I think this is dead unless the city comes up with the money itself or works a direct deal with the Feds somehow.  Of course a no-vote in the upcoming referendum will nail the coffin shut for the foreseable future.

New report confirms potential economic impacts of the Cincinnati Streetcar

 

By: Randy A. Simes

March 29, 2011 – 7:30 am

 

A new report released by the Center for Transit-Oriented Development finds that transit investments like the Cincinnati Streetcar are winning economic winners. The report studied the three most recently opened light rail lines in the United States and discovered that urban portions of the lines were most successful at spurring economic activity and ridership.

 

Contrary to popular belief that rail transit is only successful in liberal bastions like Portland, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia or Seattle, the report looked at three modest cities in terms of political affections: Charlotte, Denver and Minneapolis.

 

Rails to Real Estate: Development Patterns along Three New Transit Lines also identified Charlotte’s Blue Line as the most successful despite being the having the least number of years studied of the three and being the smallest of the three transit lines. The economic patterns were consistent though, with each transit line experiencing anywhere from six to ten million square feet of new development since they opened. The report attributes the success is to five main considerations:

 

    Proximity to downtowns and other major employment centers

    The location and extent of vacant or “underutilized” property that might offer opportunities for development or redevelopment

    Block patterns that influence “walkability”

    Transit connectivity

    Household incomes

 

“We need to make transit investments that unlock the potential for TOD, but we need to make them in the right places,” said the director of the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, Sam Zimbabwe.

 

Read the full story at UrbanCincy.

It's sad we live in a world where thorough research is thrown to the side and cast off as the work of "special interests".  This new report, or 500 more wouldn't make a difference in the mind of our state leaders.

since the OKI money can also potentially be withheld by the anti-Cincinnati amendment in the transportation budget. 

 

 

MPOs receive both direct and state-apportioned federal funds. I don't know which one was distributed to the streetcar. Even so, I suspect the MPO can give the streetcar direct federal funds and give the state-apportioned funds to another project.

 

I also don't think it's correct that the Urban Circulator grant went to Cincinnati via the state. I think that is a direct appropriation.

 

Federal funds received for a local project don't have to go through ODOT as long as there is an MPO to legally receive and distribute them. That is the case here.

 

 

Gotcha-

 

Did a little more research- apparently the UC grant should be ok-  but Michael Moore is quoted as saying he's not sure about the OKI grant.

^ OKI grant is OK.

Soapdish: Take Up Arms, Cincinnati Under Attack!

Casey Coston | Tuesday, March 29, 2011

 

Attention dear Soapbox readers: we hereby interrupt our carefully cultivated content of innovation, sustainability, diversity, talent, unicorns and all things cutting edge and wonderful to bring you the following important message - Cincinnati is under attack!

 

Yes, that's right…attack. But this attack comes not from the far reaches of the galaxy nor the shadowy terrorist cells of abroad. No this attack originates in the cozy confines of our capitol city of Columbus, with an able assist from our regional "partner" to the north, Dayton.

 

In just the past week, our recently elected governor, John Kasich, executed a naked, two-tiered power grab that would make even Machiavelli blush. While yes, the ostensible target was the Cincinnati streetcar project (and we'll get to that later), anyone who cares a whit about Cincinnati should be outraged at what occurred in Columbus last Wednesday, regardless of your respective position on the streetcar.

SORTA is the designated recipient of the urban circulators grant

That has to be a like a right hook to "their" jaw. haha!!

Soapdish: Take Up Arms, Cincinnati Under Attack!

Casey Coston | Tuesday, March 29, 2011

 

Attention dear Soapbox readers: we hereby interrupt our carefully cultivated content of innovation, sustainability, diversity, talent, unicorns and all things cutting edge and wonderful to bring you the following important message - Cincinnati is under attack!

 

Yes, that's right…attack. But this attack comes not from the far reaches of the galaxy nor the shadowy terrorist cells of abroad. No this attack originates in the cozy confines of our capitol city of Columbus, with an able assist from our regional "partner" to the north, Dayton.

 

In just the past week, our recently elected governor, John Kasich, executed a naked, two-tiered power grab that would make even Machiavelli blush. While yes, the ostensible target was the Cincinnati streetcar project (and we'll get to that later), anyone who cares a whit about Cincinnati should be outraged at what occurred in Columbus last Wednesday, regardless of your respective position on the streetcar.

