[SunRail]

I wasn't sure this warranted its own thread, so I'll stick it here. If a mod chooses, move this into a new topic. I've been thinking a lot about the idea of street cars in downtown Orlando. It seems this form of transit is catching on nationwide; I'd like to hear your thoughts on proposed routes and if you think this is something that could work in Orlando.

If you are really interested in this topic, you should take a look at the following link: (**Warning: Do not attempt to access link with a slow internet connection. Link downloads a 54mb PDF document**)

Downtown Orlando Transportation Plan

Once downloaded, take a look at Section 5 since it covers much of what you refer to in your post.

[SunRail]

Here's an in-depth article from the Tampa Tribune about the CSX-DOT deal for Orlando commuter rail, how opposition by Marion, Polk and perhaps Hillsborough counties is growing, and how it intersects with the High Speed Rail project:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/sep/08/la.../?news-breaking

It seems this thing may be quite a way from being a done deal now that Jeb is gone.

As the story alludes to, and I have seen on many projects I've worked on... if CSX (or any railroad for that matter) wants it they are going to get it. They (RRs) are an EXTREMELY powerful lobby. I was very doubtful commuter rail would ever come to Orlando... that is until I heard that CSX was behind the push. This is a foregone conclusion folks... the DOT and all the local governments out west can hem and haw (I also have a STRONG feeling the numbers the DOT come up with will support commuter rail), but this deal is getting done. Orlando will have commuter rail in a few years.

[Downtown Orlando Project Discussion]

For those of you who work/live downtown and commute on I-4 this may be of interest to you:

Downtown Orlando: I4/SR408 Ramp Closures

[Other Metro Area Projects]

Shopping center planned near Bellalago

Mark Chediak {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer

Posted February 15, 2007, 10:51 AM E

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/or...iness-headlines

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Another project that should not be built.

Unfortunately these are the one that get built! These are also the ones that people drive by in 10 - 15 years and say "what the heck were they thinking?"... not to mention the sprawl.

[Orlando Attractions Area News & Developments]

HI

Just new to the site. I am a big fan of Orlando (well who wouldnt be ..sitting here in rainy cold Scotland)...wanted to ask ..

Does anyone have any up to date pics of the Pointe Orlando redevelopment?

What about the Belz/Prime changes - any news?

Aquatica at Seaworld - again any updates?

Whats happening with the Mercado on I Drive - it seems to be getting more and more run down each time I visit - have just read that the Cricketers Armd in moving to Festival Bay - surely this leaves the Mercado virtually empty.............

The Belz/Prime outlets are opening in 2 phases:

Phase 1 (includes Neiman Marcus) is scheduled to open this May

Phase 2 is schedule for summer 2008

[Downtown Orlando Project Discussion]

what project is this supposed to be?

This is the widening of I-4 that I can't seem to find any detailed description on. The following link contains some info, but all I can really find is the schedule:

- Design complete in 2008

- ROW acquisition now through 2009

- Construction to begin in 2014

I would love to see what type of widening plan they are designing (e.g., 10 lanes with noise walls).

Noise Walls North of Downtown Orlando

[Downtown Orlando Project Discussion]

Noticed on the way to work this morning that they are beginning to demo the houses just north of Lake Ivanhoe on the west side of I-4. Does anyone know when this construction officially begins?

[SunRail]

For those of you interested, there is a community forum on this topic January 10 at Leu Gardens.

The Charlotte Experience in Transit and Land Use: What Can We Learn?