Austinist: A Dream of Streetcar

mdahmus

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:18:02 -0600

Many of the funding 'buckets' being proposed for streetcar aren't available for general use (such as TIF districts - if you don't do anything in the area, you can't impose a TIF). And I don't think the Long Center spur is adding much cost or is the main focus here - it could easily be left out for later.

seth

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:48:45 -0600

Asher- If the city refuses to give the Long Center the $2 million they want for security and lawn care, perhaps it won't be flat broke. And no, light rail / street cars DON'T need a station at the Long Center. Let those fatcats who thought the Long Center was necessary fund it themselves. Seth

AsherBaruch

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:59:30 -0600

Traffic control is a huge issue on Manor. Cars (and big f'n trucks) constantly speed between Airport and Cherrywood for no reason other than they can. There's only one sidewalk (on the N end of the street) up till Larry Lane, and no crosswalks across Manor. Holy guacamole. M!KE finally convinces me to click to his blog, and here I am agreeing with him. But, Shilli, does the City really have the money for this project? I welcome the idea of any public transportation project, but considering how long it took to remove fallen trees on Eastside due to the May 15 storm, I'm under the impression that this town is flat broke.

Shilli

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:42:01 -0600

I actually did read it back when you posted it and I think it is a reasonable proposal. I just got lazy with the links in this post. Fair point about the sidewalks - I didn't think that was included in the 60 feet.

mdahmus

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:51:05 -0600

MLK works only for commuter rail passengers trying to get to Capitol or downtown; it's awful for generating actual ridership of its own, and serves UT poorly (Manor is merely half-assed for UT; MLK 'serves' UT about as well as commuter rail does downtown, which is to say almost completely no-assed). I suggested reserved guideway with singletrack between stations on Manor and it hurts my feelings you didn't read it! There isn't enough room for two rail tracks and two car lanes in the 40 feet of street; and the city does not want to bite off taking away sidewalks and other stuff built in that 60 foot right-of-way at this time, nor do I blame them.