All posts in the topic Streetcar Meeting? (Short link)
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- There are 20 posts — by 13 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Ann Whelan at May 08 14:02 UTC
From: Elizabeth Ike Date: May 01 17:39 UTC Short link
Good Afternoon Everyone!
I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public
Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend who
could tell me how the meeting went?
Thanks!
Liz Ike
From: Laura Koprowski Date: May 01 22:04 UTC Short link
Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the
discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the majority
are in support of general increase funding, planning and availability of mass
transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start!
-----Original Message----- From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? Good Afternoon Everyone! I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend who could tell me how the meeting went? Thanks! Liz Ike Elizabeth Ike Clintonville, Columbus Info about Elizabeth Ike: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS ----------------------------------------- To post, send your message to: <email obscured> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," in subject line and send to: <email obscured> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules ----------------------------------------- Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
From: Marie Keister Date: May 02 15:00 UTC Short link
After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the Council
hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of Staff Mike Reese
and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the background and financial
scenario that could pay for the starter system running from Mound to OSU along
High St.. Then the following speakers expressed their commitment to work with
the City in moving forward with the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota,
MORPC Executive Director Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director
Dawn Tyler-Lee, the outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents,
and Suzanne Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council.
53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of testimony,
many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of those who stayed,
about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke against the streetcar
proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four expressed their desire
that City Council study the concept thoroughly before moving forward.
Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve and
expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be built
instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown circulator.
Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public hearing to allow
COTA to share the many steps they are taking to accomplish these very goals.
Others were concerned about the expenditure in tight economic times, or
expressed fears that increased parking fees would discourage people from
coming/developing downtown. Supporters encouraged Council to invest in
streetcars as a first step in a broader rail-transit system, or that making an
investment now will pay large dividends later in better mobility, more green
transportation options, a more viable downtown and high economic return. They
pointed to experiences in other cities where that has been the case. Several
supporters acknowledged the streetcar proposal wasn't perfect, that it wouldn't
address every need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown
Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future.
Marie
Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP
ENGAGE
7759 Crawley Dr.
Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 565-2819
<email obscured>
www.engagepublicaffairs.com
-----Original Message----- From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! -----Original Message----- From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? Good Afternoon Everyone! I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend who could tell me how the meeting went? Thanks! Liz Ike Elizabeth Ike Clintonville, Columbus Info about Elizabeth Ike: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS ----------------------------------------- To post, send your message to: <email obscured> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," in subject line and send to: <email obscured> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules ----------------------------------------- Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net Laura Koprowski Grandview Heights Info about Laura Koprowski: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue ----------------------------------------- To post, send your message to: <email obscured> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," in subject line and send to: <email obscured> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules ----------------------------------------- Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
From: Peter Shane Date: May 02 15:03 UTC Short link
Is there a good report somewhere that suggests what the business
model would be to support regional rail?
At 03:38 PM 5/1/2008, Laura Koprowski wrote: >Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and >the discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that >the majority are in support of general increase funding, planning >and availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! > >-----Original Message----- >From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > >Good Afternoon Everyone! > >I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend who >could tell me how the meeting went? > >Thanks! > >Liz Ike > >Elizabeth Ike >Clintonville, Columbus >Info about Elizabeth Ike: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike > >This topic's messages may be viewed at: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >----------------------------------------- >Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > >Laura Koprowski >Grandview Heights >Info about Laura Koprowski: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns > >This topic's messages may be viewed at: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >----------------------------------------- >Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > >-- >BEGIN-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS >------------------------------------------------------ > >Teach CanIt if this mail (ID 594879641) is spam: >Spam: https://antispam.osu.edu/b.php?c=s&i=594879641&m=b79b165150e0 >Not spam: https://antispam.osu.edu/b.php?c=n&i=594879641&m=b79b165150e0 >Forget vote: https://antispam.osu.edu/b.php?c=f&i=594879641&m=b79b165150e0 >------------------------------------------------------ >END-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS Peter M. Shane Jacob E. Davis and Jacob E. Davis II Chair in Law and Director, Project on Law and Democratic Development The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law 55 West 12th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210 Executive Director, Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy www.knightcomm.org Phone: 614-688-3014 FAX: 614-688-8422 URL: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/pshane E-Mail: <email obscured> or <email obscured>
From: Laura Koprowski Date: May 02 23:03 UTC Short link
I think MORPC and COTA would have been involved with one nearly 4 or 5 years
ago. I'll have to check on this.
-----Original Message----- From: Peter Shane [mailto:<email obscured>] Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 11:03 AM To: Laura Koprowski; Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? Is there a good report somewhere that suggests what the business model would be to support regional rail? At 03:38 PM 5/1/2008, Laura Koprowski wrote: >Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and >the discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that >the majority are in support of general increase funding, planning >and availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! > >-----Original Message----- >From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > >Good Afternoon Everyone! > >I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend who >could tell me how the meeting went? > >Thanks! > >Liz Ike > >Elizabeth Ike >Clintonville, Columbus >Info about Elizabeth Ike: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike > >This topic's messages may be viewed at: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >----------------------------------------- >Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > >Laura Koprowski >Grandview Heights >Info about Laura Koprowski: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns > >This topic's messages may be viewed at: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >----------------------------------------- >Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > >-- >BEGIN-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS >------------------------------------------------------ > >Teach CanIt if this mail (ID 594879641) is spam: >Spam: https://antispam.osu.edu/b.php?c=s&i=594879641&m=b79b165150e0 >Not spam: https://antispam.osu.edu/b.php?c=n&i=594879641&m=b79b165150e0 >Forget vote: https://antispam.osu.edu/b.php?c=f&i=594879641&m=b79b165150e0 >------------------------------------------------------ >END-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS Peter M. Shane Jacob E. Davis and Jacob E. Davis II Chair in Law and Director, Project on Law and Democratic Development The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law 55 West 12th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210 Executive Director, Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy www.knightcomm.org Phone: 614-688-3014 FAX: 614-688-8422 URL: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/pshane E-Mail: <email obscured> or <email obscured>
From: Ann Whelan Date: May 03 12:59 UTC Short link
I heard some discussion the next day on NPR, and someone (sorry I didn't
catch his name) said the street car would encourage bicycling in Columbus.
