Peyton, Kuhn Project Manager meet with MetroJacksonville.com
A Shot of 16th Street in Denver, Colorado. By forming Public-Private Relationships, Denver was able to transform their downtown into a pedestrian friendly urban mecca. Through Public-Private Relationships, this could be Laura Street. This and more in Metro Jacksonville's Downtown Update
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/301
I am very disappointed to hear the mayor's response to the commuter rail. But I am glad to hear about the jail being relocated. And where is the "pea farm"?
On the Northside - nowhere near downtown.
The issue of commuter rail is far from over, yet his opinion was expected to say the least. While a few understand the difference in various forms of rail and their costs, compared to other forms of transit and road improvements, many of our leaders don't. One of the first things we'll have to do, is lead them by the hand and teach them why the rest of metropolitan america has turned it's eye towards affordable alternative forms transit, instead of chasing fool's gold by building multi-billion dollar beltways.
Don't forget Peyton was Chairman of the JTA Board when the BRT system was approved. The original Rapid Transit Study, looked at several alternatives including Commuter Rail. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but JTA is now actively taking the steps towards commuter rail. We just need political champions for commuter rail and this is where you guys can help things fall into place. Look for lots more soon.
The original study was done several years ago. I'm sure you and anyone else who has kept up with recent trends in commuter rail technology knows a lot has changed since JTA's study was conducted and when you conduct a study on alternative transit, there's much more to it than just moving people. Quality of Life, transit oriented Development, feeding the skyway with direct ridership, economic development, growth management, giving the general public quality and efficient transportation options and affordability also play a huge role. If these things are strongly considered commuter rail over the current BRT plan or a system mixing commuter rail and BRT will be a wash over what we have on the table right now.