 

It's frustrating to me that all the pro-streetcar articles seem to have fluff that is either transparently sensationalist or easily shot down, distracting from the solid arguments presented. For example:

 

Not to mention the fact that a Business Courier survey released Friday shows that a whopping 73% of 1,500 total respondents favor building the Cincinnati streetcar.

 

It's my understanding this was a poll of Courier subscribers. Not to mention there was a less favorable component to that poll (selective facts, anyone?). This carries about as much weight as an Enquirer poll, for which we would all justifiably shake our heads at and wring our hands over the questionable validity. I know the opposition does this, and worse, but considering there are plenty of valid and sensible arguments we can use, why stoop to this?

 

To the sensible observer, it creates the appearance of weakness in the proponents' case. I know some people who feel iffy about the streetcar, and I feel like I can't pass on these articles because, while they contain good arguments, they also contain bad arguments.

 

Also, the sensationalism/partisanship can be a turnoff for those who aren't members of the choir. I guess this works, though, for rallying the base.

It wasn't a poll of Courier subscribers. Anyone could vote.  Moreover the business poll had such a small skewed sampling (as opposed to the 1,500) that it wasn't worth a mention.  Not to mention the fact that the business "leaders" comments were woefully ignorant on the subject.  The only one they quoted in the article was a LOGISTICS CEO from NKY.  One could do an entire article on that portion of the poll, and talk to business leaders downtown and along the route. They might have a different opinion.  Nevertheless space constraints would not allow for the exploration of a flawed and statistically meaningless "business leaders" poll.

It wasn't a poll of Courier subscribers. Anyone could vote.  Moreover the business poll had such a small skewed sampling (as opposed to the 1,500) that it wasn't worth a mention.  Not to mention the fact that the business "leaders" comments were woefully ignorant on the subject.  The only one they quoted in the article was a LOGISTICS CEO from NKY.  One could do an entire article on that portion of the poll, and talk to business leaders downtown and along the route. They might have a different opinion.  Nevertheless space constraints would not allow for the exploration of a flawed and statistically meaningless "business leaders" poll.

 

I agree the business leader poll was flawed and statistically meaningless. But so is a poll in which anyone can vote. It's not scientific. Why even mention it? It does nothing to support your argument, and distracts from true money quotes like:

 

Out of the entire city, there were only twelve census tracts within the city that grew, and the streetcar route comprises 50% of them.

I don't mean to trash your article, it's just that if I felt it were more persuasive, I would pass it on to people who are on the fence on the issue. The way it is, if I were to pass it on, it would only go to those who already agree with us.

No offense taken. It's a subjective opinion piece rather than objective news.  That said, it's really not that "sensationalist." That's just how I always write.  Moreover, I think the facts...which are indeed difficult to believe, justify a heightened level of rhetoric.

I hate to sound like a pessimist, but frankly I would be surprised if this project gets out of neutral in the near future. I would love for it to happen, but now it's looking highly unlikely.

Any know of any project in the US that was rated #1 in a state and pre-approved then get banned for federal funding? Sadly i don't think ill be around long enough to vote most of these jokers out of office.

SORTA is the designated recipient of the urban circulators grant

 

But it was administered by OKI. All federal transportation funds directed to projects in OKI's service area must go through OKI.

 

I hate to sound like a pessimist, but frankly I would be surprised if this project gets out of neutral in the near future. I would love for it to happen, but now it's looking highly unlikely.

 

What makes you such a pessimist? Is it that the city has all of the funding necessary to build the originally intended first phase? Or that the mayor and a majority of council are supporting it?

Is it that the city has all of the funding necessary to build the originally intended first phase?

 

Unfortunately, I don't think it would be as simple as saying, "let's build phase 1A and hold off on phase 1B for now."

Who said anything about 1A and 1B?

Again, the city won't be able to build anything unless they go back to the drawing board and redefine what phase 1 is.  Thanks to suggestions from Roxanne Qualls a few years ago, the current phase 1 must include the uptown connector.  If they wanted to build just a downtown circulator they would have to change the plans completely.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is my current understanding of phase 1.

^Seems like you could proceed with building the current Phase 1 by starting at the Banks and heading north, with the intention of having the funding for the rest of Phase 1 (formerly 1A) by the time you finish off the loop in OTR.  If you find a way to get the money, you continue up the hill.  If you don't, at least you have the circulator for now and can move forward with completing "Phase 1" when more funding materializes.

Who said anything about 1A and 1B?

 

Whatever they're called -- the Downtown/OTR loop and the Uptown connector.

