(I don't like doing back-to-back transit posts, as I don't want this to exclusively be a transit blog. However, I'm probably going to have three consecutive here. Sorry.)
The question remains: exactly how do we connect Portsmouth into a regional light rail network? For the most fiscally stressed city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it could reap a load of benefits by being connected into such a system in the midterm. Complete the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to Naval Station Norfolk via downtown Norfolk line, then start trying to get light rail across the river to P-town.
You start to grasp the scale of the problem when you read Phase II of the Regional Transit Vision Plan. It puts a streetcar in Portsmouth, to maybe later be extended to the Harbor Park multimodal station. There's a proposed corridor from Harbor Park to Harbour View via downtown Portsmouth "BRT, maybe LRT". However, even those partial measures rest on one huge if: a multimodal expansion of the Downtown Tunnel, with dedicated mass transit lanes.
That's not a report, but rather a death sentence for Portsmouth. I raised the issue during a Public Comment session at the TPO, and have talked about it with regional leaders. Failure to secure Portsmouth into our regional light rail network in the midterm risks having it become a sinkhole in 30-40 years that could take down the rest of South Hampton Roads with it. Portsmouth needs to be online, where it can reap the benefits of such a system.
Showing posts with label Portsmouth City Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Portsmouth City Council. Show all posts
Thursday, March 24, 2011
69% Favor A Midtown Tunnel Routing
69% prefer taking light rail to Portsmouth via the Midtown Tunnel, with 31% favoring the Downtown Tunnel. Here's the problem: Phase II of the Regional Transit Vision Plan eliminates the Midtown routing, leaving a possible Downtown Tunnel routing.
The new question: how do you rate Mayor Will Sessoms' performance in office? He's been there now over 26 months.
The new question: how do you rate Mayor Will Sessoms' performance in office? He's been there now over 26 months.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
94% Grasp The Mistake
94% of you grasped that the Council of Civic Organizations (CCO) inviting John Moss, Chairman of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), was a blunder. There are so many reasons it shouldn't have been done.
First, it hurts the CCO's credibility. There's an old diplomatic axiom that "You can tell a revolution by its friends." The CCO holding hands with the VBTA doesn't paint a pretty picture of the new CCO leadership.
Second, wait for the political blowback. The CCO now has a number of powerful organizations and individuals unhappy with it. There will be ramifications.
Third, from my own prior tenure with the CCO, I know you schedule programs based on two drivers:
1. It will get good information to the community.
2. It will bring out attendance.
The VBTA only gives lies and conspiracy theories. The only attendance will be the Kool-Aid chuggers coming to worship their cult leaders.
Fourth, the CCO used to have annual Budget meetings. Management Services from the City of Virginia Beach would give a presentation. They were discontinued due to poor attendance.
Fifth, some will probably claim the CCO was just trying to offer a different perspective. If so, why doesn't it invite the KKK, the Nation of Islam, and the National Socialist Movement? If not, why are they inviting the VBTA, another group clearly out of the mainstream?
Sixth, did the CCO forget it has a seat on the Resort Advisory Commission (RAC)? How does the CCO expect it's RAC representative to be effective when it's playing footsie with the VBTA, which believes the Resort Area is public enemy number one? (If I held the CCO RAC seat, I'd resign, my job impossible to accomplish.)
Seventh, the CCO often works through partnerships. It does projects jointly with the City, including the Community Legislative Package. It funds it's annual Party In the Park, and offsets the annual Banquet, through donations from the business community. Neither will be pleased with this snafu.
The bottom line: the CCO will spend at least six months repairing the damage from this.
The new poll question: which routing should light rail take into Portsmouth - Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel?
First, it hurts the CCO's credibility. There's an old diplomatic axiom that "You can tell a revolution by its friends." The CCO holding hands with the VBTA doesn't paint a pretty picture of the new CCO leadership.
Second, wait for the political blowback. The CCO now has a number of powerful organizations and individuals unhappy with it. There will be ramifications.
Third, from my own prior tenure with the CCO, I know you schedule programs based on two drivers:
1. It will get good information to the community.
2. It will bring out attendance.
The VBTA only gives lies and conspiracy theories. The only attendance will be the Kool-Aid chuggers coming to worship their cult leaders.
Fourth, the CCO used to have annual Budget meetings. Management Services from the City of Virginia Beach would give a presentation. They were discontinued due to poor attendance.
Fifth, some will probably claim the CCO was just trying to offer a different perspective. If so, why doesn't it invite the KKK, the Nation of Islam, and the National Socialist Movement? If not, why are they inviting the VBTA, another group clearly out of the mainstream?
