Coleman continues push for streetcars

Coleman continues push for streetcars

John Cropper

Issue date: 1/16/07

Section: Campus

After nine months of research and deliberation, Columbus is on its way to become the next U.S. city to implement a modern streetcar system.

One of the primary streetcar routes in consideration would span from the Ohio State campus to German Village, with numerous stops along High Street. The route would help bring OSU students to downtown attractions, said Dawn Tyler Lee, OSU’s spokeswoman on a working group commissioned by Mayor Michael Coleman who studied the feasibility of streetcars.

As determined by the working group, the construction of five different streetcar routes could cost an estimated $128 million; however, Mayor Coleman said he believed the streetcars would generate enough economic development after eight years to cover the initial investment.

“Every expert we’ve spoken with has advised that we will see a positive return on this investment, up to six to one,” Coleman said.

During his address, Coleman emphasized the importance of not raising city taxes to fund the project.

“If the streetcar is initiated, it must be affordable to build and operate without a tax increase,” he said.

Palmo Aracri, owner of Café Napolitana for more than 15 years, agreed. Aracri has watched his restaurant, nestled in between downtown’s busiest intersection of Broad and High streets, evolve with the city.

“The streetcars will definitely add character, that’s for sure,” he said. “It will help the city, too. And anything that helps my city helps my business.”

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