JTA transit Q & A in Springfield - 8/13 @ 6-7pm

[fsu813]

"This month's Springfield Area Merchants & Business Association general meeting will be held Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  James Boyle of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will be the guest speaker.

He will highlight several planned transit improvements (i.e.. Bus Rapid Transit, Streetcar, Commuter Rail, etc.) that will impact the Springfield Historic District and answer questions and concerns regarding them.

The meeting will be held at SPAR Council's office (1321 North Main Street).

For more information on JTA's future plans, visit: http://www.jtafla.com/RTS/showPage.aspx?Sel=5"

[nvrenuf]

Thanks for posting, wish I could make it to the meeting. Looks like we're still getting BRT on Boulevard. Can't say I'm excited. Hopefully it will be the no-impact they claim cause far be it from this city to listen to any of its citizens' concerns. The beaches are looking better and better.

[zoo]

SPAR has been told by representatives from JTA that the area IS NOT getting BRT on Boulevard, and that JTA just hasn't updated the map on its web site. I find it a bit, ok, very, difficult to trust any municipal dept/agency, so I hope the SAMBA mtg attendees will put this to JTA again.

[fsujax]

Zoo you don't trust your government?

[thelakelander]

How can BRT avoid Boulevard north of 8th Street?  Due to the compact setting of single family residences along this narrow stretch road, it is the most incompatible area for express buses.

I know the neighborhood prefers Jefferson, south of 8th but is there a position on the residential areas to the north?

[Charles Hunter]

Did anyone go to the meeting?  What was said?

[thelakelander]

I went, however the issue of BRT down Jefferson never really came up.  Commuter rail, streetcars and the PCT were discussed more.  The general theme was if you want mass transit, get vocal and demand that city leaders step up and help deliver the goods.

[Ocklawaha]

Darn, I couldn't go after all the planning we did to egg the speaker... Now I'm sorry I couldn't pull it off. Darn!

OCKLAWAHA

[fsujax]

man Ock, you were going to egg the speaker? thats pretty mean! the speaker may have egged you back....hahaha

[tufsu1]

if its not going on Blvd, what route will the BRT take?

[ChriswUfGator]

I went, however the issue of BRT down Jefferson never really came up.  Commuter rail, streetcars and the PCT were discussed more.  The general theme was if you want mass transit, get vocal and demand that city leaders step up and help deliver the goods.

So the *real* point of the meeting wasn't to ask for ideas or improvements, it was to motivate people to b!tch at their politicians so JTA can get more $$$ to mismanage. Niiiiiiiiiice....

[thelakelander]

No.  I asked a JTA representative to come out and speak to the Springfield business community about how their future mass transit plans impacted Springfield.  I did this because I believe its important for the community to understand their plans, the differences between modes, timelines and how they could impact Springfield.  My hope is that the community becomes involved in the planning of all the transit modes, so that they will be implemented in a way that helps achieve the redevelopment goals of the neighborhood.

[thelakelander]

if its not going on Blvd, what route will the BRT take?

Main, Pearl (north of 12th), etc.  Along with Boulevard and Jefferson, all have their pros and cons, but I don't believe a true discussion has ever taken place that evaluates all of these options, along with the goals of the communities impacted.

[nvrenuf]

I hope someone is taking into consideration the aged infrastructure under some of the streets they are planning to use. Rapid Transit until the bus falls into a sinkhole.

[tufsu1]

Seems to me that Broad is the easiest route up through Shands....but I could definitely support shifting to Pearl or Main north of 12th Street.

Main Street (at least south of 8th) should be reserved for streetcars!