Sixth, did the CCO forget it has a seat on the Resort Advisory Commission (RAC)? How does the CCO expect it's RAC representative to be effective when it's playing footsie with the VBTA, which believes the Resort Area is public enemy number one? (If I held the CCO RAC seat, I'd resign, my job impossible to accomplish.)
Seventh, the CCO often works through partnerships. It does projects jointly with the City, including the Community Legislative Package. It funds it's annual Party In the Park, and offsets the annual Banquet, through donations from the business community. Neither will be pleased with this snafu.
The bottom line: the CCO will spend at least six months repairing the damage from this.
The new poll question: which routing should light rail take into Portsmouth - Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel?
Friday, February 11, 2011
HRPTA Light Rail Forum
On Wednesday morning there was a light rail forum at the MacArthur Memorial Auditorium in downtown Norfolk. The event was presented by the Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA). Randy Wright is the current HRPTA President. Speaking were Councilperson Pat Woodbury of Newport News, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) President Phillip Shucet, and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim.
Also there were Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth and Jeanne Evans. While Evans was there as representative of Senator Jim Webb's office, later in the week she was named Executive Director of Virginia Beach's Central Business District Association (CBDA).
In addition, five came from the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA): Robert Dean, Reid Greenmun, Ben Krause, and two Kool-Aid chuggers I couldn't identify. Always self-important, they sat in the front row by the speaker's podium. The best part: Reid Greenmun bought a Light Rail Now t-shirt. Next time LRT opponents whine about who is financing LRN, simply point out Greenmun is, too.
Shucet covered two central themes. First, what is going on with construction of The Tide. Second, to be a mass transit advocate means advocating for much more than light rail.
Fraim stated that the two primary lessons from Starter Line construction were the need to better monitor spending, and better coordination with state and Federal governments.
Since Ben Krause has already tried to misconstrue Fraim's comments on Norfolk's rationale for light rail, I'll devote more time to them than I originally planned. Norfolk has an economy of $13.9 billion, even larger than Virginia Beach's $10.4 billion. 91k commute to jobs in Norfolk from elsewhere in the region, 82% by Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV). 60k of those commuters are from Virginia Beach. (30k from Norfolk commute to work elsewhere in the region.) Especially with Norfolk a relatively small land mass, moving those workers is a major concern for Norfolk economically. Some of those jobs could go elsewhere if the transportation issues aren't tackled. That's why light rail is paramount, and the Virginia Beach extension (given the number of workers) is huge.
The jaw-dropper of the morning: Reid Greenmun has joined the Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA)! Greenmun joining the HRPTA is one of the most shamelessly brazen things I've heard of in my life! What part of "Public Transportation" doesn't he understand? He's on record repeatedly calling for it's abolition.
(Memo to the Virginia Beach City Council: you actually want to put light rail to referendum and give people like that center stage for such antics? You can't be serious!)
HRT Staff taped the forum, planning to later put it on their YouTube channel. (Two hours ago it still hadn't been posted.)
Also there were Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth and Jeanne Evans. While Evans was there as representative of Senator Jim Webb's office, later in the week she was named Executive Director of Virginia Beach's Central Business District Association (CBDA).
In addition, five came from the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA): Robert Dean, Reid Greenmun, Ben Krause, and two Kool-Aid chuggers I couldn't identify. Always self-important, they sat in the front row by the speaker's podium. The best part: Reid Greenmun bought a Light Rail Now t-shirt. Next time LRT opponents whine about who is financing LRN, simply point out Greenmun is, too.
Shucet covered two central themes. First, what is going on with construction of The Tide. Second, to be a mass transit advocate means advocating for much more than light rail.
Fraim stated that the two primary lessons from Starter Line construction were the need to better monitor spending, and better coordination with state and Federal governments.
Since Ben Krause has already tried to misconstrue Fraim's comments on Norfolk's rationale for light rail, I'll devote more time to them than I originally planned. Norfolk has an economy of $13.9 billion, even larger than Virginia Beach's $10.4 billion. 91k commute to jobs in Norfolk from elsewhere in the region, 82% by Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV). 60k of those commuters are from Virginia Beach. (30k from Norfolk commute to work elsewhere in the region.) Especially with Norfolk a relatively small land mass, moving those workers is a major concern for Norfolk economically. Some of those jobs could go elsewhere if the transportation issues aren't tackled. That's why light rail is paramount, and the Virginia Beach extension (given the number of workers) is huge.
The jaw-dropper of the morning: Reid Greenmun has joined the Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA)! Greenmun joining the HRPTA is one of the most shamelessly brazen things I've heard of in my life! What part of "Public Transportation" doesn't he understand? He's on record repeatedly calling for it's abolition.
