Case

There is a perception difference between rail and bus.. go to any city with developed mass transit. There are some people who regularly take trains but wouldn't be caught dead on a bus. I don't believe that the federal gov will ever initiate the transportation projects needed in HR, I believe that it is appropriate for Local cities to start projects then pitch our case to the Feds for funds...using our political leverage. Clearly the military would benefit from improved transportation in HR... We should be pulling down massive funds for mass trans, 3rd crossing, etc. Given that VA is becoming a swing state politically and is "must win" for both parties this would be the prime time for our representatives demand Federal spending..... I don't think the 300+ mil Craney Island terminal project pushed by Warren is without political motivations. It can't be a bad thing for VA if the Repubs and Dems both try to "buy" our votes.

Espeto Na Brasa: Brazilian Steakhouse on Granby This may just become my new favorite restaurant.... I am not a steak or heavy meat eater and I had at least 8 different varieties of meat (steaks,lamb,chicken,sausage) and they all were good.. It is expensive but well worth it.... Service was good...Setup is nice.. (we prefed the upstairs...allows for people watching) Definitely a good addition to the Granby Dining scene.

My point exactly......Issues ,which in my opinion, have nothing to do with "left or right" are constantly being forced into those absurd ideological boxes creating artificial fights for elections. Ultimately preventing whats most important.....progress.

Ohh, lease we forget political persuasions, but of Course....EVERYONE....knows that: Trains / Mass transit = Liberals Cars / Roads = Conservatives

Second That, the only other option is to do nothing....which could lead to disaster.... this is a port region, our economy depends on efficient transportation of goods. Its as if the average person in HR doesn't get that... We cant hope and wait for a state assembly which does not have our better interest at heart. Its almost as if all of HR should take a field trip to DC Metro or ATL during rush hour to truly get an appreciation for what "GRIDLOCK" really is.

Sometimes I really wonder what drives the crushing pessimism of so may people in Hampton Roads. Is it fear of progress? I've visited rust belt cities where the average citizen had a more positive outlook...... This person complained of overtaxing the roads ,but how much you want to bet this same type person is against light rail and other alternative transportation. In todays economy... you are either Growing or Receding there is no more keeping things the same.....

I'm am glad to see that Harry's F, BBQ was not pushed out all together. Harry's is an institution in Norfolk. It was one of the first places I was taken to when I arrived in Virginia. Truthfully Harrys will likely out live the majority of the "trendy" places on Granby. The revitalization should not destroy the very business that made it possible in the first place. It will be truly telling if their former location sits empty for the next 8 months. I hope it doesn't

Im beginning to wonder if the best way to bring about true mass transit in HR is to focus all attention to where it is needed most....getting across our bodies of water. (To bad the drive wasnt here during the 70s when it was still possible to do that sort of thing. ) Hypothetically speaking, if a heavy rail line crossed from Portsmouth to Norfolk preferably downtown...the rest of this project would practically build itself. Norfolk and Vabeach would no longer be the only cities in this discussion. Planners would be dreaming up ways to extend the line all the way to Suffolk. I wont even go into the possibilities a third crossing with heavy rail would open up for the region..... I want this project to happen but we do have to ask the question...what is needed most in this region? But, If the federal government approves the money....take it....may be a long time before another opportunity arrises.