if anyone who has web design experience, strong civic pride, or simply a penchant for urban renewal would like to help create an interactive map for the cincystreetcar website please contact [email protected]  any and all help would be appreciated.

I posted this over in the politics section, but I thought it would be relevant here as well

 

Qualls, Tarbell to swap seats

BY JANE PRENDERGAST & JESSICA BROWN | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

September 4, 2007

 

CINCINNATI - A familiar face returns to Cincinnati City Hall today - former Mayor Roxanne Qualls, who will be sworn in this afternoon to City Council.

 

Qualls will be appointed to these committees: arts/culture/tourism/marketing; public safety; economic development and finance. She’ll also be appointed to the city planning commission.

POSTED EARLIER TODAY IN "DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS STREETCARS" SECTION BY NOOZER. FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

 

From Tim Doulin's "Cranky Commuter" blog in the Columbus Dispatch:

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/blogs/blog_commuter.html

 

All aboard?

 

During the state of the city speech last year, Mayor Michael B. Coleman floated the idea of streetcars for Downtown.

 

That was about 18 months ago. And a decision whether to have streetcars is probably several months off.

Hey, hey!  U-O er John Schneider gets a mention in a Cincy Enquirer editorial!  way to go! :clap:

 

Getting creative on commuting

Editorials

 

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky workers on average face the nation's sixth costliest commute, as a percentage of income.

 

A national study by the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership found the average household here spends one-fifth of its income on trips to and from work. Has that annual jolt to the family budget cut down on solo commutes? No way. In fact, the share of people driving alone to work in our area jumped two percentage points between 2000 and 2005 - to 83.4 percent.

 

It's not just because we passionately love our automobiles. Many of us calculate costs vs. time-saving convenience, and don't see enough alternatives (other than buses) to convince us to switch. The math is unlikely to change, unless fuel prices spike even higher, or tolls are imposed on bridges and roads, or more competition is added to the transportation mix.

 

One reason Cincinnati ranks worse on commute cost than the national average (19 percent of income) is lack of rapid transit. Portland's commute eats only 15.1 percent of average income. A modern streetcar system, which Cincinnati is studying for downtown, could widen commuter choices, at least for downtown workers moving back to center city. The proposed $100 million loop, from the riverfront to upper Over-the-Rhine, could allow downtown residents to downsize to a one-car or no-car family. A car, including parking and insurance, can cost a commuter more than $8,000 a year.

 

Portland, San Francisco and other cities are finding that rail lines originally targeted for tourists have grown so popular with commuters that more rail cars are needed, or they need to run more frequently at rush hours.

 

Cincinnati city architect Michael Moore says local streetcar options will be presented to the public at "open house" meetings - one at the Art Academy Sept. 20 (5:30 to 8 p.m.) and a second at City Hall on Sept. 27 (4 to 7 p.m.). Those comments on feasible routes, streetcar fares and other issues will be presented to council Oct. 9, to decide whether to seek financing for a streetcar system.

 

Rail advocate John Schneider also argues that time-based tolls could help spread out traffic, especially trucks, away from rush hours. Car-sharing outlets (Flexcar, Zipcar) in Boston, Chicago, New York, and many European and Asian cities provide cars you can rent by the hour.

 

Such innovative choices can't come soon enough here, as we face mega-projects reconstructing I-75 and I-471 and replacing the Brent Spence Bridge.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070911/EDIT01/709110321/1090/EDIT

Cincinnati city architect Michael Moore says local streetcar options will be presented to the public at "open house" meetings - one at the Art Academy Sept. 20 (5:30 to 8 p.m.) and a second at City Hall on Sept. 27 (4 to 7 p.m.). Those comments on feasible routes, streetcar fares and other issues will be presented to council Oct. 9, to decide whether to seek financing for a streetcar system.

I'm currently in Portland on a business trip and I rode the whole streetcar loop on a whim today.  We seriously need to build one of these in Cincy.  It's just so convenient and is a perfect way for someone who is unfamiliar with the area to traverse the city.  It’s also free and very clean.  Pretty cool stuff.  I hope that Cincinnati decides to pursue this.

