Streetcars to get public hearing next week

By lazyfish | April 22, 2008 10:20am | Filed under Transit | Comments

The Dispatch wrote 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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392 Responses to “Streetcars to get public hearing next week”

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#1
cab124 Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 am
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?
#2
lazyfish Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
cab124 wrote 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.
#3
Brewmaster Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:45 am
lazyfish wrote 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

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
#4
Walker Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
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.
#5
Brewmaster Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Walker wrote I was at council last night and watched this public hearing come about.

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!
#6
cab124 Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Brewmaster wrote

Walker wrote I was at council last night and watched this public hearing come about.

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?
#7
Brewmaster Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
cab124 wrote

Brewmaster wrote

Walker wrote I was at council last night and watched this public hearing come about.

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!
#8
Walker Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
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:
#9
hazy stars Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Slightly off topic, but we totally biked past the Mayor’s house last night on the MNR. It was pretty awesome!
#10
cab124 Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Walker wrote 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:

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:
#11
Walker Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Streetcar Public Hearing will be on Monday. Details/discussion here:

http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13727
#12
michaels14 Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
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.
#13
DawonHawkins Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
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.
#14
urbandenim Says:
April 24th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
DawonHawkins wrote 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
#15
Walker Says:
April 25th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Dispatch LTE wrote Streetcars in Columbus

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
#16
Walker Says:
April 25th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Dispatch LTE wrote Dear Editor:

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
#17
Walker Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:26 am
WBNS wrote Public To Voice Opinions On Streetcar Project

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
#18
Walker Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:33 am
The Dispatch wrote Public has chance to offer views on streetcar funding

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
#19
Andrew Hall Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Walker - can you merge up the two threads on this? One in Trans News, one in Civic Meetings?

It is getting confusing.

Thanks,

A.
#20
Walker Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:41 am
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

;)
#21
Mercurius Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Wow, that might be longer than the north star thread :lol: :lol:
#22
Walker Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Mercurius wrote Wow, that might be ~~longer~~ more important than the north star thread :lol: :lol:

Fixed that for ya. ;)
#23
Andrew Hall Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Walker wrote Perhaps I should merge these:

…

;)

There was two threads titled almost identically:

Streetcars to get public hearing next week (this one)

&

City Council Public Hearing on the Streetcar Proposal (in Civic Meetings)

Since the specific subject is the same, I thought it might be helpful. I was looking for an answer to my question going off the link on the New Posts pages and was confused when I couldn’t even find my post.

A.
#24
Walker Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Sorry for the confusion.

Honestly, I don’t have an easy way to “merge” threads with phpbb2. Which is one of the reasons we’re in the process of upgrading some things around here.
#25
Andrew Hall Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Walker wrote

Mercurius wrote Wow, that might be ~~longer~~ more important than the north star thread :lol: :lol:

Fixed that for ya. ;)

I can’t wait til we actually have the streetcars. Then we go do a running thread like the NS documenting each time we use one. Kewl.

A.