cosmo2012

Does anyone know what's going on with the project that's supposed to be built at the Holiday Inn site?

Well that definitely puts my mind to ease.

Just something that's been on my mind... It's very discerning to hear a lot of the comments from people on the Virginian-Pilot articles concerning The Tide. They refer to it as "blight" rail, even the "Tide of Failure." I just don't get how these people can be so pessimistic about this project! Gas will soon top $4 a gallon! Mass transit is the ONLY solution until we have the technology to not be so dependent on fossil fuels. It takes time for an extensive system to come about and this is the first line of many to come in this area. I can't contain my excitement that one day I might not even need a car! For those of you who have convinced yourselves that The Tide will fail, wake up! The only thing I can see failing is our sole reliance on personal transportation. Sorry for the rant.... Just had to get that off my chest.

I remember how bustling Waterside when I was younger (early/mid '90s). The Fudgery was there, which was always my favorite highlight of going, as well as live music, clowns with balloons, and other performers. This may have been mainly during festivals, but I do have to agree that it's seen better days. It's definitely in need of a major renovation. I envision tying Waterside, Town Point Park, and Nauticus all together to create a cohesive waterfront attraction. Maybe something comparable to Pier 39 in San Francisco but not as blatantly "touristy." Nauticus could use an upgrade itself. I think it should be transformed into a premier aquarium for the area (although the one in Virginia Beach is a very nice). More bars aren't the answer in my opinion. The area has plenty of bars if people want to go out for a drink. What Hampton Roads lacks is things to do, especially for locals, and ESPECIALLY during the winter months. We need less restaurants/bars and more attractions. Though adding a Hard Rock Cafe wouldn't hurt... I think the renovation of the entire property should have plenty of lights and pizazz (this part of downtown looks pretty dead at night).

I'm quite annoyed about NSU's attitude towards this project. You'd think that if anything, they'd be excited about having light rail in a close proximity to the campus. It will greatly improve the accessibility to the campus for both students and employees and is certain to be utilized by both. It's absolutely ridiculous that NSU would argue to have the stations built farther from campus. I would expect for a university to not only be thrilled about having nearby mass transit, but prefer it to run directly through the campus. And the fact that the line isn't even on campus property makes their argument even more irrational. Norfolk has already tried to accomodate them, to no avail, and I think NSU's dissent is selfish and absurd.

Thanks vdogg and okinawa. Would anyone happen to know which version of the Siemens S70 model we're supposed get? The Tide website shows one identical to the LYNX in Charlotte, but I've also seen the sleeker, more aerodynamic version used in Houston with the 'The Tide' design on it. I hope it's like the one in Houston. The other one is too boxy in my opinion.

Hey everyone! I've been visiting Urban Planet for a few months but this is my first post. I absolutely love this forum. It's a great way to keep myself informed of what's going on in Hampton Roads. I actually plan on majoring in Urban Studies when I go back to school, so this serves as a great outlet. The Tide is my most revered project in this area. It's one of the key components of stimulating urban growth and transforming Norfolk and eventually the whole region into one with a useable and efficient transit system. I am VERY excited about this! As for its progress, I drove past the construction today and there are numerous (4 or more) cranes on the site. Before the elevated section begins, on the opposite side of Harbor Park, it looks like they have the foundation in place to lay down the curved section of rail. As for the bridge section, there's at least one completed set of concrete supports for the elevated track. This project is really moving along!