I'm currently in Portland on a business trip and I rode the whole streetcar loop on a whim today.  We seriously need to build one of these in Cincy.  It's just so convenient and is a perfect way for someone who is unfamiliar with the area to traverse the city.  It’s also free and very clean.  Pretty cool stuff.  I hope that Cincinnati decides to pursue this.

 

They have already decided to pursue it...you can tell because City Council is close to voting on if/how to fund the system.  This has a LOT of support right now and I certainly would NOT bet against this from happening.

They have already decided to pursue it...you can tell because City Council is close to voting on if/how to fund the system.  This has a LOT of support right now and I certainly would NOT bet against this from happening.

 

 

I hope so.  It would do a world of good for both CBD and OTR.  I'm just nervous that they won't get creative enough with the funding, and "adding a new tax" will be unpopular enough to derail the plans.  (edit:  pun not intended)

This project will NOT need any new tax...I don't think they would have the political support for it (that they have) if it were going to require an extra tax.

"It’s also free and very clean. "

Free, as in doesn't cost anything to ride.????????????

yes, portland has a fare free zone downtown, our system could do the same, having a fare free zone at gov't square and fountain square, be free all the time, or charge a fare.

 

GAWD,    That just made it a 100 times more inviting.  The public has no room to reject such a deal with or without a fair.

Hasn't HDR stated that if Portland had it to do over again, they wouldn't have a fare free zone?

There's a continuing debate in Portland about the efficacy of the free fares. This blog brings it up from time-to-time: http://portlandtransport.com/

we have an updated beta, but still aren't fully ready for launch, please check it out and email all comments and concerns to [email protected]

 

www.cincystreetcar.com

 

we have an updated beta, but still aren't fully ready for launch

 

The arrows are going the wrong way on elm and race.

"It’s also free and very clean. "

Free, as in doesn't cost anything to ride.????????????

 

Sorry, I should have specified.  Yes, there's no fare to ride around downtown, which actually makes it a more effective mode of transit than if you had to pay.  It would be totally worth the money for the ride, but having no fare eliminates the delay that I typically experience on the bus when a large group boards and everyone waits while they sort out the fare.  This keeps the streetcars on a relatively steady schedule, as opposed to the Southbank Shuttles, which are prone to running late and sometimes even being passed by eachother. 

 

Oh, and I only mentioned how clean it was because a lot of people expect mass transit vehicles to be dirty (and I've certainly experienced my fair share of filthy buses and trains).  It's also pretty quiet and is a much smoother ride than the buses I'm used to.  I've ridden this streetcar before, but it's been a while and I forgot how nice it is.

 

This project will NOT need any new tax...I don't think they would have the political support for it (that they have) if it were going to require an extra tax.

 

True.  There are other means of financing such a system.  But I seem to remember someone throwing the idea of a new tax around in one of the enquirer articles on the subject, which I think would be a terrible idea.  Of course, since the enquirer barely covers the streetcar project, I haven't had much luck finding that info again on their website.  I do hope you're right and they get creative, avoiding the temptation to just bump a tax somewhere.

we have an updated beta, but still aren't fully ready for launch, please check it out and email all comments and concerns to [email protected]

 

www.cincystreetcar.com

 

Much improved...the route map could be more readable, and maybe add some icons things for the landmarks/points of interest along the route (within 2 blocks of the lines).

 

The 'What' section has seen the greatest improvements, imo.

I don't understand the residential dots on the map. Are these just recent condo developments? That's lame and makes it look like you are pushing this only towards those who would only live in new rehab condos.

I would also suggest that when you click on the Points of Interest link (in the Route section) that you have links to the various points of interest along the route.  These links would take you to their various websites where you could get more information.  Essentially allowing people who are unfamiliar with downtown to get to know the area and points of interest relatively quickly/conviniently...and all while donig it on the streetcar route.

Hey guys get someone or two people to help smooth out the writing on the site.  For the most part it's a matter of moving paragraphs around in each section and rephrasing sentences.  I'd offer to do a revision but I'm too busy this weekend.   