Does that mean bicycles can easily be taken on the street car? What will the
costs be to ride? Is there an extra cost to take your bike with you? It
would be good to have bike lockers downtown-so far there are none. . A women
(NPR) was quoted as saying she would be willing to pay to ride the street
car for certain special events several times a year (like games). But she
implied that it would be too expensive to use the street car routinely. The
actual cost to ride was not disclosed.How green is it to have a street car
operating with only a few riders?
----- Original Message ----- From: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>> To: "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 6:28 PM Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the > Council hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of > Staff Mike Reese and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the > background and financial scenario that could pay for the starter system > running from Mound to OSU along High St.. Then the following speakers > expressed their commitment to work with the City in moving forward with > the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota, MORPC Executive Director > Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director Dawn Tyler-Lee, the > outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents, and Suzanne > Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council. > > 53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of > testimony, many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of those > who stayed, about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke against > the streetcar proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four > expressed their desire that City Council study the concept thoroughly > before moving forward. > > Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve and > expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be built > instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown circulator. > Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public hearing to > allow COTA to share the many steps they are taking to accomplish these > very goals. Others were concerned about the expenditure in tight economic > times, or expressed fears that increased parking fees would discourage > people from coming/developing downtown. Supporters encouraged Council to > invest in streetcars as a first step in a broader rail-transit system, or > that making an investment now will pay large dividends later in better > mobility, more green transportation options, a more viable downtown and > high economic return. They pointed to experiences in other cities where > that has been the case. Several supporters acknowledged the streetcar > proposal wasn't perfect, that it wouldn't address e > very need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown > Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future. > > Marie > > Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP > ENGAGE > 7759 Crawley Dr. > Dublin, OH 43017 > (614) 565-2819 > <email obscured> > www.engagepublicaffairs.com > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] > Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM > To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum > Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the > discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the > majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and > availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] > Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM > To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum > Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > Good Afternoon Everyone! > > I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public > Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend > who > could tell me how the meeting went? > > Thanks! > > Liz Ike > > Elizabeth Ike > Clintonville, Columbus > Info about Elizabeth Ike: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > Laura Koprowski > Grandview Heights > Info about Laura Koprowski: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > > Marie Keister > Dublin > Info about Marie Keister: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2IHgCZCDJSyhPA2veW3PMk > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1GUHyWy91IygAwdHpjUCeH > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
From: Ann Whelan Date: May 03 13:19 UTC Short link
After I sent the last e-mail, I read the street car planning financial plan,
and answered one of my own questions about fares. I'm not sure I understand
where people from the suburbs will park and then ride the street car from a
parking lot or meter to an event.
Here is the fare and parking info, just in case you didn't know and were
interested:
Fares/Pay-to-Ride
Everyone who rides the streetcar will pay. Fare revenue is based on the
assumption that approximately 30 percent
of the ridership would pay the respective fares for a one-way ticket,
round-trip ticket, monthly pass, ten-trip coupon
booklet, etc. It is believed that this mix of fares would average $1 per
ride. It is further assumed that approximately
70 percent of the ridership would ride under programs linked to the charges
in the benefit zone for paid off-street
parking and admissions. The resulting $720,000 per year expected from fare
revenues equals approximately 16
percent of gross operating costs, which is in line with other transit system
operating experience, where such
revenues rarely exceed 20 percent of operating costs.
Ohio State University Participation
Students, faculty, staff and visitors to OSU will be major users and
beneficiaries of the line. The University can be
anticipated to participate in some degree to the ongoing funding of the
line.
Charge on Paid Off-Street Parking
This item is modeled on the surcharges on paid off-street parking that are
not uncommon in other major American
cities. Examples are Cleveland at 8%, Seattle at 7.5%, Chicago at $20 on
monthly parking rates between $40 and
$100 (effectively 20% to 50%) and Pittsburgh at 50%. The recommendation is a
surcharge of four percent on paid
off-street parking within the benefit zone.
Paid admissions surcharge
A surcharge of four percent is proposed on all paid admissions to sporting
events, convention and commercial shows
in facilities that operate in the benefit zone. The holder of any surcharged
ticket would be able to use the ticket stub
to ride the streetcar the day of the event.
Rate increase on meter parking
Parking rates on 2-hour meters within the benefit zone would be raised by up
to 75 cents per hour depending on the
location of the meter. This is still less than surface lots and garages in
the area for short term hourly parking.
Meter parking
Existing annual revenues generated from all parking meters within the
benefit zone would be applied toward the
streetcar project as long as necessary to close the gap on the benefit zone
side of the partnership. The amount of
revenues that need to be used to support the project could be phased down as
other potential revenue sources come
into play over time.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> To: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 6:53 AM Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >I heard some discussion the next day on NPR, and someone (sorry I didn't >catch his name) said the street car would encourage bicycling in Columbus. >Does that mean bicycles can easily be taken on the street car? What will >the costs be to ride? Is there an extra cost to take your bike with you? It >would be good to have bike lockers downtown-so far there are none. . A >women (NPR) was quoted as saying she would be willing to pay to ride the >street car for certain special events several times a year (like games). >But she implied that it would be too expensive to use the street car >routinely. The actual cost to ride was not disclosed.How green is it to >have a street car operating with only a few riders? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>> > To: "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" > <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" > <<email obscured>> > Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 6:28 PM > Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > >> After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the >> Council hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of >> Staff Mike Reese and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the >> background and financial scenario that could pay for the starter system >> running from Mound to OSU along High St.. Then the following speakers >> expressed their commitment to work with the City in moving forward with >> the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota, MORPC Executive Director >> Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director Dawn Tyler-Lee, the >> outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents, and Suzanne >> Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council. >> >> 53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of >> testimony, many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of those >> who stayed, about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke against >> the streetcar proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four >> expressed their desire that City Council study the concept thoroughly >> before moving forward. >> >> Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve >> and expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be >> built instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown >> circulator. Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public >> hearing to allow COTA to share the many steps they are taking to >> accomplish these very goals. Others were concerned about the expenditure >> in tight economic times, or expressed fears that increased parking fees >> would discourage people from coming/developing downtown. Supporters >> encouraged Council to invest in streetcars as a first step in a broader >> rail-transit system, or that making an investment now will pay large >> dividends later in better mobility, more green transportation options, a >> more viable downtown and high economic return. They pointed to >> experiences in other cities where that has been the case. Several >> supporters acknowledged the streetcar proposal wasn't perfect, that it >> wouldn't address e >> very need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown >> Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future. >> >> Marie >> >> Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP >> ENGAGE >> 7759 Crawley Dr. >> Dublin, OH 43017 >> (614) 565-2819 >> <email obscured> >> www.engagepublicaffairs.com >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] >> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM >> To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >> >> Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the >> discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the >> majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and >> availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >> To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >> Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >> >> Good Afternoon Everyone! >> >> I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >> Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend >> who >> could tell me how the meeting went? >> >> Thanks! >> >> Liz Ike >> >> Elizabeth Ike >> Clintonville, Columbus >> Info about Elizabeth Ike: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike >> >> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >> ----------------------------------------- >> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >> >> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >> >> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >> ----------------------------------------- >> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >> >> Laura Koprowski >> Grandview Heights >> Info about Laura Koprowski: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns >> >> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >> ----------------------------------------- >> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >> >> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >> >> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >> ----------------------------------------- >> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >> >> >> Marie Keister >> Dublin >> Info about Marie Keister: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2IHgCZCDJSyhPA2veW3PMk >> >> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1GUHyWy91IygAwdHpjUCeH >> ----------------------------------------- >> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >> >> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >> >> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >> ----------------------------------------- >> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >
From: Jim Coe Date: May 03 19:32 UTC Short link
I'm 100% in favor of Mayor Coleman's progressive vision & leadership.
