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Get onboard.
We now have the opportunity to move forward for a heritage streetcar (modern cars could operate over the same line at some future date) in Jacksonville. The cost is minimal and the resulting economic development ROI if it follows national trends would be from 4 to 1 to as high as 14 to 1. Such a line from 5-Points to Water Street to the stadium could even be in reach of a private/public partnership. I wanted to share the following two developments which could greatly enhance the possibility of making this happen.
You may recall how a 1980 study by a local marketing firm estimated as many as 500,000 visitors to such a hybrid transit/living museum operation.
We need endorsements from various agencies and corporations to push this forward in addition to our support from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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AVAILABLE
COMPARABLE:
I just located an excellent comparable which breaks down the cost to the penny of a much grander plan then what I have in mind. Basically, our building would be much smaller and less ambitious, but could still be nice, attractive and have a museum/gift shop element. It could even be a part of The Landing or Shipyards proposals.
Also, the track work in this project is far more ambitious then a Jacksonville project, railroad yards for 70 cars are astronomically more expensive then the simple arrangement we would required. I estimate it would take few track switches and a largely straight and simple line. Anyway I invite you to give this a look over and tell us what you think.
I'd also like to meet with any of you and show you the amazing fund raiser that we could place in a conspicuous spot with a strongbox where people could literally drop in their donation. We should have no problem raising money this way for a grants match. The display is a substantial piece of an open type 1901 streetcar, and we can have it FREE to display for a year or two, even shipped free.
All we need to do is provide a small roofed enclosure or indoor location for it and insure it during its stay.
There are some real, vintage 1920 cars for sale at this moment for less then the cost of a new city bus.
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AVAILABLE
COMPARABLE: http://www.ct-trolley.org/documents/Presentation-SB-230-CTM.pdf
Please give this some consideration as I think it not only shows this is doable, it's far less money then I believe anyone thought it would be.
STREETCAR NOW JACKSONVILLE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/221427744536172/
The one in Phoenix is pretty cool not gonna lie.
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http://www.rtands.com/index.php/passenger/rapid-transit-light-rail/fairfax-county-approves-streetcar-funds.html?channel=281