Norfolk Light Rail and Transit

[urbanvb]

It's amazing how the mood changed from excited to doom but these are valid concerns. I am really hoping the state pulls through but then we have the city having to also do the same. The question is how feasible is this of even happening?

[vdogg]

Makes sense. It just seems like everytime we get close that bar gets moved a little further. Until this article most of us were under the impression that the states portion had been all but guranteed. Now this thing actually goes through and they start to balk at it. I cannot tell you in strong enough words how much of a missed opportunity this will be if we've come this far, just to have it shot down by a few delegates who refuse to see the big picture. I was also unaware that 2 Beach delegates chaired the most powerful positions related to transportation in this state. That should've been the first warning sign right there. The news organizations should of sought out where these two stand on light rail long before now.

[vdogg]

It's amazing how the mood changed from excited to doom

Such is life in Norfolk. Should be used to it by now. I think this will move forward but I also think this was an unforseen setback that may delay the start of the project. The transportation budget is holding everything hostage. There are even some light rail extensions in NoVa that might not go through due to budget concerns and that's an existing system. This may be a lot of concern for nothing, we'll just have to watch the budget hearings closely to see. Neither of them said they were in outright opposition, but they did give the impression of an up hill battle. I have a feeling that its gonna be one of thes things where they'll support light rail, only if some of their projects are supported as well.

[vdogg]

I am really hoping the state pulls through but then we have the city having to also do the same.

The city is absolutely committed. They will do backflips to make this happen. My only concern is the state portion, but that portion is vital to this project moving forward. If HRT and Norfolk were smart, they already have a plan B. I'd even support them delaying the new courts complex if they needed to to get the money to move this forward.

[urbanfan]

One of the requirements for getting the recommended for funding is the financial viability of the system. They are not going to grant money for a system that can't be finished due to lack of funds.

If you look at the financial ratings from the feds you will notice that Norfolk recieved high marks on finances. The money is already there. I don't believe the current debate effects the money that HRT is pursuing from the state. The state actually already started a rail fund that is completely seperate from any transportation funding. I'll have to check on that but I'm pretty shure that is the case.

[rusthebuss]

If you look at the financial ratings from the feds you will notice that Norfolk recieved high marks on finances. The money is already there. I don't believe the current debate effects the money that HRT is pursuing from the state. The state actually already started a rail fund that is completely seperate from any transportation funding. I'll have to check on that but I'm pretty shure that is the case.

I hope that you are right or we are in deep crap. The state seems like they just don't want to sink any money in this region.

[wrldcoupe4]

The state doesn't give a crap about ANY rail in ANY part of Virginia for the most part, and it's shameful. They gave more taxpayer funds to private entities like CSX and Norfolk Southern than to passenger rail initiatives around the state. It's nice to see that the state finally designated a rail specific fund for transportation. It would be better if it was adequately funded and priority given to passenger rail initiatives like Norfolk's light rail or improving the I-95 rail corridor for Amtrak trains between Richmond and DC.

[rusthebuss]

The state doesn't give a crap about ANY rail in ANY part of Virginia for the most part, and it's shameful. They gave more taxpayer funds to private entities like CSX and Norfolk Southern than to passenger rail initiatives around the state. It's nice to see that the state finally designated a rail specific fund for transportation. It would be better if it was adequately funded and priority given to passenger rail initiatives like Norfolk's light rail or improving the I-95 rail corridor for Amtrak trains between Richmond and DC.

If this state is going to grow properly they need to look at moving people around with rail. This includes between metros to be competitive with other states. Maybe one day they will open their eyes. It just seems there isn't anyone running for state positions that care. One day Richmond is going to need LR and its going to affect you guys as well.

[monsoon]

Well ultimately transit spending is a political decision as it takes taxes to build these things. The people have to vote in people that are more supportive of transit if what you say is correct.

[rusthebuss]

Well ultimately transit spending is a political decision as it takes taxes to build these things. The people have to vote in people that are more supportive of transit if what you say is correct.

The problem is that we can't find those people!

[burt]

A politician from your area, Del. Phillip A. Hamilton, R-Newport News, is introducing a bill in the House of Delegates to allow some sort of horse race video game to raise money for transportation. It looks like an ATM and features videos of past races. His proposal would be to set them up at Colonial Downs and in its 9 betting parlors across the state. He claims it would raise between $660 million to $934 million annually. Arkansas has the game. After cuts to horse owners and the track, about 49% would go directly to transportation needs in Virginia.

Sen. Thomas K. Norment, Jr., R-James City will sponsor a similar bill in the State Senate.

Fat chance a new game of chance will be approved in olde Virginny !

[urbanlife]

or they could go back to the day when casinos were legal in virginia and VB was lined with them. That would be a cashcow of money for the state.

[burt]

or they could go back to the day when casinos were legal in virginia and VB was lined with them. That would be a cashcow of money for the state.

Huh? I'm pretty old and don't remember gambling (legal) in VB or anywhere else in the state - certainly not streets lined with casinos.

In summer months, on holiday from Richmond, we used to drive from VB to a dog track across the Carolina line and place bets, but that pretty much was the extent of any gambling of which I was aware. Now, Colonial Beach on the Potomac was a different story. The waterline of the Potomac marks the border with Maryland and that state had slot machines on piers jutting out from the town of Colonial Beach on the Virginia shore. And US301 in Marland had plenty of places to play the slots. That all ended in the 1960's, I think.