(Memo to the Virginia Beach City Council: you actually want to put light rail to referendum and give people like that center stage for such antics? You can't be serious!)
HRT Staff taped the forum, planning to later put it on their YouTube channel. (Two hours ago it still hadn't been posted.)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
TDCHR January 27, 2011
Meetings of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) normally run about one hour. Today the governing board of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) met for about 135 minutes.
Our newest Commissioner: Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth. Wright is the only Mayor from the seven cities sitting on the TDCHR.
You all want the light rail news, so I'll give it to you:
1. The TDCHR moved towards two separate Lines of Credit. There's been a $20 million annual line for existing operations. There will now be a $13 million Line for bus operations, and a $6 million Line for light rail. The purpose is to ensure that the other six cities don't end up helping to cover Norfolk light rail finance charges.
2. The contractor working on the safety systems that have delayed the launch of Tide revenue service has until April 15 to complete the work, or face liquidated damages. After completion of the contract, HRT will need to run 60 days of tests prior to revenue service.
3. Great news from Tide construction: our accident rate has been 25% of the average for such projects.
4. A contract was approved for four safety drills on the Tide prior to revenue service. They will simulate emergency situations, and involve responses by the Norfolk Fire and Police Departments.
5. Equipment from the Port of Virginia that was borrowed for the offloading of Tide train sets will now be purchased from the Port. (Since Reid Greenmun already hates the Port, he'll probably now claim they're part of The TOD Conspiracy.)
On a related note, the move of the downtown transfer center from Cedar Grove to Wood Street has now been pushed out of April due to disagreements with the City of Norfolk. Norfolk wants to continue two-way vehicular traffic on Wood and use it as a transfer center at the same time. (Can you say "Nuts!"?)
Get this, Flat Earthers: HRT ended the first half of FY 2011 more than $1.6 million under Budget!
Ridership in December, 2010 was up 3.21% over December, 2009 despite the service lost to snow just after Christmas.
Speaking of that snowstorm, Superintendent Keith Johnson was awarded the HRT President's Coin for his extraordinary efforts to keep things running safely over those days. (There's also a mechanic at Victoria Boulevard named Keith Johnson, which can make for a load of confusion in Hampton.)
All 60 Traffix vans are leased out.
There was a proposed change to the TDCHR By-Laws presented. It would provide for in-house legal Counsel and an Internal Auditor. The TDCHR made two changes to the draft amendments before moving them along. First, it was made crystal clear that the Internal Auditor could come directly to the TDCHR if necessary, bypassing the President. Second, the TDCHR would have the sole authority for hiring and firing both the Counsel and Internal Auditor. That's to prevent the President from firing them before they could blow the whistle on mischief. The vote on ratifying the amendment would be at the February TDCHR meeting.
After a lengthy closed session, a new contract for Phillip Shucet from August 1, 2011 until January 31, 2012 was approved. Two Commissioners (Milteer of Suffolk and Wallace of Hampton) voted "No", while one Commissioner (alternate Jackson of Newport News) abstained.
There will be some employee shuffling for TDCHR meetings. First, longtime TDCHR Secretary Luis Ramos will move to Quality Assurance in the Customer Service Department. Second, Sienna Cowell will serve as interim TDCHR Secretary. (The in-house Counsel would get the position in the long term.) Third, Selina Taylor will be going on maternity leave. (I don't know Selina's formal title, but she's the administrative employee who is keeper of the meeting packets.)
The next TDCHR meeting will be February 24 in Hampton.
Our newest Commissioner: Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth. Wright is the only Mayor from the seven cities sitting on the TDCHR.
You all want the light rail news, so I'll give it to you:
1. The TDCHR moved towards two separate Lines of Credit. There's been a $20 million annual line for existing operations. There will now be a $13 million Line for bus operations, and a $6 million Line for light rail. The purpose is to ensure that the other six cities don't end up helping to cover Norfolk light rail finance charges.
2. The contractor working on the safety systems that have delayed the launch of Tide revenue service has until April 15 to complete the work, or face liquidated damages. After completion of the contract, HRT will need to run 60 days of tests prior to revenue service.
3. Great news from Tide construction: our accident rate has been 25% of the average for such projects.
4. A contract was approved for four safety drills on the Tide prior to revenue service. They will simulate emergency situations, and involve responses by the Norfolk Fire and Police Departments.
5. Equipment from the Port of Virginia that was borrowed for the offloading of Tide train sets will now be purchased from the Port. (Since Reid Greenmun already hates the Port, he'll probably now claim they're part of The TOD Conspiracy.)