I like the concept of downtown streetcars.
But still I can't find one piece missing from the puzzle...park & ride
specifically for the streetcars.
The proposed route is along high-density traffic routes that already have a
shortage of parking facilities.
How does a streetcar solve a commuting/parking problem that COTA hasn't
already addressed?
A suburban commuter can drive to a park & ride at Graceland, for instance,
take COTA to a downtown destination. GOOD! How does a streetcar enhance
this same commuter's experience?
Further, on the 2-1/2-mile route along High from OSU to Courthouse, COTA
already provides good cheap service, probably 16-18 hours daily. How will
the streetcar deliver superior service?
We're not addressing a choice for tourism...public transportation has to
work for the working populace if it's going to appeal to drivers to leave
their cars parked away from downtown.
Jim Coe, "ProPoint" Marketing (www.propoint.org)
----- Original Message ----- From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> To: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>>; "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 7:33 AM Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > > After I sent the last e-mail, I read the street car planning financial > plan, > and answered one of my own questions about fares. I'm not sure I > understand > where people from the suburbs will park and then ride the street car from > a > parking lot or meter to an event. > > Here is the fare and parking info, just in case you didn't know and were > interested: > > Fares/Pay-to-Ride > > Everyone who rides the streetcar will pay. Fare revenue is based on the > assumption that approximately 30 percent > > of the ridership would pay the respective fares for a one-way ticket, > round-trip ticket, monthly pass, ten-trip coupon > > booklet, etc. It is believed that this mix of fares would average $1 per > ride. It is further assumed that approximately > > 70 percent of the ridership would ride under programs linked to the > charges > in the benefit zone for paid off-street > > parking and admissions. The resulting $720,000 per year expected from fare > revenues equals approximately 16 > > percent of gross operating costs, which is in line with other transit > system > operating experience, where such > > revenues rarely exceed 20 percent of operating costs. > > Ohio State University Participation > > Students, faculty, staff and visitors to OSU will be major users and > beneficiaries of the line. The University can be > > anticipated to participate in some degree to the ongoing funding of the > line. > > Charge on Paid Off-Street Parking > > This item is modeled on the surcharges on paid off-street parking that are > not uncommon in other major American > > cities. Examples are Cleveland at 8%, Seattle at 7.5%, Chicago at $20 on > monthly parking rates between $40 and > > $100 (effectively 20% to 50%) and Pittsburgh at 50%. The recommendation is > a > surcharge of four percent on paid > > off-street parking within the benefit zone. > > Paid admissions surcharge > > A surcharge of four percent is proposed on all paid admissions to sporting > events, convention and commercial shows > > in facilities that operate in the benefit zone. The holder of any > surcharged > ticket would be able to use the ticket stub > > to ride the streetcar the day of the event. > > Rate increase on meter parking > > Parking rates on 2-hour meters within the benefit zone would be raised by > up > to 75 cents per hour depending on the > > location of the meter. This is still less than surface lots and garages in > the area for short term hourly parking. > > Meter parking > > Existing annual revenues generated from all parking meters within the > benefit zone would be applied toward the > > streetcar project as long as necessary to close the gap on the benefit > zone > side of the partnership. The amount of > > revenues that need to be used to support the project could be phased down > as > other potential revenue sources come > > into play over time. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> > To: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura > Koprowski'" > <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central > Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> > Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 6:53 AM > Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > >>I heard some discussion the next day on NPR, and someone (sorry I didn't >>catch his name) said the street car would encourage bicycling in Columbus. >>Does that mean bicycles can easily be taken on the street car? What will >>the costs be to ride? Is there an extra cost to take your bike with you? >>It >>would be good to have bike lockers downtown-so far there are none. . A >>women (NPR) was quoted as saying she would be willing to pay to ride the >>street car for certain special events several times a year (like games). >>But she implied that it would be too expensive to use the street car >>routinely. The actual cost to ride was not disclosed.How green is it to >>have a street car operating with only a few riders? >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>> >> To: "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" >> <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" >> <<email obscured>> >> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 6:28 PM >> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >> >> >>> After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the >>> Council hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of >>> Staff Mike Reese and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the >>> background and financial scenario that could pay for the starter system >>> running from Mound to OSU along High St.. Then the following speakers >>> expressed their commitment to work with the City in moving forward with >>> the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota, MORPC Executive Director >>> Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director Dawn Tyler-Lee, the >>> outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents, and Suzanne >>> Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council. >>> >>> 53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of >>> testimony, many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of >>> those >>> who stayed, about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke >>> against >>> the streetcar proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four >>> expressed their desire that City Council study the concept thoroughly >>> before moving forward. >>> >>> Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve >>> and expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be >>> built instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown >>> circulator. Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public >>> hearing to allow COTA to share the many steps they are taking to >>> accomplish these very goals. Others were concerned about the expenditure >>> in tight economic times, or expressed fears that increased parking fees >>> would discourage people from coming/developing downtown. Supporters >>> encouraged Council to invest in streetcars as a first step in a broader >>> rail-transit system, or that making an investment now will pay large >>> dividends later in better mobility, more green transportation options, a >>> more viable downtown and high economic return. They pointed to >>> experiences in other cities where that has been the case. Several >>> supporters acknowledged the streetcar proposal wasn't perfect, that it >>> wouldn't address e >>> very need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown >>> Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future. >>> >>> Marie >>> >>> Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP >>> ENGAGE >>> 7759 Crawley Dr. >>> Dublin, OH 43017 >>> (614) 565-2819 >>> <email obscured> >>> www.engagepublicaffairs.com >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM >>> To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the >>> discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the >>> majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and >>> availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >>> To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>> Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> Good Afternoon Everyone! >>> >>> I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >>> Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend >>> who >>> could tell me how the meeting went? >>> >>> Thanks! >>> >>> Liz Ike >>> >>> Elizabeth Ike >>> Clintonville, Columbus >>> Info about Elizabeth Ike: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >>> Laura Koprowski >>> Grandview Heights >>> Info about Laura Koprowski: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >>> >>> Marie Keister >>> Dublin >>> Info about Marie Keister: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2IHgCZCDJSyhPA2veW3PMk >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1GUHyWy91IygAwdHpjUCeH >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >> > > > Ann Whelan > > Info about Ann Whelan: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2Y7B0H3ee1fRp56irM2Byt > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/38XPoq1xOxQwDmuQtDKz2N > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1412 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 > 4:34 PM >
From: iraweiss Weiss Date: May 03 19:42 UTC Short link
I originally wrote this in my bicycling and pedestrian and energy and hybrid
cars newsletters but it bears repeating. And, I'm far too lazy to write
anything new.
