Sky06

Wrong. The state is kicking in $20M of the cost.

I doubt it would help much. Just look at the sarcastic comments posted on pilotonline. Why do these people live here? Oh, I forgot, it's the only place they can get a job. And live affordably. And enjoy good weather (most of the time). This just proves the point I made in another thread. Push a negative agenda long enough and you get people who can't think for themselves. All they can do is repeat what everyone else says--even if they can't back it up.

Spent a couple hours at ODU today: Foreman field progress: Student housing under construction: The infamous MAGLEV: Miscellaneous:

Some old: Around City Hall: From Harbor Park back toward City Hall: Toward Harbor Park: Under I-264 toward Harbor Park: At Brambleton Bridge:

Baslically same pics as above, but hell I went to trouble.

Did some searching and found the following updated site for Norfolk development projects. Dev Site

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times. As long as our cities continue to fight one another, we'll continue to lose out to other metro areas. Each city has something to offer, and each needs to be marketed that way as a part of a whole.

I have heard that phase ll will go where the parking lot on waterfront is now.

Considering their proximity (not to mention history), you're exactly right. At the same time, the fact that we're even having these debates must be amusing to other cities that are competing with us for business development. As for the points about jobs above. I agree that there can be a multitude of scenarios, but I wouldn't necessarily take things so literally. The fact that the city is publically taking a stand against . . . lack of working . . . is very different from the stated positions of the past. It tends to make me think they are actually seeing the seriousness of this project.

I'm not saying they are. However, according to ODU, there are over 23,000 students enrolled. To date, some 3500 students TOTAL have graduated from the distance learning program. Are we to believe, then, that "most" of the 25,000 are distance learning? Wow, that's quite a jump. And why does anyone even question these numbers? 17,000? Did you count them? I didn't. Regardless, the point is that this is a major destination point--far bigger than anything in Ghent. Look at any subway or train system in the country. Whether you're talking U of Maryland in DC or Villanova in Philly, most attempt to serve local colleges and universities. P.S., just let me rant. Walk away. Don't make eye contact.

I'm all for building a line to Base anyway we can, although I still think a line behind West Ghent, across the NS rails, and behind ODU would be by far the least disruptive. Ay least until they get to ODU. but I think excluding ODU would be a major oversight. We're talking around 25,000 students, many of whom would love to take the train versus looking for parking.

Let's hope not. While we continue our infighting, other metro areas will continue to surpass us. It's time for 1 city. Or at least 1 primary city. I too would like to see an extension of the CBD. But before we get crazy, the changes that pe cites may happen could actually be for the better. Meanwhile, I think the city is saying some good things that it hasn't said before: 1. Force residents to work in order to live there. 2. Create a "dense" mixture of development. 3. Build housing that is primarily middle class: i.e., some 61% (1380 out of 2000). Much better than what's there now. 4. Potentially redistribute low-income residents to other areas. Note that fewer than half have said they want to return. 5. Include office and retail. 6. Work the details out slowly rather than jumping blindly ahead. Though it's not perfect, I feel better about this project than I have to date.

Anticipation for ODU football may mean field expansion I got my tickets. How about you? Article includes this quote: "Fenning said there has been discussion about eventually expanding the stadium capacity to 30,000 from 20,000. There also are alternative plans that would call for demolition and almost total redesign of the facility." I've heard some real changes could be in store. P.S., read the comments by the guy from LA and especially the responses. I've never been so proud of Hampton Roads in my life. I'm still laughing about the Lindsay Lohan comment.

The goold ole days when American carmakers made just a few models rather than making a hundred which led to more defects, watered down mechnical expertise, and higher prices.

Did you attend? What's the scoop?

Hate to get anyone started, but when you compare this to just about anything else in Fort Norfolk (except Harbor's Edge and the historic fort itself), I think it's probably an improvement. I'm not condoning mediocre design, but maybe this project will spur interest in the area again.

When are they supposed to raze Kirn? Also, has anyone heard about long-term plans for that space--i.e., the possibility of replacing what they build initially? I'd still love to see a mized use space--part terminal, part offices, part shops and restaurants. BTW, has anyone been to the Seaboard? Has it opened yet?

Has anyone tried the Hookah bar at Nazef on Colley? I went to 626 Press last Friday, and it was great. Very good food, huge wine list (with ABC off), Grolsch beer with pop-lid, packed. As someone said, I'll be back.

Here's a paper developed by the Mass company: http://www.magnemotion.com/products/maglev.../M3Maglev08.pdf

Read this on wikipedia. Old Dominion University 2009 TestA track of less than a mile in length has been constructed at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. Although the system was initially built by AMT, problems caused the company to abandon the project and turn it over to the University.[30][31] This system uses a "smart train, dumb track" that involves most of the sensors, magnets, and computation occurring on the train rather than the track. This system will cost less to build per mile than existing systems. The $14 million originally planned did not allow for completion. The system is currently not operational, but research has proved useful. In October 2006, the research team performed an unscheduled test of the car that went smoothly. The whole system, unfortunately, was removed from the power grid for nearby construction.[32]. In February 2009, the team was able to retest the sled, or bogie, and was again successful despite power outages on campus. Tests will continue, increasing both speed and distance. Meanwhile, ODU has partnered with a Massachusetts-based company to test another maglev train on its campus. MagneMotion Inc. is expected to bring its prototype maglev vehicle, which is about the size of van, to the campus to test in early 2010.[33]

You're right. Let's close down all brick and mortar businesses. And while we're at it, let's do away with all those unecessary construction jobs, sales jobs, cleaning jobs, security jobs, etc. Who needs 'em?

Sprawl is exactly what's wrong with this area. Connection, which mass transits helps fix, is a solution. And how much time do we spend everyday driving to and fro?

Getting mugged by a Yuppie from Ghent or Freemason is a real possibility.

Am I wrong to believe that the rest of the state doesn't want this to come to HR? If that's the case, the region has to work together to get the message to the Feds and not try to rely solely on Virginia. But I'm wondering if things have changed, considering the state's desire to fund light rail in Norfolk and even VB. The demand for high speed rail (with military, business travelers, tourists, international folks at NATO, etc.) is much higher here than Richmond or a lot of other places on the proposed corridor. Making people drive from here to a stop 2 hours away is also counter-productive.