On a related note, the move of the downtown transfer center from Cedar Grove to Wood Street has now been pushed out of April due to disagreements with the City of Norfolk. Norfolk wants to continue two-way vehicular traffic on Wood and use it as a transfer center at the same time. (Can you say "Nuts!"?)
Get this, Flat Earthers: HRT ended the first half of FY 2011 more than $1.6 million under Budget!
Ridership in December, 2010 was up 3.21% over December, 2009 despite the service lost to snow just after Christmas.
Speaking of that snowstorm, Superintendent Keith Johnson was awarded the HRT President's Coin for his extraordinary efforts to keep things running safely over those days. (There's also a mechanic at Victoria Boulevard named Keith Johnson, which can make for a load of confusion in Hampton.)
All 60 Traffix vans are leased out.
There was a proposed change to the TDCHR By-Laws presented. It would provide for in-house legal Counsel and an Internal Auditor. The TDCHR made two changes to the draft amendments before moving them along. First, it was made crystal clear that the Internal Auditor could come directly to the TDCHR if necessary, bypassing the President. Second, the TDCHR would have the sole authority for hiring and firing both the Counsel and Internal Auditor. That's to prevent the President from firing them before they could blow the whistle on mischief. The vote on ratifying the amendment would be at the February TDCHR meeting.
After a lengthy closed session, a new contract for Phillip Shucet from August 1, 2011 until January 31, 2012 was approved. Two Commissioners (Milteer of Suffolk and Wallace of Hampton) voted "No", while one Commissioner (alternate Jackson of Newport News) abstained.
There will be some employee shuffling for TDCHR meetings. First, longtime TDCHR Secretary Luis Ramos will move to Quality Assurance in the Customer Service Department. Second, Sienna Cowell will serve as interim TDCHR Secretary. (The in-house Counsel would get the position in the long term.) Third, Selina Taylor will be going on maternity leave. (I don't know Selina's formal title, but she's the administrative employee who is keeper of the meeting packets.)
The next TDCHR meeting will be February 24 in Hampton.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Charles Whitehurst For Mayor Of Portsmouth
One of the four finalists for appointment to the vacant position of Mayor of Portsmouth is Vice Mayor Charles Whitehurst. I certainly hopes he receives the appointment. During the last two years (since his return to City Council), Whitehurst has served as one of Portsmouth's TDCHR Commissioners. Not only have I had the opportunity to observe him, but have spoken with him one-on-one prior to a few New Starts meetings.
First, he's a big picture visionary. When discussions get bogged down in details, he'll regularly push the focus back.
Second, he listens. With residents complaining about flooding problems, early this year he told me how he wanted to pull funds from partially-funded CIP projects to pay for solutions.
Third, he's not going to use the Mayor's Office as a springboard to higher office.
First, he's a big picture visionary. When discussions get bogged down in details, he'll regularly push the focus back.
Second, he listens. With residents complaining about flooding problems, early this year he told me how he wanted to pull funds from partially-funded CIP projects to pay for solutions.
Third, he's not going to use the Mayor's Office as a springboard to higher office.
Friday, May 28, 2010
87% Think Holley Is Gone
87% voted that Mayor Holley of Portsmouth will be recalled, with 12% thinking the effort will fall short.
The big question: who will be the new Mayoral candidate? The only rationale I can come up with for Holley's actions is that he doesn't think the opposition can field a credible candidate, and the people of Portsmouth will keep him on as the lesser of evils.
The new question: how will Newport News do under Mayor-elect McKinley Price?
The big question: who will be the new Mayoral candidate? The only rationale I can come up with for Holley's actions is that he doesn't think the opposition can field a credible candidate, and the people of Portsmouth will keep him on as the lesser of evils.
The new question: how will Newport News do under Mayor-elect McKinley Price?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Protogyrou Wins Big Again
By a 73%-26% margin, you believe that Andy Protogyrou will have a bigger impact on the Norfolk City Council than Tommy Smigiel.
The new question: will Mayor Holley be recalled in Portsmouth?
Don't say I'm not thinking regionally: first the Norfolk question, now a Portsmouth question....
The new question: will Mayor Holley be recalled in Portsmouth?
Don't say I'm not thinking regionally: first the Norfolk question, now a Portsmouth question....
Friday, September 25, 2009
TDCHR September 24, 2009
Thursday the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) met at Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) headquarters in Hampton. The meeting lasted just over 45 minutes.
The TDCHR unanimously approved the construction of a replacement transfer center at Victory Crossing in Portsmouth. (I'd argue the current TC is the worst transfer center in HRT's network, so the new facility will be greatly appreciated.) Portsmouth envisions a three phase project. Phase II will be parking lots for park-and-ride capability, with Phase III being greater amenities for mass transit passengers.