Streetcar Editorial from 3-30-08 Energy and Hybrid Cars newsletter
All right, I'm all for the streetcar proposal. It's not the end all of rail,
it's a demonstration project. Let's put something into perspective: The
street cars are one segment of a comprehensive alternative transportation
package that an enlightened Mayor Coleman has proposed in a year's time.
Couple the streetcars with Operation Safewalks for sidewalks and the
Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway plan and all of a sudden you have a sea
change.
The major complaint that I have both heard and read about concerning these packages is that they don't go far enough fast enough. Yes, it would be great if we could get more than 50 miles of sidewalks and expand the area farther than the city's ancient boundaries. Yes, it would be great if we could do the entire bikeway plan by 2012 and not have to do it in phases. And yes, it would be great if we could go beyond one 2.8 mile streetcar demonstration and put together a complete light rail transportation system moving out to the suburbs in all directions by 2012. But, that is just not fiscally or physically possible. I was truly fascinated when the streetcar plan was unveiled Thursday night seeing Bill Lhota at the table. Then it dawned on me: Coleman, Lhota, Gee and the others who participated in the process did an end run around COTA's need to go to the voters for rail. They put together a plan financed primarily by user fees. By 2012 we will have a demonstration short, short line rail system in Central Ohio, in the most visible corridor in Central Ohio. And, people will see this for the enlightened idea it is. Times are changing and as the mayor said people can ill afford to pay for gasoline and diesel. And, the cost of these fuels will only continue to go up. We need to expand the walkability, bikability and mass transit options in Columbus and Central Ohio. By 2012 we will have made substantial progress in these areas, enough so that voters will hopefully be willing to support ballot issues to expand these services further and in an accelerated time frame. In my crystal ball, I can picture how these modes would work together in a comprehensive Central Ohio transportation system. For most people, you can look at the modes as walking for shorter distances, bicycling for intermediate to longer commuting distances, and coupling walking and bicycling with mass transit for the furthest distances. First, realize that every trip begins and ends on your own two feet. In an ideal region for a longer-distance trip with much more mass transit and better bicycle and pedestrian facilities than you see in Central Ohio today it might look like: 1. Walk for the shortest trips 2. Get on your bike for shorter to intermediate distances 3. For longer trips just ride or walk to a bus (or the streetcar) stop (or train station if it is nearby) 4. Get on a bus or streetcar (and load your bike on rack if you use it) Buses act as a feeder into a rail system or for cross-town routes. 5. Get off the bus and walk to a train (and put your bike on the rack in the train - this is how they do it in Minneapolis). DC and suburban MD and VA have a system in place with buses, walkers and bicycles feeding into their Metro and this improves air quality as fewer buses have to venture into the central city. 6. Get off the train (and remember to take you bike with you:-)) and either get on another bus, or ride or walk to your destination 7. If you took a bus, get off the bus and walk or ride your bike to your destination (lock your bike to ample bike racks if you did not walk) I've said at more than one MORPC meeting that requiring you to specify which mode you use to travel in a multi-modal world is a bogus process. In the scenario above you walked, rode a bicycle, used a bus and/or streetcar, used a train, etc. You can't just pick one - it's not reality. We're here to facilitate transportation, not bean counting. This kind of multi-modal system is what we need in Central Ohio. We should not be satisfied with anything less. Ira S. Weiss 11735 Eddington Ave NW Pickerington OH 43147-9194 <email obscured> -----Original Message----- From: Jim Coe: "ProPoint" /ATCO /AthensMRDD [mailto:<email obscured>] Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 3:21 PM To: Ann Whelan; Marie Keister; 'Laura Koprowski'; 'Elizabeth Ike'; 'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum' Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? I'm 100% in favor of Mayor Coleman's progressive vision & leadership. I like the concept of downtown streetcars. But still I can't find one piece missing from the puzzle...park & ride specifically for the streetcars. The proposed route is along high-density traffic routes that already have a shortage of parking facilities. How does a streetcar solve a commuting/parking problem that COTA hasn't already addressed? A suburban commuter can drive to a park & ride at Graceland, for instance, take COTA to a downtown destination. GOOD! How does a streetcar enhance this same commuter's experience? Further, on the 2-1/2-mile route along High from OSU to Courthouse, COTA already provides good cheap service, probably 16-18 hours daily. How will the streetcar deliver superior service? We're not addressing a choice for tourism...public transportation has to work for the working populace if it's going to appeal to drivers to leave their cars parked away from downtown. Jim Coe, "ProPoint" Marketing (www.propoint.org) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> To: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>>; "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 7:33 AM Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > > After I sent the last e-mail, I read the street car planning financial > plan, > and answered one of my own questions about fares. I'm not sure I > understand > where people from the suburbs will park and then ride the street car from > a > parking lot or meter to an event. > > Here is the fare and parking info, just in case you didn't know and were > interested: > > Fares/Pay-to-Ride > > Everyone who rides the streetcar will pay. Fare revenue is based on the > assumption that approximately 30 percent > > of the ridership would pay the respective fares for a one-way ticket, > round-trip ticket, monthly pass, ten-trip coupon > > booklet, etc. It is believed that this mix of fares would average $1 per > ride. It is further assumed that approximately > > 70 percent of the ridership would ride under programs linked to the > charges > in the benefit zone for paid off-street > > parking and admissions. The resulting $720,000 per year expected from fare > revenues equals approximately 16 > > percent of gross operating costs, which is in line with other transit > system > operating experience, where such > > revenues rarely exceed 20 percent of operating costs. > > Ohio State University Participation > > Students, faculty, staff and visitors to OSU will be major users and > beneficiaries of the line. The University can be > > anticipated to participate in some degree to the ongoing funding of the > line. > > Charge on Paid Off-Street Parking > > This item is modeled on the surcharges on paid off-street parking that are > not uncommon in other major American > > cities. Examples are Cleveland at 8%, Seattle at 7.5%, Chicago at $20 on > monthly parking rates between $40 and > > $100 (effectively 20% to 50%) and Pittsburgh at 50%. The recommendation is > a > surcharge of four percent on paid > > off-street parking within the benefit zone. > > Paid admissions surcharge > > A surcharge of four percent is proposed on all paid admissions to sporting > events, convention and commercial shows > > in facilities that operate in the benefit zone. The holder of any > surcharged > ticket would be able to use the ticket stub > > to ride the streetcar the day of the event. > > Rate increase on meter parking > > Parking rates on 2-hour meters within the benefit zone would be raised by > up > to 75 cents per hour depending on the > > location of the meter. This is still less than surface lots and garages in > the area for short term hourly parking. > > Meter parking > > Existing annual revenues generated from all parking meters within the > benefit zone would be applied toward the > > streetcar project as long as necessary to close the gap on the benefit > zone > side of the partnership. The amount of > > revenues that need to be used to support the project could be phased down > as > other potential revenue sources come > > into play over time. