FTU Staff Editorial: Jax Can't Afford Mobility Plan's Streetcar

[Dashing Dan]

What strategy would you suggest?

1-A more thorough streetcar feasibility study that would demonstrate whether or not the development benefits would exceed the costs for the streetcar line.

2-A land use study and zoning study that would improve our ability to apply TOD principles to raise the value of urban and urban fringe property.

3-In the short term, TransForm Jax needs to start advocating one-on-one with key leaders.

[Dashing Dan]

So what are you bullish on for improving mobility in the Riverside area?

Stay tuned!  RAP is working on something right now that would be pretty cool.

[cline]

So what are you bullish on for improving mobility in the Riverside area?

Stay tuned!  RAP is working on something right now that would be pretty cool.

Is RAP going to engage the residents (and members) about what they are "working on" during the process.  I'm still waiting to hear about any involvement opportunities for the parking and transportation master plan RAP is currently undertaking.

[thelakelander]

What strategy would you suggest?

1-A more thorough streetcar feasibility study that would demonstrate whether or not the development benefits would exceed the costs for the streetcar line.

2-A land use study and zoning study that would improve our ability to apply TOD principles to raise the value of urban and urban fringe property.

3-In the short term, TransForm Jax needs to start advocating one-on-one with key leaders.

I agree with this! I believe these are the things that should be done in the next few years while the money for potential construction is being generated by the fee.

[cline]

What strategy would you suggest?

1-A more thorough streetcar feasibility study that would demonstrate whether or not the development benefits would exceed the costs for the streetcar line.

2-A land use study and zoning study that would improve our ability to apply TOD principles to raise the value of urban and urban fringe property.

3-In the short term, TransForm Jax needs to start advocating one-on-one with key leaders.

I agree with this! I believe these are the things that should be done in the next few years while the money for potential construction is being generated by the fee.

I think we should start a streetcar feasibility study (that builds on JTAs study) immediately.

[tufsu1]

What strategy would you suggest?

1-A more thorough streetcar feasibility study that would demonstrate whether or not the development benefits would exceed the costs for the streetcar line.

2-A land use study and zoning study that would improve our ability to apply TOD principles to raise the value of urban and urban fringe property.

3-In the short term, TransForm Jax needs to start advocating one-on-one with key leaders.

agreed on #3...and I believe TransForm Jax is advocating for #1 and #2

[thelakelander]

In regards to one, maybe this should be done for roadway projects as well?  Why treat the mass transit solution differently?

[Captain Zissou]

3-In the short term, TransForm Jax needs to start advocating one-on-one with key leaders

Many people outside of Transform Jax have already been doing this very successfully. Why do you think Transform Jax is solely qualified to advocate for streetcars??

[fsujax]

it will take more than one group to advocate for streetcars.

[thelakelander]

I think not only should Transform Jax be doing this, but every resident and group in this city who would like to see the community improved should be out lobbying as many people as possible. We've got to get past this thing of hoping for change but waiting for someone else to actually put in the work to make change happen.

[thelakelander]

My editorial is now online:

'Equal time' on streetcars

Submitted by Phil Fretz on August 17, 2011 - 9:08am

Ennis Davis, a local land planner (and a meticulous researcher, I might add), is unhappy about a news story, letter to the editor and a blog of mine about a proposed streetcar system for Jacksonville.

Some of the information in the news story, which I picked up for the blog, was incorrect, he said, going on to make an argument for streetcars.

His thoughts.....

link to full editorial: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/406107/phil-fretz/2011-08-17/equal-time-streetcars


Phil also sent these emails:

Ennis: I’ll run your letter in my blog today, unless Larry plans to run it in his. ... Also, what is your phone number, so we can ask you to talk to the editorial board? Thanks. phil....

Carol Boone from our office will call you regarding an appointment with the editorial board. phil...

[thelakelander]

Wow, I didn't see this one coming in response:

By malseedj | 08/17/11 - 11:17 am new Although Ennis and I disagree on some issues, I believe it is time for a change in leadership at the JTA. Ennis has done the research in where our Transit Funding is best spent.

I am not a great fan of Mass Transit for the the core, but believe Ennis has a better understanding of issues than anyone I have seen in Jacksonville.

Mr. Blaylock and his Sidekick Mr. Arrington have both been using the same broken Chrystal Ball for the last 20 years. It is time to retire this Dynamic Duo before they sink us further in debt. If you use the SKYWAY and the Kings Street Garage as your examples of good planning. You could understand the resistance to their latest RTC Boondoggle with a 1700 foot planned walk between the proposed new bus station and the relocated AMTRAK Station.

I believe that we should move the bus station to the existing AMTRAK Station. The AMTRAK Station only serves about 97 people a day coming or going to Jacksonville for a total of 193 riders. Ennis would like to create a hub downtown and reduce the footprint of the proposed RTC. I believe that Downtown's days are over and that it has been overshadowed by outside the Core Development. That is our disagreement.

Given the right platform Ennis could better use what has been sloppily put together and make proper changes to clean up the mess.

John Malseed

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/406107/phil-fretz/2011-08-17/equal-time-streetcars

[duvaldude08]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

The current trolley system (PCTs), aside from not being fixed route, have not proven to spur development.  For the Riverside neighborhood I think streetcar is the logical mode choice.  It is a shame that people like the TU writer only view it as a gimmick.  Like you said, all you have to do is look at our peer cities and you can clearly see that it is most definitely not a gimmick.

A case in point is that nothing has time to develop - they are trimming the trolley service through avondale/riverside at 5 points and reconfiguring it dt for the new courthouse - this change goes into effect next month.

[Jimmy]

That's great, Ennis.  And the chance to talk to the Editorial Board is a great opportunity to moving the ball forward on 1) how the TU covers transit and 2) a better real-world outcome for these projects.