In FY 2010, the TDCHR is currently $683,907 under Budget. In addition, Norfolk light rail is under it's revised budget of $288 million.
The TDCHR endorsed it's Legislative Agenda for 2010.
Light rail construction in Norfolk is now 50.923% complete.
Commissioners were briefed on the recent mass transit Scoping meetings in Virginia Beach. Also, the Beach's Community Advisory Committee is slated to first meet on October 28. Finally, transit station workshops will be held in mid-November.
In Norfolk, Operations and Maintenance are to be moved out of the 18th Street facility to temporary quarters at the former Ford plant on October 18. Modifications at the plant are 85%-90% complete. The new HRT buildings at 18th Street are due to be completed in the Spring of 2011.
Phase II of the Regional Transit Vision Plan is now underway, with public meetings on it tentatively scheduled for April or May of 2010.
For last, maybe the best news of all: HRT ridership in August, 2009 was up 8.02% over August, 2008. That's despite no appreciable new service, but rather additional passengers on existing service. So much for those "empty buses" Flat Earthers love to whine about....
The TDCHR unanimously approved the construction of a replacement transfer center at Victory Crossing in Portsmouth. (I'd argue the current TC is the worst transfer center in HRT's network, so the new facility will be greatly appreciated.) Portsmouth envisions a three phase project. Phase II will be parking lots for park-and-ride capability, with Phase III being greater amenities for mass transit passengers.
In FY 2010, the TDCHR is currently $683,907 under Budget. In addition, Norfolk light rail is under it's revised budget of $288 million.
The TDCHR endorsed it's Legislative Agenda for 2010.
Light rail construction in Norfolk is now 50.923% complete.
Commissioners were briefed on the recent mass transit Scoping meetings in Virginia Beach. Also, the Beach's Community Advisory Committee is slated to first meet on October 28. Finally, transit station workshops will be held in mid-November.
In Norfolk, Operations and Maintenance are to be moved out of the 18th Street facility to temporary quarters at the former Ford plant on October 18. Modifications at the plant are 85%-90% complete. The new HRT buildings at 18th Street are due to be completed in the Spring of 2011.
Phase II of the Regional Transit Vision Plan is now underway, with public meetings on it tentatively scheduled for April or May of 2010.
For last, maybe the best news of all: HRT ridership in August, 2009 was up 8.02% over August, 2008. That's despite no appreciable new service, but rather additional passengers on existing service. So much for those "empty buses" Flat Earthers love to whine about....
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TPO September 15, 2009
Earlier today the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) of Hampton Roads met, it's first meeting in two months. (They took August off.)
There was the Presentation of a report on Non-Driver Opportunities, which looked at the matching of work, shopping, and rental housing. Virginia Beach scored surprisingly high given what little mass transit it has. Of course, Norfolk and Portsmouth did very well.
The TPO discussed new categories and criteria for the prioritization of Transportation projects. The matter passed after an attempt by Newport News Mayor Joe Frank to inject geographical diversity failed. Both Newport News and Williamsburg voted "No" on the unamended measure, but Hampton voted "Yes".
Doug Smith of Portsmouth, Chairman of the TPO's Nominating Committee, was charged with coming up with candidates for the pending Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). TAC will be a group of citizens to advise the TPO.
Joel Rubin presented a five minute video prepared by his firm on the July 2 meltdown of our harbor crossings, featuring the flooding of the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. It will be sent to local government television stations for airing, and it is planned to be put on the TPO's website.
There has been formed a Virginia Association of MPOs. The TPO discussed being involved and what that would require.
The meeting ended with the issue of Higher Speed Rail (HSR) coming up. First, the TPO wants to underline with Federal officials the importance of Hampton Roads being included. Second, the TPO will hold a special session on the subject once the groundwork can be laid.
There was the Presentation of a report on Non-Driver Opportunities, which looked at the matching of work, shopping, and rental housing. Virginia Beach scored surprisingly high given what little mass transit it has. Of course, Norfolk and Portsmouth did very well.
The TPO discussed new categories and criteria for the prioritization of Transportation projects. The matter passed after an attempt by Newport News Mayor Joe Frank to inject geographical diversity failed. Both Newport News and Williamsburg voted "No" on the unamended measure, but Hampton voted "Yes".
Doug Smith of Portsmouth, Chairman of the TPO's Nominating Committee, was charged with coming up with candidates for the pending Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). TAC will be a group of citizens to advise the TPO.
Joel Rubin presented a five minute video prepared by his firm on the July 2 meltdown of our harbor crossings, featuring the flooding of the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. It will be sent to local government television stations for airing, and it is planned to be put on the TPO's website.