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> > To: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura > Koprowski'" > <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central > Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> > Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 6:53 AM > Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > >>I heard some discussion the next day on NPR, and someone (sorry I didn't >>catch his name) said the street car would encourage bicycling in Columbus. >>Does that mean bicycles can easily be taken on the street car? What will >>the costs be to ride? Is there an extra cost to take your bike with you? >>It >>would be good to have bike lockers downtown-so far there are none. . A >>women (NPR) was quoted as saying she would be willing to pay to ride the >>street car for certain special events several times a year (like games). >>But she implied that it would be too expensive to use the street car >>routinely. The actual cost to ride was not disclosed.How green is it to >>have a street car operating with only a few riders? >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>> >> To: "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" >> <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" >> <<email obscured>> >> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 6:28 PM >> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >> >> >>> After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the >>> Council hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of >>> Staff Mike Reese and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the >>> background and financial scenario that could pay for the starter system >>> running from Mound to OSU along High St.. Then the following speakers >>> expressed their commitment to work with the City in moving forward with >>> the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota, MORPC Executive Director >>> Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director Dawn Tyler-Lee, the >>> outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents, and Suzanne >>> Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council. >>> >>> 53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of >>> testimony, many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of >>> those >>> who stayed, about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke >>> against >>> the streetcar proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four >>> expressed their desire that City Council study the concept thoroughly >>> before moving forward. >>> >>> Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve >>> and expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be >>> built instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown >>> circulator. Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public >>> hearing to allow COTA to share the many steps they are taking to >>> accomplish these very goals. Others were concerned about the expenditure >>> in tight economic times, or expressed fears that increased parking fees >>> would discourage people from coming/developing downtown. Supporters >>> encouraged Council to invest in streetcars as a first step in a broader >>> rail-transit system, or that making an investment now will pay large >>> dividends later in better mobility, more green transportation options, a >>> more viable downtown and high economic return. They pointed to >>> experiences in other cities where that has been the case. Several >>> supporters acknowledged the streetcar proposal wasn't perfect, that it >>> wouldn't address e >>> very need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown >>> Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future. >>> >>> Marie >>> >>> Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP >>> ENGAGE >>> 7759 Crawley Dr. >>> Dublin, OH 43017 >>> (614) 565-2819 >>> <email obscured> >>> www.engagepublicaffairs.com >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM >>> To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the >>> discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the >>> majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and >>> availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >>> To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>> Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> Good Afternoon Everyone! >>> >>> I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >>> Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend >>> who >>> could tell me how the meeting went? >>> >>> Thanks! >>> >>> Liz Ike >>> >>> Elizabeth Ike >>> Clintonville, Columbus >>> Info about Elizabeth Ike: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >>> Laura Koprowski >>> Grandview Heights >>> Info about Laura Koprowski: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >>> >>> Marie Keister >>> Dublin >>> Info about Marie Keister: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2IHgCZCDJSyhPA2veW3PMk >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1GUHyWy91IygAwdHpjUCeH >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >> > > > Ann Whelan > > Info about Ann Whelan: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2Y7B0H3ee1fRp56irM2Byt > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/38XPoq1xOxQwDmuQtDKz2N > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1412 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 > 4:34 PM > Jim Coe Info about Jim Coe: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/lJhJrY60CTHlgFwt3lf0H This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/7eSZ60IgdD91K1948LjPfD ----------------------------------------- To post, send your message to: <email obscured> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," in subject line and send to: <email obscured> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules ----------------------------------------- Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
From: Chester Jourdan Date: May 03 20:25 UTC Short link
In concert with the city of columbus and cota, morpc will devlop an information
piece with respect to light rail, federal funding challenges and how a
streetcar could fit into a regional rail plan and help us be more competitve
for federal funding for regional light rail in the near future. As you can
imagine, the funding required to develop regional light rail will be in the
hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars and require local, regional, state
and federal participation. We'll be competing with regions from all over the
country for scarce federal dollars, so we'll need to position ourselves in the
best competitive position as possible. The building of a streetcar line with
mostly local funds will help with that challenge. Stay tuned . . . more to
come on this topic. Thanks.