 

Roxanne Qualls is going to say a few words about her vision for transportation in the region at 5:15 today -9/17 at the OKI Open House at the Cintas Center.  Below is the media release:

 

“Qualls Outlines Transportation Solutions”

I-75 Plus Streetcar Equals Mobility and Growth

 

Evanston - City of Cincinnati Councilmember Roxanne Qualls outlined her vision for the region’s transportation system today at the first of four open houses hosted by the OKI Regional Council of Governments. Qualls focused on two huge and sometimes controversial projects that are aimed at addressing the region’s growing traffic woes – the I-75 Corridor Reconstruction and the Cincinnati Streetcar proposal.  “These huge transportation investments have the power to drive economic development in the region’s core and thus impact the overall economic health of all of Greater Cincinnati,” said Qualls.

 

In Qualls’ vision the tens of millions of dollars spent on these two projects will lead to billions of dollars of private investment.  “Throughout history investments in transportation have paid off several fold – be it the canals of the 1800s the railroads of the 1900s or the highways and transit systems of today,” said Qualls.  Qualls suggested that planners and city officials not only focus infrastructure on the growth areas in the suburbs.  She stated, “ Transportation investments need to be made throughout the region.  When we only focus on improving highways in the suburbs, it’s like putting all our eggs in one basket.  We know the core is so important to the region’s overall economic growth – transportation investment is a key to the core’s success.”

 

Qualls vision contrasts significantly with the “stay the course” approach presented by OKI.  OKI’s plan is based on a Hamilton County with 100,000 fewer people than today, increasing traffic congestion in the suburbs and limited investment in transit.  Citizen groups have challenged OKI to change its assumptions to account for the prospect of increasing gas prices and concerns about global warming.  These possibilities will require that regions use multiple modes of transportation and aggressively pursue alternatives to driving alone.

 

The open house is part of OKI’s effort to plan for the future roads, bridges and buses the region will need.  Every four years OKI reviews these inputs to update the Long Range Transportation Plan for the region.  The current Plan, updated in 2004, showed many more needed transportation projects than money available for those projects – raising the specter of higher gasoline taxes or roadway tolls.

 

"Qualls focused on two huge and sometimes controversial projects that are aimed at addressing the region’s growing traffic woes – the I-75 Corridor Reconstruction and the Cincinnati Streetcar proposal."

 

So far as I know, there is nothing controversial about Cincinnati's streetcar project, however postings like this one can easily help make it so.

"Qualls focused on two huge and sometimes controversial projects that are aimed at addressing the region’s growing traffic woes – the I-75 Corridor Reconstruction and the Cincinnati Streetcar proposal."

 

So far as I know, there is nothing controversial about Cincinnati's streetcar project, however postings like this one can easily help make it so.

Without getting into all the details, people working on the downtown Cincinnati Streetcar have met with Northern Kentucky interests with good results. The feeling south of the river is that they're looking for Cincinnati to get its work going first and then leverage their plans off that.

 

That's excellent news.  To be honest, I'm kind of surprised (on a number of levels) that this is the case, but I'm happy to hear this nonetheless.

Cincinnati city architect Michael Moore says local streetcar options will be presented to the public at "open house" meetings - one at the Art Academy Sept. 20 (5:30 to 8 p.m.) and a second at City Hall on Sept. 27 (4 to 7 p.m.). Those comments on feasible routes, streetcar fares and other issues will be presented to council Oct. 9, to decide whether to seek financing for a streetcar system.

 

Anyone else planning to go to the Art Academy tonight?

^ I've got to run up north but hope to be back in time to stop in.

^ I'll be there after the Rothenberg meeting.

I am there! I will volunteer to help lay some tracks. 

^ I'd love to attend, but the hours I work won't allow it.  Please post your impressions of meeting afterwards, though.

 

  I just got back from that meeting. It was open-house style, with lots of poster boards, and well attended.

 

  The art academy is a neat building, too. It was the first time I had been inside.

