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COLUMBUS City Council meeting – Streetcars to get public hearing next week
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 3:06 AM
By Robert Vitale
Columbus City Council members complained last week that they’ve been left out of the loop on Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s streetcar plan.
Last night, they made the loop bigger.
The council will host its first public hearing next week on the $103 million proposal to build a 2.8-mile rail line between Downtown and Ohio State University. The council’s decision came in an impromptu debate at the end of the weekly meeting.
The day and time haven’t been firmed up, but Councilwoman Maryellen O’Shaughnessy said she wants the session to take place before the council votes on Coleman’s proposed 2008 capital budget.
That budget, which includes a $2 million request to begin design and engineering work for the streetcar line, is scheduled for council action on May 5.
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Streetcars to get public hearing next week
By: lazyfish
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Didn’t the city council members have the same opportunities to learn about the streetcar proposal that the rest of us have had? Did they attend the working group meetings or the many public forums held over the last two years? Are they familiar with the findings and recommendations of the working group?
power doesn’t usually mingle with the rabble, they don’t like being on the same level…that said there is also protocol, that the mayor has glossed over, he may suggest spending to council, but it is council that approves the spending. So if the mayor was serious about this, he would have been in constant contact with council and making every effort to address their concerns in private (the way it usually works)…this may be the first public spat between the mayor and council in over 8 years, it may be one of the few times council has voted on an issue and the vote total is not unanimous or with 1-2 lonely dissenters…..
democracy is about process more than results, seems some have forgotten the offical process.
True…but it’s a two way street. They’ve got better access to the Mayor and the Streetcar Working Group than any of us do (except maybe Walker).
Be sure to send letters letting them know you support the starter line. I even made it easy on everyone…just copy and paste this email string…
MKRutkus@columbus.gov, yjnelson@columbus.gov, KAOwens@columbus.gov, KCPaul@columbus.gov, lecady@columbus.gov, jcragland@columbus.gov, CGWilliams@columbus.gov
I was at council last night and watched this public hearing come about. From my understanding this is more of a public hearing on the “funding mechanism” for the Streetcar, and I do think some council members need some additional information on the funding of the Streetcar.
Overall, I’m glad this is happening. More education is better than voting down the funding because of a lack of information. I really don’t see that happening though as it’s just one small piece of a huge annual budget.
Anyway, time to drum up support for the meeting. Everyone needs to be in attendance for this.
Sidenote: I flipped on GTC-3 when I got home to catch the last couple minutes of the meeting. That “reverend” went OFF! They had to drag him out kicking and screaming.
Talk about some great television!
Sidenote: I flipped on GTC-3 when I got home to catch the last couple minutes of the meeting. That “reverend” went OFF! They had to drag him out kicking and screaming.
Talk about some great television!
Seriously?? What happened?
Sidenote: I flipped on GTC-3 when I got home to catch the last couple minutes of the meeting. That “reverend” went OFF! They had to drag him out kicking and screaming.
Talk about some great television!
Seriously?? What happened?
After Councilwoman Tyson asked him to introduce himself, he said, “Come on! You know who I am!”
She replied, “I know who you are, but please state your name for the record”
He didn’t waste any time after he introduced himself, and begun chanelling Kanye West by claiming that the Mayor and City Council “don’t care about black people”. He added that they “don’t care about the ignorant people in Columbus either”, and then smoothly transitioned into yelling at the council members about how they need to spend $40,000 on public access television.
President Mentel kept trying to get him to calm down and stay on topic (which had something to do with Parks and Rec), but after about 5 failed attempts, he had him removed and cut his mic off.
It was awesome!
Yeah, it was insane to watch.
When it was my turn to speak I almost opened with a joke about how I was a little nervous but would try not to get myself escorted out.
:lol:
Slightly off topic, but we totally biked past the Mayor’s house last night on the MNR. It was pretty awesome!
When it was my turn to speak I almost opened with a joke about how I was a little nervous but would try not to get myself escorted out.
:lol:
I guess there will always be people like this. Sometimes, when I listen to the people who call into some of the talk shows on 610 WTVN, I shudder. :shock:
Streetcar Public Hearing will be on Monday. Details/discussion here:
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13727
I would like to add that during the 2 years of public meetings and briefings, the Mayor not only met almost weekly with the Council President (who supports streetcars), but also had Councilmember O’Shaughnessy as an active member of the Streetcar Working Group. The Administration has offered public and private briefings to answer all Council member’s questions, and will continue to do so as long as it takes to provide a fuller understanding of how public policy is moving forward and how we are attempting to start rail transit in Columbus.