----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Coe: "ProPoint" /ATCO /AthensMRDD <<email obscured>> To: Ann Whelan <<email obscured>>; Marie Keister <<email obscured>>; Laura Koprowski; 'Elizabeth Ike' <<email obscured>>; 'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum' <<email obscured>> Sent: Sat May 03 15:21:13 2008 Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? I'm 100% in favor of Mayor Coleman's progressive vision & leadership. I like the concept of downtown streetcars. But still I can't find one piece missing from the puzzle...park & ride specifically for the streetcars. The proposed route is along high-density traffic routes that already have a shortage of parking facilities. How does a streetcar solve a commuting/parking problem that COTA hasn't already addressed? A suburban commuter can drive to a park & ride at Graceland, for instance, take COTA to a downtown destination. GOOD! How does a streetcar enhance this same commuter's experience? Further, on the 2-1/2-mile route along High from OSU to Courthouse, COTA already provides good cheap service, probably 16-18 hours daily. How will the streetcar deliver superior service? We're not addressing a choice for tourism...public transportation has to work for the working populace if it's going to appeal to drivers to leave their cars parked away from downtown. Jim Coe, "ProPoint" Marketing (www.propoint.org) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> To: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>>; "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 7:33 AM Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > > After I sent the last e-mail, I read the street car planning financial > plan, > and answered one of my own questions about fares. I'm not sure I > understand > where people from the suburbs will park and then ride the street car from > a > parking lot or meter to an event. > > Here is the fare and parking info, just in case you didn't know and were > interested: > > Fares/Pay-to-Ride > > Everyone who rides the streetcar will pay. Fare revenue is based on the > assumption that approximately 30 percent > > of the ridership would pay the respective fares for a one-way ticket, > round-trip ticket, monthly pass, ten-trip coupon > > booklet, etc. It is believed that this mix of fares would average $1 per > ride. It is further assumed that approximately > > 70 percent of the ridership would ride under programs linked to the > charges > in the benefit zone for paid off-street > > parking and admissions. The resulting $720,000 per year expected from fare > revenues equals approximately 16 > > percent of gross operating costs, which is in line with other transit > system > operating experience, where such > > revenues rarely exceed 20 percent of operating costs. > > Ohio State University Participation > > Students, faculty, staff and visitors to OSU will be major users and > beneficiaries of the line. The University can be > > anticipated to participate in some degree to the ongoing funding of the > line. > > Charge on Paid Off-Street Parking > > This item is modeled on the surcharges on paid off-street parking that are > not uncommon in other major American > > cities. Examples are Cleveland at 8%, Seattle at 7.5%, Chicago at $20 on > monthly parking rates between $40 and > > $100 (effectively 20% to 50%) and Pittsburgh at 50%. The recommendation is > a > surcharge of four percent on paid > > off-street parking within the benefit zone. > > Paid admissions surcharge > > A surcharge of four percent is proposed on all paid admissions to sporting > events, convention and commercial shows > > in facilities that operate in the benefit zone. The holder of any > surcharged > ticket would be able to use the ticket stub > > to ride the streetcar the day of the event. > > Rate increase on meter parking > > Parking rates on 2-hour meters within the benefit zone would be raised by > up > to 75 cents per hour depending on the > > location of the meter. This is still less than surface lots and garages in > the area for short term hourly parking. > > Meter parking > > Existing annual revenues generated from all parking meters within the > benefit zone would be applied toward the > > streetcar project as long as necessary to close the gap on the benefit > zone > side of the partnership. The amount of > > revenues that need to be used to support the project could be phased down > as > other potential revenue sources come > > into play over time. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> > To: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura > Koprowski'" > <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central > Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> > Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 6:53 AM > Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > >>I heard some discussion the next day on NPR, and someone (sorry I didn't >>catch his name) said the street car would encourage bicycling in Columbus. >>Does that mean bicycles can easily be taken on the street car? What will >>the costs be to ride? Is there an extra cost to take your bike with you? >>It >>would be good to have bike lockers downtown-so far there are none. . A >>women (NPR) was quoted as saying she would be willing to pay to ride the >>street car for certain special events several times a year (like games). >>But she implied that it would be too expensive to use the street car >>routinely. The actual cost to ride was not disclosed.How green is it to >>have a street car operating with only a few riders? >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>> >> To: "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" >> <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" >> <<email obscured>> >> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 6:28 PM >> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >> >> >>> After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the >>> Council hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of >>> Staff Mike Reese and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the >>> background and financial scenario that could pay for the starter system >>> running from Mound to OSU along High St.. Then the following speakers >>> expressed their commitment to work with the City in moving forward with >>> the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota, MORPC Executive Director >>> Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director Dawn Tyler-Lee, the >>> outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents, and Suzanne >>> Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council. >>> >>> 53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of >>> testimony, many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of >>> those >>> who stayed, about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke >>> against >>> the streetcar proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four >>> expressed their desire that City Council study the concept thoroughly >>> before moving forward. >>> >>> Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve >>> and expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be >>> built instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown >>> circulator. Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public >>> hearing to allow COTA to share the many steps they are taking to >>> accomplish these very goals. Others were concerned about the expenditure >>> in tight economic times, or expressed fears that increased parking fees >>> would discourage people from coming/developing downtown. Supporters >>> encouraged Council to invest in streetcars as a first step in a broader >>> rail-transit system, or that making an investment now will pay large >>> dividends later in better mobility, more green transportation options, a >>> more viable downtown and high economic return. They pointed to >>> experiences in other cities where that has been the case. Several >>> supporters acknowledged the streetcar proposal wasn't perfect, that it >>> wouldn't address e >>> very need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown >>> Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future. >>> >>> Marie >>> >>> Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP >>> ENGAGE >>> 7759 Crawley Dr. >>> Dublin, OH 43017 >>> (614) 565-2819 >>> <email obscured> >>> www.engagepublicaffairs.com >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM >>> To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the >>> discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the >>> majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and >>> availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >>> To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>> Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> Good Afternoon Everyone! >>> >>> I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >>> Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend >>> who >>> could tell me how the meeting went? >>> >>> Thanks! >>> >>> Liz Ike >>> >>> Elizabeth Ike >>> Clintonville, Columbus >>> Info about Elizabeth Ike: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >>> Laura Koprowski >>> Grandview Heights >>> Info about Laura Koprowski: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >>> >>> Marie Keister >>> Dublin >>> Info about Marie Keister: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2IHgCZCDJSyhPA2veW3PMk >>> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1GUHyWy91IygAwdHpjUCeH >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>> >>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>> >>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>> ----------------------------------------- >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >> > > > Ann Whelan > > Info about Ann Whelan: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2Y7B0H3ee1fRp56irM2Byt > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/38XPoq1xOxQwDmuQtDKz2N > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1412 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 > 4:34 PM > Jim Coe Info about Jim Coe: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/lJhJrY60CTHlgFwt3lf0H This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/7eSZ60IgdD91K1948LjPfD ----------------------------------------- To post, send your message to: <email obscured> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," in subject line and send to: <email obscured> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules ----------------------------------------- Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
From: Nick Bates Date: May 03 22:31 UTC Short link
I like the idea of public transportation in Columbus improving. I like the
idea of street cars especially in the short north/campus area. (I think it
should go down into German village as well)
The majority of people living in Upper Arlington, Westerville, Hillard, New
Albany, etc are not going to drive their cars to campus, park, and take a
street car downtown. We need to recognize the analysis for people
commuting. Even with traffic, people can be downtown from 270 within 20-30
minutes. If people have to drive 15-20 minutes to get to public
transportation, then take that into downtown (another 10 minutes) what are
they saving?