Again, the city won't be able to build anything unless they go back to the drawing board and redefine what phase 1 is.  Thanks to suggestions from Roxanne Qualls a few years ago, the current phase 1 must include the uptown connector.  If they wanted to build just a downtown circulator they would have to change the plans completely.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is my current understanding of phase 1.

 

I would guess you start with the premise that the funding is there, or will be there. It was essentially promised, after all.

It wouldn't shock me if LaHood pulls all federal money from TARC until Ohio quit playing around.

SORTA is the designated recipient of the urban circulators grant

 

But it was administered by OKI. All federal transportation funds directed to projects in OKI's service area must go through OKI.

 

I hate to sound like a pessimist, but frankly I would be surprised if this project gets out of neutral in the near future. I would love for it to happen, but now it's looking highly unlikely.

 

What makes you such a pessimist? Is it that the city has all of the funding necessary to build the originally intended first phase? Or that the mayor and a majority of council are supporting it?

 

Please don't say things like "city has all of the funding necessary to build the originally intended phase" without explaining why we are currently stuck regarding funding-- 

 

It is my understanding that the uptown connector must be included.  If this is the case- don't we not have the necessary to build the route?

It wouldn't shock me if LaHood pulls all federal money from TARC until Ohio quit playing around.

 

Let's hope something like this happens.

It wouldn't shock me if LaHood pulls all federal money from TARC until Ohio quit playing around.

 

Me too. Except it's TRAC.

 

 

Ummm-- Please don't say things like "city has all of the funding necessary to build the originally intended phase" without explaining why we are stuck-- 

 

It is my understanding that the uptown connector must be included.  If this is the case- don't we not have the money?

 

The feds will more readily amend funding agreements for projects that are smaller in scope and/or sought in phases from the originally approved plan. But, this is assuming the federal funding administered by the state won't be available. I don't think that's a safe assumption.

Gotcha--  But if city council voted on one plan, would they have to approve a route change? If so- we no longer have a majority since Bortz will probably continue to recuse himself.

Not sure. We'll cross that bridge if/when we come to it.

Yes, that's right…attack. But this attack comes not from the far reaches of the galaxy nor the shadowy terrorist cells of abroad. No this attack originates in the cozy confines of our capitol city of Columbus, with an able assist from our regional "partner" to the north, Dayton.

 

Huh?

 

I think all of five people in Dayton know there is a streetcar proposed for Cincy, and three of them post on this board and more or less support the concept.

 

It wouldn't shock me if LaHood pulls all federal money from TARC until Ohio quit playing around

 

TARC=  Transit Authority of River City...Louisville bus system.

 

Huh?

 

I think all of five people in Dayton know there is a streetcar proposed for Cincy, and three of them post on this board and more or less support the concept.

 

 

It is fixed in the original column, and now refers to the northern suburbs.  I for one live in Dayton and support the streetcar.

If you support the Cincinnati Streetcar project, please "like" the following Facebook page.  In just a day it has generated over 400.  We would like to get as many as possible over the next two weeks.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnatians-for-the-Streetcar/119935501417838

 

Also, it may have been posted before, but does anyone have email addresses for the individual TRAC board members?

Its a few pages back

Yes, that's rightattack. But this attack comes not from the far reaches of the galaxy nor the shadowy terrorist cells of abroad. No this attack originates in the cozy confines of our capitol city of Columbus, with an able assist from our regional "partner" to the north, Dayton.

 

Huh?

 

I think all of five people in Dayton know there is a streetcar proposed for Cincy, and three of them post on this board and more or less support the concept.

 

 

You ain't kidding.  No one in this area knows Cincinnati is proposing a streetcar.

>Bortz will probably continue to recuse himself.

 

Actually, if they were to eliminate the Vine hill, he could probably start voting again.  Aside from Towne's planned development at Vine & McMillan, I don't think there is any other imminent Towne project on the streetcar route. 

It wouldn't shock me if LaHood pulls all federal money from TARC until Ohio quit playing around

 

TARC=  Transit Authority of River City...Louisville bus system.

 

And what does TARC have to do with Ohio's playing around?

^I think he was just explaining why he typed TARC instead of TRAC. 

Also, it may have been posted before, but does anyone have email addresses for the individual TRAC board members?

 

Here are the emails for all the TRAC members excluding Wray.