There has been formed a Virginia Association of MPOs. The TPO discussed being involved and what that would require.
The meeting ended with the issue of Higher Speed Rail (HSR) coming up. First, the TPO wants to underline with Federal officials the importance of Hampton Roads being included. Second, the TPO will hold a special session on the subject once the groundwork can be laid.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Say "No" To Non-Resident Library Fees
One of the accounting tricks in the proposed amendments to the FY 2010 Virginia Beach Budget is to impose an annual $45 fee for non-residents using our libraries. It's a case where what is good politics is bad public policy.
I live in Virginia Beach and have a Beach library card. I also have cards from Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each system has it's strengths:
Chesapeake - probably the best all-around: large book collections, plenty of good computers, nice buildings, and more operating hours than anyone else in the region. If they only had much better meeting rooms....
Newport News - the Pearl Bailey Library may be small, but has the feel of a community center.
Norfolk - my favorite computer room is in the new main library in the Seaboard Building. In addition, the Pretlow is a gem.
Portsmouth - patrons are friendly, plus a neat queueing system for the public computers.
Virginia Beach should not launch a regional fee war. First, as dependent as we are on visitors, we should be mindful of our image. Second, as Virginia Beach often gets portrayed as the bad guy in regional efforts, no need to feed into it.
Virginia law provides that the resident of any jurisdiction may get a reciprocal library card in any other locality in the Commonwealth. It's an easy argument that a non-residents fee violates the spirit - if not the letter - of the law.
Here's an idea for further regional cooperation: how about an agreement among localities not to impose non-resident library fees on residents from elsewhere in Hampton Roads?
I live in Virginia Beach and have a Beach library card. I also have cards from Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each system has it's strengths:
Chesapeake - probably the best all-around: large book collections, plenty of good computers, nice buildings, and more operating hours than anyone else in the region. If they only had much better meeting rooms....
Newport News - the Pearl Bailey Library may be small, but has the feel of a community center.
Norfolk - my favorite computer room is in the new main library in the Seaboard Building. In addition, the Pretlow is a gem.
Portsmouth - patrons are friendly, plus a neat queueing system for the public computers.
Virginia Beach should not launch a regional fee war. First, as dependent as we are on visitors, we should be mindful of our image. Second, as Virginia Beach often gets portrayed as the bad guy in regional efforts, no need to feed into it.
Virginia law provides that the resident of any jurisdiction may get a reciprocal library card in any other locality in the Commonwealth. It's an easy argument that a non-residents fee violates the spirit - if not the letter - of the law.
Here's an idea for further regional cooperation: how about an agreement among localities not to impose non-resident library fees on residents from elsewhere in Hampton Roads?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday In P-Town
Today I went to Portsmouth. There was the last in a series of public meetings on the redrawing of Portsmouth's Master Transportation Plan.
1. The meeting at Norcom High School was pretty well attended for a Saturday. There was a reporter there who took my picture and name.
The plans were only in the embryonic stage. That included no recommendations on mass transit yet. The two Staffers working on that portion and I had a nice talk.
What struck me was the excellent land planning. It was classic urban: focus points with Transportation corridors connecting them, mixed-use in the corridors, etc.
However, where Virginia Beach could learn a lesson was in how the public involvement is being handled: earlier in the process, more public meetings, given more latitude, etc. If we used the Portsmouth model at the Beach, we might not have the public outcry over some of the City's proposals....
2. Leaving the meeting, I walked from Norcom back to the High Street Ferry Landing. (Great exercise.) On the last portion, I went via London Street. There were two "For Lease" signs and one "For Rent" sign. After a few minutes something struck me: no "For Sale" signs either on London or the streets heading north.
Here's the rub: the Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) is constantly telling us that people are being taxed out of their homes at the Beach. Uh...Portsmouth has by far the highest Property Tax rate in the region. By the VBTA's logic, Portsmouth residents should be selling their homes in droves. Why was no one at all selling?
3. If you have problems with the 7-11s in Virginia Beach, don't shop 7-11 in Portsmouth. You've been warned.
1. The meeting at Norcom High School was pretty well attended for a Saturday. There was a reporter there who took my picture and name.
The plans were only in the embryonic stage. That included no recommendations on mass transit yet. The two Staffers working on that portion and I had a nice talk.
What struck me was the excellent land planning. It was classic urban: focus points with Transportation corridors connecting them, mixed-use in the corridors, etc.
However, where Virginia Beach could learn a lesson was in how the public involvement is being handled: earlier in the process, more public meetings, given more latitude, etc. If we used the Portsmouth model at the Beach, we might not have the public outcry over some of the City's proposals....