Sad to say, the cost of parking downtown is going to have to increase (like
the city center parking garages are doing now) and Columbus is going to have
to develop the current parking lots into retail space, office space or
housing. As long as their is ample parking downtown for less than 10 bucks
a day, people will continue parking downtown.
Many people in Columbus, compared to Cleveland and other older big cities
throughout the country, do not have the mentality of using public
transportation. (I assume by the discussion going on here that most of us
recognize the public benefit of public transportation) however most people
are not going to make lifestyle changes based on the public good, but
instead only on their personal interest. In Chicago, and even Cleveland, it
is cost effective and time saving to use public transportation if you work
downtown, in Columbus, we are not there yet-
I do agree that building it now, recognizing that 10 years from now the
individual benefit will probably be where it needs to be is a smart move.
> I'm 100% in favor of Mayor Coleman's progressive vision & leadership. > > I like the concept of downtown streetcars. > > But still I can't find one piece missing from the puzzle...park & ride > specifically for the streetcars. > > The proposed route is along high-density traffic routes that already have a > shortage of parking facilities. > > How does a streetcar solve a commuting/parking problem that COTA hasn't > already addressed? > > A suburban commuter can drive to a park & ride at Graceland, for instance, > take COTA to a downtown destination. GOOD! How does a streetcar enhance > this same commuter's experience? > > Further, on the 2-1/2-mile route along High from OSU to Courthouse, COTA > already provides good cheap service, probably 16-18 hours daily. How will > the streetcar deliver superior service? > > We're not addressing a choice for tourism...public transportation has to > work for the working populace if it's going to appeal to drivers to leave > their cars parked away from downtown. > > > Jim Coe, "ProPoint" Marketing (www.propoint.org) > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> > To: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>>; "Marie Keister" > <<email obscured>>; "'Laura Koprowski'" > <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central > Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> > Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 7:33 AM > Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? > > >> >> >> After I sent the last e-mail, I read the street car planning financial >> plan, >> and answered one of my own questions about fares. I'm not sure I >> understand >> where people from the suburbs will park and then ride the street car from >> a >> parking lot or meter to an event. >> >> Here is the fare and parking info, just in case you didn't know and were >> interested: >> >> Fares/Pay-to-Ride >> >> Everyone who rides the streetcar will pay. Fare revenue is based on the >> assumption that approximately 30 percent >> >> of the ridership would pay the respective fares for a one-way ticket, >> round-trip ticket, monthly pass, ten-trip coupon >> >> booklet, etc. It is believed that this mix of fares would average $1 per >> ride. It is further assumed that approximately >> >> 70 percent of the ridership would ride under programs linked to the >> charges >> in the benefit zone for paid off-street >> >> parking and admissions. The resulting $720,000 per year expected from fare >> revenues equals approximately 16 >> >> percent of gross operating costs, which is in line with other transit >> system >> operating experience, where such >> >> revenues rarely exceed 20 percent of operating costs. >> >> Ohio State University Participation >> >> Students, faculty, staff and visitors to OSU will be major users and >> beneficiaries of the line. The University can be >> >> anticipated to participate in some degree to the ongoing funding of the >> line. >> >> Charge on Paid Off-Street Parking >> >> This item is modeled on the surcharges on paid off-street parking that are >> not uncommon in other major American >> >> cities. Examples are Cleveland at 8%, Seattle at 7.5%, Chicago at $20 on >> monthly parking rates between $40 and >> >> $100 (effectively 20% to 50%) and Pittsburgh at 50%. The recommendation is >> a >> surcharge of four percent on paid >> >> off-street parking within the benefit zone. >> >> Paid admissions surcharge >> >> A surcharge of four percent is proposed on all paid admissions to sporting >> events, convention and commercial shows >> >> in facilities that operate in the benefit zone. The holder of any >> surcharged >> ticket would be able to use the ticket stub >> >> to ride the streetcar the day of the event. >> >> Rate increase on meter parking >> >> Parking rates on 2-hour meters within the benefit zone would be raised by >> up >> to 75 cents per hour depending on the >> >> location of the meter. This is still less than surface lots and garages in >> the area for short term hourly parking. >> >> Meter parking >> >> Existing annual revenues generated from all parking meters within the >> benefit zone would be applied toward the >> >> streetcar project as long as necessary to close the gap on the benefit >> zone >> side of the partnership. The amount of >> >> revenues that need to be used to support the project could be phased down >> as >> other potential revenue sources come >> >> into play over time. >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Ann Whelan" <<email obscured>> >> To: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>>; "'Laura >> Koprowski'" >> <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" <<email obscured>>; "'Central >> Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" <<email obscured>> >> Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 6:53 AM >> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >> >> >>> I heard some discussion the next day on NPR, and someone (sorry I didn't >>> catch his name) said the street car would encourage bicycling in Columbus. >>> Does that mean bicycles can easily be taken on the street car? What will >>> the costs be to ride? Is there an extra cost to take your bike with you? >>> It >>> would be good to have bike lockers downtown-so far there are none. . A >>> women (NPR) was quoted as saying she would be willing to pay to ride the >>> street car for certain special events several times a year (like games). >>> But she implied that it would be too expensive to use the street car >>> routinely. The actual cost to ride was not disclosed.How green is it to >>> have a street car operating with only a few riders? >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Marie Keister" <<email obscured>> >>> To: "'Laura Koprowski'" <<email obscured>>; "'Elizabeth Ike'" >>> <<email obscured>>; "'Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum'" >>> <<email obscured>> >>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 6:28 PM >>> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>> >>> >>>> After Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy introduced the topic at the >>>> Council hearing on streetcars on Monday night, Mayor Coleman, Chief of >>>> Staff Mike Reese and financial