[vdogg]

It appears that the city is moving ahead with the buyout of certain properties situated along the light rail line.

link

Warning! .pdf file.

[vdogg]

Residents bring concerns to table about ingleside light rail stop

Parking, safety and crime were on the minds of many Ingleside residents who attended a public meeting Thursday night about a proposed light rail stop in their neighborhood.

The community's civic league voted earlier this year to oppose the station, reversing its stand from five years ago.

A survey conducted by Hampton Roads Transit over the summer didn't specifically ask whether residents liked the idea, but it did ask if they'd ride it. Fifty-two percent said yes and 25 percent said perhaps.

Two City Council members and HRT officials listened to concerns and tried to answer questions from a gathering of more than 50 people.

This came out on October 20th. Don't know how we all missed this.

[rusthebuss]

Residents bring concerns to table about ingleside light rail stop

This came out on October 20th. Don't know how we all missed this.

Not sure how I feel about there decision. I wonder if HRT only chose certain households to send the surveys. I do think that light rail is important for this area. They do have valid concerns

[vaceltic]

I wonder how many of these residents filled out the survey when it came over the summertime.

[monsoon]

Keep in mind something about the media that I have noticed:

• Most newspapers these days are little more than tabloids. Don't expect reasonable reporting from them. Many times they leave out facts and many articles are written to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
  
• Newspapers love to sensationalize all of the perceived negative issues that are associated with transit. This is one of their whipping boys they use to sell papers.
  
• I have never seen a mainstream newspaper article that actually "gets it" when it comes to the bigger picture on transit. They can't figure out why we don't keep building roads or rather they don't want to spend the time trying to educate the public.
  

This is a broad generalization that may not apply to your paper in Norfolk, but this is what I have noticed elsewhere.

[rusthebuss]

Keep in mind something about the media that I have noticed:

• Most newspapers these days are little more than tabloids. Don't expect reasonable reporting from them. Many times they leave out facts and many articles are written to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
  
• Newspapers love to sensationalize all of the perceived negative issues that are associated with transit. This is one of their whipping boys they use to sell papers.
  
• I have never seen a mainstream newspaper article that actually "gets it" when it comes to the bigger picture on transit. They can't figure out why we don't keep building roads or rather they don't want to spend the time trying to educate the public.
  

This is a broad generalization that may not apply to your paper in Norfolk, but this is what I have noticed elsewhere.

That applies here as well. Meida doesn't report unbiased as they should. Facts aren't facts but are opinions of the article or paper authors. There is always an agenda for their reporting.

[vdogg]

This is a broad generalization that may not apply to your paper in Norfolk, but this is what I have noticed elsewhere.

Nope, you hit the nail right on the head. In general though they do seem pretty even handed on developments that seek to urbanize the area. Light rail has always seemed to have a harder time in the press around here though. I take every article I see with a grain of salt, one of my main issues with this is that they don't seem to report all this opposition until something actually gets close to becoming reality. Surely these people didn't just wake up yesterday and decide they oppose this.

[New England Transplant]

I just got back from Portland, OR. I had the opportunity to take the light rail from the airport to downtown, around town, and then back to the airport. I thought it was great. It was 2.00 to get back and forth to the airport. The city center was free. It was clean, quick, consistent, and timely. I really look forward to Norfolk getting something similar in the near future.

I have been looking forward to this trip to Portland for sometime as it is the epitome of smart growth and a common example of new urbanism. I thought it was a neat city, but, perhaps even greater, was the appreciation it gave me for Norfolk. It made me realize that many of us do not fully realize what we have here; Light rail will definitely take this to the next level. In short, I'm happy to be a citizen of Norfolk.

[urbanlife]

I just got back from Portland, OR. I had the opportunity to take the light rail from the airport to downtown, around town, and then back to the airport. I thought it was great. It was 2.00 to get back and forth to the airport. The city center was free. It was clean, quick, consistent, and timely. I really look forward to Norfolk getting something similar in the near future.

I have been looking forward to this trip to Portland for sometime as it is the epitome of smart growth and a common example of new urbanism. I thought it was a neat city, but, perhaps even greater, was the appreciation it gave me for Norfolk. It made me realize that many of us do not fully realize what we have here; Light rail will definitely take this to the next level. In short, I'm happy to be a citizen of Norfolk.

I see you enjoyed the city I proudly call home now. I do hope Norfolk and Hampton Roads can have light rail as good as it is here. But I have no plans to move back and leave Portland.

[vdogg]

It seems that hrt has change its web address (again ) and there is now an area where you can sign up for updates on LRT for the Peninsula and Southside to be delivered to your inbox. I recommend you all visit

[urbanfan]

Also, if you read further down the page, they mention that they already have federal approval to start preliminary design on an extension to the navy base.

[vtfan18]

Also, if you read further down the page, they mention that they already have federal approval to start preliminary design on an extension to the navy base.

Extension to the navy base would be HUGE! I know so many people who hate driving onto the base because of traffic and so many of those same people get stuck going down hampton blvd.