 

 

While it's still fresh in your mind, invite your friends to come to City Council Chambers next Thursday, September 20th from 4:00p to 7:00p.

 

Turnout is really important at these things.

 

By the way, I hear the streetcar is polling third among issues facing city council. So they're watching.

By the way, I hear the streetcar is polling third among issues facing city council. So they're watching

only third??  This should be the #1 issue!

Correction: the City Hall meeting is September 27th from 4:00p to 7:00p.

I was at the meeting tonight and turnout was very nice.  The people from HDR were VERY helpful and answered just about any question you could fire their way...plus Michael Moore and John Schneider were there (BTW, it was great to finally meet you John).

 

All in all, I left the meeting feeling more optimistic about the streetcar system than ever.  On a side note, the Art Academy was a very cool building (as Eigth & State mentioned).  Definitely worth checking out sometime.

Channel 5 11pm had a short story on the streetcar, and had clips of Michael Moose and our own McMicken.  Positive spin, except they did show some old fashioned streetcar mixed in with the newer ones.

^

I think I need to learn to keep my eyes open while talking.

 

It seemed very positive, both the event and the coverage.

Hey I'm famous! I can see myself in the video.  :-D That meeting had a very positive vibe except for one guy who said that he didn't like the idea of it going thru OTR besides Findlay Market is "closed for most of the week"

Attend the next meeting if you are available.

I ended up not getting there until a little after 7:30.  They were closing up shop.  My comment was basically asking about final track location and then I said something like "just start building!"  (I know it is not that simple.)

Streetcar fans try to gain speed

Council to hear of options for cobbling together funding

BY DAN MONK & LUCY MAY | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

September 21, 2007

 

DOWNTOWN - It will take at least a half-dozen separate funding sources to build a $102 million streetcar system that links Over-the-Rhine's Findlay Market to Great American Ball Park.

 

A report on financing options is slated for presentation to Cincinnati City Council on Oct. 9. City architect Michael Moore said the plan will include bonds backed by revenue from three downtown tax increment financing districts along with state and local capital grants. No new taxes are recommended, but council might be urged to consider an increase in city parking fees.

i like the athena reference.  nothing like a classically educated architect.

I wonder if there might be a way to get the building of the garages at the Banks tied (rhetorically mostly) into the streetcar. Even if just a couple more decks are built, you could easily open up a number of parking lots up in downtown with a good parking along the river.

^And I think too a big problem that has faced downtown in the auto era are the many cheap spaces on the riverfront and east of Broadway.  To a great extent this alone helps explain the difference between most American cities and most European cities...most American cities had industrial areas and railroad yards adjacent to their downtowns which were abandoned at roughly the same time parking was needed.  This is not the case in most of the major European cities, where rail arrived well after the pre-industrial city had developed to a substantial size. 

I wonder if there might be a way to get the building of the garages at the Banks tied (rhetorically mostly) into the streetcar. Even if just a couple more decks are built, you could easily open up a number of parking lots up in downtown with a good parking along the river.

 

If a meaningful part of the parking garages are funding by a federal grant (see the Cleveland Clinic's 400-car parking garage in that city), then it might be possible to use at least part of the garages' revenues to help pay for the streetcar.

From my understanding the vast majority of funding is already lined up/secured.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

From the article:

 

"If construction starts as expected in 2010, the streetcar would cost $102 million."

 

 

I thought that construction was expected to be completed in 2010, not started.  Did I miss something?

^Either a typo or a confused reporter.

^ Good.  I like the idea of seeing construction in 2008, because the revitalization will begin as soon as those tracks are being laid.  Downtown and OTR already have some momentum going, but this will be a major catalyst for both of them, so the sooner, the better.

 

Also, pursuing federal money now for a future phase 2 and 3, while forgoeing it for phase 1 is a very smart and forward-thinking move.  I'm actually kind of impressed.

And here's another thing. If we don't use Federal monies for Phase One, then the local capital invested to build Phase One can be used as the local match for a Federal grant for extending the line to Northern Kentucky, a good case for the use of Fed funds if there ever was one.