consultant John Rosenberger laid out the >>>> background and financial scenario that could pay for the starter system >>>> running from Mound to OSU along High St.. Then the following speakers >>>> expressed their commitment to work with the City in moving forward with >>>> the streetcar proposal: COTA CEO Bill Lhota, MORPC Executive Director >>>> Chester Jourdan, OSU Government Relations Director Dawn Tyler-Lee, the >>>> outgoing and incoming OSU Student Government presidents, and Suzanne >>>> Coleman-Tolbert, Central Ohio Workforce Council. >>>> >>>> 53 members of the public signed up to speak -- after four hours of >>>> testimony, many people left before they got their turn to speak. Of >>>> those >>>> who stayed, about (depends on how you tally the remarks) 21 spoke >>>> against >>>> the streetcar proposal, 17 spoke in favor and another three or four >>>> expressed their desire that City Council study the concept thoroughly >>>> before moving forward. >>>> >>>> Of those who spoke against, several asked that more be done to improve >>>> and expand the current transit system, or that a regional rail system be >>>> built instead of a streetcar system, which is more of a downtown >>>> circulator. Councilwoman O'Shaughnessy is going to call another public >>>> hearing to allow COTA to share the many steps they are taking to >>>> accomplish these very goals. Others were concerned about the expenditure >>>> in tight economic times, or expressed fears that increased parking fees >>>> would discourage people from coming/developing downtown. Supporters >>>> encouraged Council to invest in streetcars as a first step in a broader >>>> rail-transit system, or that making an investment now will pay large >>>> dividends later in better mobility, more green transportation options, a >>>> more viable downtown and high economic return. They pointed to >>>> experiences in other cities where that has been the case. Several >>>> supporters acknowledged the streetcar proposal wasn't perfect, that it >>>> wouldn't address e >>>> very need the City has, but was an important piece of helping Downtown >>>> Columbus and the region realize a broader vision for the future. >>>> >>>> Marie >>>> >>>> Marie S. Keister, APR, AICP >>>> ENGAGE >>>> 7759 Crawley Dr. >>>> Dublin, OH 43017 >>>> (614) 565-2819 >>>> <email obscured> >>>> www.engagepublicaffairs.com >>>> >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Laura Koprowski [mailto:<email obscured>] >>>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 3:39 PM >>>> To: Elizabeth Ike; Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>>> Subject: Re: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>>> >>>> Well, I wasn't there either but heard it was a 4 hour meeting and the >>>> discussion was divided in support but a positive thing was that the >>>> majority are in support of general increase funding, planning and >>>> availability of mass transit in our region - yeah!! It's a start! >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Elizabeth Ike [mailto:<email obscured>] >>>> Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 1:39 PM >>>> To: Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum >>>> Subject: [CORIF] Streetcar Meeting? >>>> >>>> Good Afternoon Everyone! >>>> >>>> I have been out of town this week and was unable to attend the Public >>>> Hearing for the streetcar proposal on Monday. Was anyone able to attend >>>> who >>>> could tell me how the meeting went? >>>> >>>> Thanks! >>>> >>>> Liz Ike >>>> >>>> Elizabeth Ike >>>> Clintonville, Columbus >>>> Info about Elizabeth Ike: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/whelanike >>>> >>>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4w8CNIhfD5A5eWB8HUEXlS >>>> ----------------------------------------- >>>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>>> >>>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>>> >>>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>>> ----------------------------------------- >>>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>>> >>>> Laura Koprowski >>>> Grandview Heights >>>> Info about Laura Koprowski: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/rWdCPb5lpdpAR7zEZTxns >>>> >>>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1BlLLldNqZl3AC1zZqvpue >>>> ----------------------------------------- >>>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>>> >>>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>>> >>>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>>> ----------------------------------------- >>>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>>> >>>> >>>> Marie Keister >>>> Dublin >>>> Info about Marie Keister: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2IHgCZCDJSyhPA2veW3PMk >>>> >>>> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1GUHyWy91IygAwdHpjUCeH >>>> ----------------------------------------- >>>> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >>>> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >>>> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >>>> >>>> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >>>> >>>> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >>>> ----------------------------------------- >>>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >>> >> >> >> Ann Whelan >> >> Info about Ann Whelan: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/2Y7B0H3ee1fRp56irM2Byt >> >> This topic's messages may be viewed at: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/38XPoq1xOxQwDmuQtDKz2N >> ----------------------------------------- >> To post, send your message to: <email obscured> >> To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," >> in subject line and send to: <email obscured> >> >> More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: >> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif >> >> E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules >> ----------------------------------------- >> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net >> >> >> -- >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG. >> Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1412 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 >> 4:34 PM >> > > > Jim Coe > > Info about Jim Coe: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/lJhJrY60CTHlgFwt3lf0H > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/7eSZ60IgdD91K1948LjPfD > ----------------------------------------- > To post, send your message to: <email obscured> > To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on," > in subject line and send to: <email obscured> > > More info about Central Ohio Regional Issues Forum: > http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/corif > > E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules > ----------------------------------------- > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
From: Chris Moore Date: May 03 22:32 UTC Short link
I'm all for improving public transportation, and a rail system that connects the outer and inner ring suburbs to the city center would be great for both the middle to upper class commuters and the low-wage workers who don't already have reliable transportation. However, what has been proposed is nothing more than a