Peyton's Struggles: Economic Stimulus Package

[Metro Jacksonville]

Peyton's Struggles: Economic Stimulus Package



“In an ideal world, we'd love to be able to do everything now,” Peyton said. “We can't afford that luxury.”Jacksonville Business Journal 12/01/08

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/974

[deathstar]

What an eye opener, and another pain in my side about John Peyton.

When does his term end? 

[Charles Hunter]

Term ends - summer 2011, after the Spring 2011 local elections.

Just a note about the excellent article.  It urges not diverting the $100 million set aside for "transit improvements" to roadway work, and spending it on a starter commuter rail (or light rail, from the pictures) line.  I agree with keeping it as transit money.  But using that money for anything except buying right of way for a transit line would also take Council action.  The money is specifically for buying land for a rapid transit system, not the system itself.

[thelakelander]

But using that money for anything except buying right of way for a transit line would also take Council action.  The money is specifically for buying land for a rapid transit system, not the system itself.

Perhaps this is the path that should be taken.  It seems that all of our "ready to go" road projects are ending up on the Federal Stimulus list.  If this is the case, the remaining $100 million should be used on fixed rail locally.  At this point, it really does not matter what the type of rail is (all generate a high return on economic impact), as long as it works and is a part of a long term local transportation plan (we currently have studies under way for streetcars & commuter rail).  That amount of cash is more than enough to get either one up and running. Instead of only keeping the money for rapid transit (ROW) improvements, its time to lobby the council to change the terms to allow use for "rail" transit ROW and construction.

[zoo]

Mayor Peyton wanting to allocate that money for roadways, rather than mass transit, is socially, environmentally, and fiscally irresponsible.

[copperfiend]

Just a note that the first picture is actually Orange Park and not Jacksonville.

[coredumped]

On a somewhat related note, I've been to our amtrak station a few times, and have used it only in Florida. I must say, we have the most embarrassing amtrak station of all the ones from here to Tampa. If anyone has been to the Winter Park station or the Orlando station, then saw ours, you'd know what I'm talking about.
The station needs to be back at the terminal for a good impression to our guests.

[Ocklawaha]

The station needs to be back at the terminal for a good impression to our guests.

Our Station is the Worst! This is so true, not just Florida, but anywhere short of??? I can't think of another worse one. 

Scary stuff that they put $5 Million in the budget for "Amtrak improvements", God only knows what that means in Peyton-Speak... Another 5 acres of parking? A new tin roof? Maybe a financial incentive to bring a couple of more junk yards or truck terminals around the station just for effect?

OCKLAWAHA

[Lunican]

Dyer, IN

[Ocklawaha]

Just a note that the first picture is actually Orange Park and not Jacksonville.

Looks like your right, but unless I'm way off, which way are they all going? wouldn't it be great to park them short of I-295 and load them onto BRT on blanding, or send them over on Well's to a Commuter Rail Station where we could park them and load them onto trains?

Hell, sometimes I'm one of "them" as is one of my daughters every day! She would gladly cash in the car for a short train-bus ride.

OCKLAWAHA

[Ocklawaha]

Think your right Lunican, Although you jarred the brain...


Crestview, Florida, is worse. If the Sunset comes back, that place needs help. Like your photo, it's a wooden "school bus shed" and a platform. Chipley's is no bigger, but its in the town center and full of community pride - looks like a play house!


Houston TX
Houston, Texas, probably gets the honors for the ugliest and smallest major city station.


Sanford, Florida, was south of the old Diesel Shops, with a view of weeds and wrecked building remains, to the South of the station was perhaps Central Florida's worst ghetto. Anyone that missed that first turn would plow right into a super-high-crime area. When this photo was taken, the upstairs was still in place. But within months it would burn out. The distant or freight end of the station partly fell in. But Amtrak didn't pay any attention, they had no choice-no money. Finally Sanford was canceled as a regular train stop.

But it ain't over till the fat lady sings... Now they want to be the Passenger Train Hub of Florida. DAMN that consultant that gave them the idea to be the hub of Central Florida Commuter Rail. DAMN HIM! Now they have Congress sending the Sunset from LA to SANFORD! YEP! That's the plan. ...And they still haven't built my I mean that consultants damn depot!

NOW with the Peyton budget we'll probably get a depot something less then any of these!

OCKLAWAHA