2. Leaving the meeting, I walked from Norcom back to the High Street Ferry Landing. (Great exercise.) On the last portion, I went via London Street. There were two "For Lease" signs and one "For Rent" sign. After a few minutes something struck me: no "For Sale" signs either on London or the streets heading north.
Here's the rub: the Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) is constantly telling us that people are being taxed out of their homes at the Beach. Uh...Portsmouth has by far the highest Property Tax rate in the region. By the VBTA's logic, Portsmouth residents should be selling their homes in droves. Why was no one at all selling?
3. If you have problems with the 7-11s in Virginia Beach, don't shop 7-11 in Portsmouth. You've been warned.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Portsmouth Public Libraries: Land Of the Pharos
Yesterday HR Transit Ideas' Michael Ragsdale and I went riding on Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) newly-established Route 65, the Jordan Bridge Limited. (As for yesterday's operational execution by HRT, I don't use that kind of language on my blog.)
Arriving in Portsmouth about 90 minutes ahead of Michael, I went a half-block to Portsmouth's main library. I had been there twice before.
The building itself looks nice from the outside. Inside, it's small by the standards of main libraries in Hampton Roads. We have a few branches in Virginia Beach about the same size.
The amusing thing was their Internet computer system. Only 6 computers are available, but the highlight was the registration system they used. The Pharos program has you register on an unit at an adjacent table. Your name then goes into the queue. A monitor displays the names in order with the estimated wait time for each. When your unit opens up, the monitor tells you which unit to report to. It's similar to an airport flight display.
The appalling thing in Portsmouth is the lack of quality meeting rooms. The main library and Churchland branch each have small meeting rooms. However, nothing on the scale of Chesapeake or Norfolk, yet alone Virginia Beach,
Arriving in Portsmouth about 90 minutes ahead of Michael, I went a half-block to Portsmouth's main library. I had been there twice before.
The building itself looks nice from the outside. Inside, it's small by the standards of main libraries in Hampton Roads. We have a few branches in Virginia Beach about the same size.
The amusing thing was their Internet computer system. Only 6 computers are available, but the highlight was the registration system they used. The Pharos program has you register on an unit at an adjacent table. Your name then goes into the queue. A monitor displays the names in order with the estimated wait time for each. When your unit opens up, the monitor tells you which unit to report to. It's similar to an airport flight display.
The appalling thing in Portsmouth is the lack of quality meeting rooms. The main library and Churchland branch each have small meeting rooms. However, nothing on the scale of Chesapeake or Norfolk, yet alone Virginia Beach,
Thursday, October 30, 2008
88% Think Robert Dean Has Harmed Conservatism
88% of voters thought Robert Dean has had a negative impact on conservatism in Virginia Beach, while only 11% said he was a positive influence.
The new poll: should Rooms Taxes be included in the Town Center TIF? They're not currently, but Armada-Hoffler has floated the idea for the next phase of construction.
FYI this is the 400th post on this blog.
The new poll: should Rooms Taxes be included in the Town Center TIF? They're not currently, but Armada-Hoffler has floated the idea for the next phase of construction.
FYI this is the 400th post on this blog.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Housing Subsidy Payments To Go Up In 2009
I think most everyone is familiar with the fact that Dominion Virginia Power was granted an 18% rate increase. The consequence I have yet to hear discussed is that that means housing subsidy payments through the Section 8 program will go up in 2009.
One of the basic tenets of Section 8: rent plus utilities shall not exceed 40% of total household income. Thus, in calculating the subsidy payment for a tenant, the electric bill is deducted from income in figuring how large the subsidy will be. Therefore, when the annual recertifications come up late this year, the electric hike will force larger per household subsidy payments.
Before a couple of my readers scream, I'm simply pointing out an effect of the electric rate increase given Federal housing rules. Our local governments should begin planning on how to deal with the matter.
One of the basic tenets of Section 8: rent plus utilities shall not exceed 40% of total household income. Thus, in calculating the subsidy payment for a tenant, the electric bill is deducted from income in figuring how large the subsidy will be. Therefore, when the annual recertifications come up late this year, the electric hike will force larger per household subsidy payments.
Before a couple of my readers scream, I'm simply pointing out an effect of the electric rate increase given Federal housing rules. Our local governments should begin planning on how to deal with the matter.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Section 8 Problems In Hampton Roads
Monday's Virginian-Pravda reports problems finding housing that will take Section 8 vouchers in Norfolk and Portsmouth. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/06/renters-find-doors-shut-affordable-section-8-housing As I have a Section 8 voucher myself (due to disability), I have some insight on this one.