We believe the research is solid and the tough questions can be answered, and we look forward to every opportunity to step up and do so. The Mayor and team have been very upfront that this is a process, and will continue to reach out to businesses, neighborhood groups and local officials to explain the plan.
To be honest, we didn’t expect the “debate” this early at council because our team hasn’t yet asked to spend anything. Normally, you have the big debates when legislation for spending authorization goes forward. This discussion came in regards to the Capital Budget, which is our City’s annual outline for planned spending on major projects in the upcoming year, but it is not actual authorization. Some council members chose to highlight the $2 million of the $1.1 billion plan, and so we are discussing it now, before we finish the on-going public outreach and work on the full financing scenario. Obviously, this means some questions cannot be answered yet, but we will move forward on both fronts as we can.
It is fair to have a debate on the merits of any new system of transit, or public spending. But, we do hope that as we show the facts, the potential benefits and the general fairness of the financing scenario, we’ll earn the support of council as well as the public.
I was at the council meeting yesterday and from what I gathered, it seemed like some council members were struggling more with the sustainability of the streetcar moreso than the initial funds needed to get it up and running. This public hearing will be an excellent opportunity for those questions to be raised, as well as an opportunity for the public to voice their support of the streetcar initiative moving forward.
I hope so because this streetcar thing is starting to wear on my nerves a little. I know it takes time but YEEESH! lol
Upon my “boomeranging” from Dallas, Texas back to Central Ohio, I took up residency in downtown Columbus. Although downtown is no longer my home, I do still work there. Through my personal experiences living and working in downtown Columbus, I envision the streetcar initiative as evolving into nothing short of successful by giving the City of Columbus an extra push towards becoming a world-class city with an array of accessible amenities for its residents and visitors.
Streetcars would give its residents and visitors the ability to become more mobile in their endeavors to attend events, restaurants and businesses located in the multiple cultural neighborhoods in Columbus such as: the Short North, Italian Village and Franklinton. Attending an OSU football game, the Gallery Hop, or a play at the Palace Theatre no longer becomes a hassle for someone, but something that is painless by simply hopping on a streetcar and leaving your car behind. In addition to connecting its neighborhoods, streetcars will also present Columbus the ability to become the “green” city that it desires to be.
One of the biggest amenities this community and state has is The Ohio State University and the 55,000 students it educates each year. As a supporter of the YP initiatives in the Columbus Region, streetcars would present an alternative means of transportation for students to connect themselves with the community that surrounds them and the abundance of culture it is home to. Students come from all over the world to attend Ohio State and the majority of them defect to “bigger” cities, or they simply return to their home upon graduation. I truly believe that streetcars could play a significant role in the retention of this talent coming not only from OSU, but other institutions such as Franklin, CSCC and Capital, by simply serving as a convenient means of transportation to and from jobs and internships. Ultimately, I do think that streetcars would greatly benefit the YP initiative and at the same time promoting and cultivating economic development and connectivity for the students, residents, visitors, entrepreneurs and workers of this great community.
Justin T. Bickle, Gahanna
From a young professional perspective, streetcars linking downtown visitor attractions, The Ohio State University campus and entertainment districts would be amazing. By linking these downtown areas we create an easy route between the different districts. There are many times when my friends and I are out in the Arena District and want to head down to the Short North or to campus. It would be great to have this connection.
Also, as a professional working in the Short North, I have many of my meetings downtown. While I do take a bus occasionally, many times I drive and have to look for parking. Streetcars would provide a wonderful resource for professionals in the downtown area. Streetcars could help me reduce my carbon footprint!
Sincerely,
Heather Starck
Monday, April 28, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A public meeting scheduled for Monday night will give residents a chance to voice their opinions on a proposed streetcar project.
The proposed electric streetcar line, which would cost $103 million, would run along High Street from the Campus Gateway to the Franklin County Courthouse in downtown Columbus.
DISCUSS: What do you think about the streetcar proposal?
READ MORE
Monday, April 28, 2008
BY ROBERT VITALE
Can Columbus afford streetcars? Or can it afford not to have them?
Tonight, the debate begins.
The City Council will host its first hearing on Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s $103 million proposal to run a modern, electric train line from Downtown to Ohio State University.
READ MORE
Walker – can you merge up the two threads on this? One in Trans News, one in Civic Meetings?
It is getting confusing.
Thanks,
A.
Perhaps I should merge these:
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8872
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12498
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11136
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13592
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13138
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13661
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12029
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13271
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13129
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13368
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9075
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11136
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13112
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6691
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13198
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8792
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11471
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13110
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13536
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4249
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6237
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6748
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4250
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6602
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6601
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6561
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6758
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6725
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6696
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6670
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6655
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6600
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6641
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7791
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6728
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6632
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8872
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8359
Into this one:
http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3876
;)