 

William Brennan – Commissioner, Division of Building Inspection, City of Toledo- [email protected]

 

Robert Clarke Brown Treasurer for Case Western Reserve University – [email protected]

 

Patrick Darrow – Secretary/Treasure & Business Manager for Teamsters Local 348 – [email protected]

 

Bill Dingus – Executive Director, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce – [email protected]

 

Ray Di Rossi = [email protected]

 

Antoinette A. Selvey-Maddox – Senior Management Advisor, Management Partners, Inc – this page will take you to her email http://www.managementpartners.com/asp/emailform.asp?ID=36

 

Patrick J. Ungaro – Former Mayor of Youngstown, Ohio – [email protected]

 

 

I had emailed all of them about a week ago and got a response back from 1 member. 

 

Unfortunately, he implied the streetcar was dead and defended bumping up lower ranked projects.

Yes, that's rightattack. But this attack comes not from the far reaches of the galaxy nor the shadowy terrorist cells of abroad. No this attack originates in the cozy confines of our capitol city of Columbus, with an able assist from our regional "partner" to the north, Dayton.

 

Huh?

 

I think all of five people in Dayton know there is a streetcar proposed for Cincy, and three of them post on this board and more or less support the concept.

 

 

You ain't kidding.  No one in this area knows Cincinnati is proposing a streetcar.

 

My understanding is that Springboro was something of a Dayton suburb, which is what it says if you keep reading.  In any event, the Dayton reference was, I believe, deleted yesterday.  Rest easy Daytonians.

Springboro is a Dayton suburb without question but that's like saying Monroe is "Cincinnati."

If you support the Cincinnati Streetcar project, please "like" the following Facebook page.  In just a day it has generated over 400.  We would like to get as many as possible over the next two weeks.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnatians-for-the-Streetcar/119935501417838

 

Also, it may have been posted before, but does anyone have email addresses for the individual TRAC board members?

 

Ah a Facebook campaign, that'll show'em

I had emailed all of them about a week ago and got a response back from 1 member. 

 

Unfortunately, he implied the streetcar was dead and defended bumping up lower ranked projects.

 

I had read about your email response from one of the members. I am hoping that if enough people can contact them with a reasonable argument, or just implore them to uphold their previous votes, that TRAC will approve the projects once again. These letters should be more fact based and supportive of the purpose of TRAC and their ranking system. What I'm hoping is to get the board to approve the project, which would then come into conflict with the general assembly's newly passed amendment. Then the legality of that amendment could be challenged in court because it violates the previous law from 1997 that established TRAC and its ranking system.

 

I would think that at least some of the TRAC members are upset about the governor and the assembly stepping on their turf and trying to force their hand. I know I don't like being told how or when to do my job by an outsider, they probably don't either.

Just remember: the tone you convey to TRAC needs to be constructive and appreciative of the work they do, as volunteers, for Ohio. I suspect a majority of the TRAC board is not happy with the Governor's actions. They appeared to be sympathetic on March 23rd. Instead of turning allies into opponents, channel your anger into factual arguments in support of the Cincinnati Streetcar.

Just remember: the tone you convey to TRAC needs to be constructive and appreciative of the work they do, as volunteers, for Ohio. I suspect a majority of the TRAC board is not happy with the Governor's actions. They appeared to be sympathetic on March 23rd. Instead of turning allies into opponents, channel your anger into factual arguments in support of the Cincinnati Streetcar.

 

Two messages you should convey to the TRAC:

 

1. They were created to remove politics from the transportation development and funding process and to judge projects on the merits and the merits ONLY.

 

2. As such, they must remain true to their original recommendation on the Cincinnati Streetcar Project, if they are to maintain their credibility in the eyes of the public..

Just remember: the tone you convey to TRAC needs to be constructive and appreciative of the work they do, as volunteers, for Ohio. I suspect a majority of the TRAC board is not happy with the Governor's actions. They appeared to be sympathetic on March 23rd. Instead of turning allies into opponents, channel your anger into factual arguments in support of the Cincinnati Streetcar.

 

Thanks for clarifying that John. I don't want anyone misunderstanding what I was conveying. The TRAC board should be treated as the friend they have been to this project for the past few years.

Thanks bbrown for posting the list of e-mail addresses. 

^ List is incomplete. There's a new member. Also, why not write to Jerry Wray? He's the one who talks to the governor.

^ List is incomplete. There's a new member. Also, why not write to Jerry Wray? He's the one who talks to the governor.

 

Jerry Wray- [email protected]

 

I can't find the new member. The list on the TRAC website still has one position vacant, and I can't find any mention in their news releases. If anyone knows the new members name and background (or email) please list it and maybe we can find an email contact for him/her.