First of all, note the numbers: Norfolk issues more vouchers despite having about half the population of Virginia Beach, while Portsmouth issues about 65% despite having about 25% of the population. Virginia Beach should have a much larger voucher program than it does. If it did, the problems finding an unit would be infinitely greater. As is, only one-third of the landlords on the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation's (DHNP) "affordable housing" list will accept Section 8 vouchers.
Second, it raises another question: Where will the region's poor live? Our businesses require blue-collar labor, and that labor needs housing.
Then, I have a simple solution for some young lady trying to find housing that is Section 8 subsidized: marry me. I have a voucher and a two bedroom apartment that is in the program.
All she'd have to do is go down to DHNP and complete the requisite paperwork.
First of all, note the numbers: Norfolk issues more vouchers despite having about half the population of Virginia Beach, while Portsmouth issues about 65% despite having about 25% of the population. Virginia Beach should have a much larger voucher program than it does. If it did, the problems finding an unit would be infinitely greater. As is, only one-third of the landlords on the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation's (DHNP) "affordable housing" list will accept Section 8 vouchers.
Second, it raises another question: Where will the region's poor live? Our businesses require blue-collar labor, and that labor needs housing.
Then, I have a simple solution for some young lady trying to find housing that is Section 8 subsidized: marry me. I have a voucher and a two bedroom apartment that is in the program.
All she'd have to do is go down to DHNP and complete the requisite paperwork.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The VBTA's Litany Of Lies On Light Rail
Over the weekend Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) Transportation Chairman Reid Greenmun gave us a circus on light rail. You can read his comments here http://hamptonroads.com/2008/05/vdot-seeks-bids-new-midtown-tunnel-road-upgrades
Among his lies:
1. Why toll the Downtown Tunnel over Midtown Tunnel improvements?
It's the law, which he later admits he knew all along.
2. Approved light rail goes nowhere near the Midtown Tunnel.
It goes within a few hundred yards of it.
3. The port is the main beneficiary of expanding the Midtown Tunnel.
Yeah, it must have nothing to do with the thousands of cars that back up there daily.
4. He claims three tubes would be built at the Midtown Tunnel, costing "hundreds of millions of dollars."
No, the Portsmouth City Council has requested light rail accomodations through the second tube, not a third tube.
5. His first post is Messneresque, with smears by innuendo.
It reads like a Talknet post by the "Official Spokesperson". Fittingly, Greenmun was formerly the pencil-pusher for Messner.
Also, notice how Reid Greenmun simply ignores the law when it doesn't fit his extremist political agenda:
1. He wants to separate the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels for tolling, a violation of state law.
2. He wants to place a surcharge on bus riders to pay for light rail, a violation of Federal law.
The bottom line: the VBTA is going to lie about anything and everything to try to stop construction of a regional light rail network, yet alone extending it into Virginia Beach.
Among his lies:
1. Why toll the Downtown Tunnel over Midtown Tunnel improvements?
It's the law, which he later admits he knew all along.
2. Approved light rail goes nowhere near the Midtown Tunnel.
It goes within a few hundred yards of it.
3. The port is the main beneficiary of expanding the Midtown Tunnel.
Yeah, it must have nothing to do with the thousands of cars that back up there daily.
4. He claims three tubes would be built at the Midtown Tunnel, costing "hundreds of millions of dollars."
No, the Portsmouth City Council has requested light rail accomodations through the second tube, not a third tube.
5. His first post is Messneresque, with smears by innuendo.
It reads like a Talknet post by the "Official Spokesperson". Fittingly, Greenmun was formerly the pencil-pusher for Messner.
Also, notice how Reid Greenmun simply ignores the law when it doesn't fit his extremist political agenda:
1. He wants to separate the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels for tolling, a violation of state law.
2. He wants to place a surcharge on bus riders to pay for light rail, a violation of Federal law.
The bottom line: the VBTA is going to lie about anything and everything to try to stop construction of a regional light rail network, yet alone extending it into Virginia Beach.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Portsmouth to MPO: Bring Us Light Rail
According to this morning's Virginian-Pravda (not on their website), last night the Portsmouth City Council voted 6-0 to request that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) include light rail in the plans for a second tube for the Midtown Tunnel. One Councilman was absent.
Norfolk is constructing, Portsmouth wants in, while Newport News is planning it's first segment. Notice the missing name? Yeah: Virginia Beach. We hope to be working on that one....
Norfolk is constructing, Portsmouth wants in, while Newport News is planning it's first segment. Notice the missing name? Yeah: Virginia Beach. We hope to be working on that one....
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)