their heavy rail systems. 

Friday, April 18, 2008

Traffic, parking top streetcar questions

Business First of Columbus - by Jeff Bell Business First

 

A big believer in mass transit, PM Gallery owner Maria Galloway doesn't have a problem with the idea that streetcars may someday hum just yards from her Short North shop's front door.  She hopes the electric streetcar line proposed for High Street will be the precursor for a light rail system she thinks is overdue in Columbus.

 

But Galloway, who has operated her art and fine crafts gallery for 28 years, isn't ready to jump on the bandwagon for the 2.8-mile line that would connect downtown Columbus with Ohio State University.  Like other business operators along High Street, she needs answers about the project's effects on parking and traffic before offering her endorsement.

 

"The consensus," she said, "is we like the idea but ... questions, questions, questions."

 

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/04/21/story1.html

 

Streetcars would be user-friendly

Letter to Columbus Dispatch

Published

Saturday,  April 19, 2008 3:04 AM

 

I'm disappointed to read all of the anti-streetcar rhetoric in recent letters to the editor.  It appears that a vocal minority of people fail to understand the purpose of the streetcar.  I'm certainly not an expert myself, but that doesn't mean I don't try to be well-informed.  I do not live in an area of Columbus that would benefit directly from the streetcar.  Nevertheless, I understand that it is an important component of the larger picture of economic development and transportation needs.

 

People complain that it's only a short line and that it should reach farther and serve more people.  Well, the fine citizens of Columbus soundly defeated that idea when the Central Ohio Transit Authority went to the ballot with a proposal for a light-rail system a few years back.  The mayor has said, although apparently it has fallen on deaf ears, that the new streetcar is intended to be part of a much larger network.  But apparently people think that if it is not perfect from the get-go, then it is not worth doing.

 

BEN CIRKER

Columbus

 

:clap:

 

Full letter at http://dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2008/04/19/Cirker__SAT_ART_04-19-08_A9_HN9V961.html?sid=101

Hooray for Ben Cirker!!! GREAT LETTER!!! Now the rest of us should pile on! :type:

"By World War I, 2,798 miles of interurban track existed within Ohio, according to the Ohio Historical Society. Ohio's mileage, the most in the country, exceeded the next closest state by about 1,000 miles."

 

wow i had no idea. great find noozer. an incredible, sadly long lost history.

 

I think the No. 2 state was Indiana. Now look at both of us when it comes to passenger rail transportation. At least Indiana can claim it still has an interurban railway still in operation (the South Shore), although the Shaker Heights rapid transit was originally built by the Cleveland Interurban Railroad and was to offer a two- to four-track electrified interurban line to Youngstown. It never made it farther east than its current terminus of Warrensville, though it did have a track connection with other interurbans which went to Chagrin Falls and points farther east.

 

OK OK... back to Columbus!

yet the cleveland rapid is still technically considered an interurban since it goes to shaker hts, no? or no because its now under one authority?

 

i am stunned this morning to realize just how far out ahead ohio was, it was by far number one. then to think about all the interurban service that was lost throughout the state. truly shocking.

 

maybe the columbus and cinci streetcar advocates, etc. can use that as a bit of leverage when seeking federal funds.

 

Streetcars to get public hearing next week

Monday,  April 21, 2008 11:58 PM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Columbus City Council members complained last week that they've been left out of the loop on Mayor Michael B. Coleman's streetcar plan.  Tonight, they made the loop bigger.  The council will host its first public hearing next week on the $103 million proposal to build a 2.8-mile rail line between Downtown and Ohio State University.  The council's decision came in an impromptu debate at the end of the weekly meeting.

 

The day and time haven't been firmed up, but Councilwoman Maryellen O'Shaughnessy said she wants the session to take place before the council votes on Coleman's proposed 2008 capital budget.  That budget, which includes a $2 million request to begin design and engineering work for the streetcar line, is scheduled for council action on May 5.

 

Full story at http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/04/21/streetcars.html?sid=101

"Streetcars offer a user-friendly system because the path they take is visible. That is a feature buses can never match."

 

Wow this statement is so utterly wrong and biased.  First off visitors will NOT know where the street car goes once it goes out of line of sight, secondly imagine if we had street cars serving all the areas that buses do, is it user-friendly then?  Not by a long shot, there would be street cars everywhere.  The statement should be that the street car will be so small in service area compared to the bus system that people will trust it more.  However, even if you can see the tracks without proper SIGNAGE and information distribution the street car will be EXACTLY like the bus as far as knowing where it goes.  The problem with the buses is lack of easy access to line information and the stigma attached to buses as dirty poor people movers. Also if you can't figure out that the #2 North High Street Bus goes up High Street then you have bigger problems than figuring out bus routes.

 

What if we take the buses off high street and all the "unsavory" folk take the street car?

 

Not that I'm 100% against the street car I just think the logic backing it up over alternatives is crap.

^ I have an issue with streetcar justifications as well. I do advocate streetcars, but these statements aren't really very strong

 

1. People like using streetcars, because people can see the tracks and know where they go.

(Downtown visitors wouldn't know where the tracks go anymore than roads.)

2. Streetcars are a necessary service to offset the cost of increasing gas prices.

(It may promote higher density development near the line and enable people to go car free, but the general metropolitan population wouldn't benefit from the streetcar)

 

Both statements are better used for the justification of a metropolitan light rail system.

 

Revitalizing downtown by attracting investment in higher density development is in my opinion the strongest case for streetcars.

 

Downtown visitors don't know where the tracks go, but presumably tracks go somewhere.  And when you get there, you can find the tracks to get back where you started without memorizing a whole set of landmarks, etc.  Personally, I have used streetcars in foreign countries for this very reason.  Its easy and simple, and in the worst case, you can walk the tracks back to where you started.  Its not the BEST argument for streetcars, but its not a bad one either.  Especially when the streetcar runs past a major attraction for out of town visitors, like a convention center.

 

As far as offsetting gas price, well yeah, thats not really the primary purpose behind streetcars.  Light rail serves the transportation end much better.  However, the addition of higher density housing "may" offset the number of cars owned and total VMT's, thus at least to a minor degree, offset some gas consumption.

 

Attracting investment and higher density development is definitely the strongest argument.  But its not the only argument, and different arguments appeal to different folks...

 

Thank you.  Couldn't have said it better. 

 

Streetcars are not the whole answer....but they are the beginning of an answer.