As I went to take the bus to today's TPO Retreat, it was snowing and the wind was whipping through. Therefore, I was surprised when the man who joined me in my home bus shelter was wearing only a fleece, with neither a hat nor gloves.
With my attention now on the issue, I started looking at what people were wearing when I reached the Military Circle Transfer Center. About one-third of those waiting weren't wearing proper Winter coats. In that weather.
Not smart enough to bundle up? Our region's notoriously low wages making a Winter coat unreachable for some? Has the recession just made things harder for many? I don't know the answer, but it was a sad sight to see.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
TPO February 10, 2010
Today the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Hampton Roads' Federally-mandated transportation planning group, held a Retreat.
The meeting began with remarks by Sean Connaughton, Virginia's new Secretary of Transportation. He made clear the importance of regional cooperation on transportation planning: for years he crossed three jurisdictions driving to work, and for a period served as a Prince William County representative on their MPO. With his maritime background, he stressed moving freight in and out of our port. Connaughton emphasized that he wants to complete the deal to build a second tube for the Midtown Tunnel. In addition, he sees increased passenger rail and mass transit as part of our region's transportation solution. Connaughton made clear (please note, VBTA) that mass transit is key to solving Hampton Roads' transportation problems. Connaughton needed to get back to Richmond, so he spoke first and left immediately afterwards.
There was only one speaker under Public Comment: an employee of a Norfolk developer wants the region to seek Federal aid for clearing snow from our roads. His rationale is that it's a military readiness issue: Navy fighter pilots and SEALs would have to report to bases here quickly in case of a national security situation.
Retired military officers spoke on the importance of transportation for the military in the region. One General told Senator Webb that he can't recommend any additional commands be based in Hampton Roads until we tackle our region's transportation problems. In addition, one of the criteria in grading out for shifting commands is (note again, VBTA) mass transit service to the base in question.
Probably overshadowing Secretary Connaughton was what broke out later on High Speed Rail. Speaking was Dr. Alexander Metcalf of Transportation Economics & Management Systems, Inc. (TEMS) of Frederick, MD, the consultant hired by the TPO to help the region land Federal High Speed Rail funding. Dr. Metcalf has 30 years in passenger rail business planning, including having served as Chief Economist for British Rail. Dr. Metcalf gave a fascinating presentation that had to leave you optimistic about our chances with his help.
The problem is a turf battle. After the TPO thought all issues had been resolved, Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) objected again on Wednesday morning. They fear a duplication of efforts by TEMS and DRPT. The issue was tabled pending a later conference call between TPO Executive Director Dwight Farmer, DRPT Director Thelma Drake, Metcalf, and Staff.
Some interesting things from Metcalf's presentation. First, Amtrak's model overestimates the operating costs of High Speed Rail by nearly double, meaning our subsidy payments would only need to be half of what's been discussed so far. Second, he can model and demonstrate that 110-125 mph service makes much more sense for our region than 79-90 mph service. Third, his model estimates that 110 mph service would carry 1.88 million passengers per year between Hampton Roads and Washington by 2025. That would mean 14 trains daily with a capacity of 400 passengers each.
The meeting began with remarks by Sean Connaughton, Virginia's new Secretary of Transportation. He made clear the importance of regional cooperation on transportation planning: for years he crossed three jurisdictions driving to work, and for a period served as a Prince William County representative on their MPO. With his maritime background, he stressed moving freight in and out of our port. Connaughton emphasized that he wants to complete the deal to build a second tube for the Midtown Tunnel. In addition, he sees increased passenger rail and mass transit as part of our region's transportation solution. Connaughton made clear (please note, VBTA) that mass transit is key to solving Hampton Roads' transportation problems. Connaughton needed to get back to Richmond, so he spoke first and left immediately afterwards.
There was only one speaker under Public Comment: an employee of a Norfolk developer wants the region to seek Federal aid for clearing snow from our roads. His rationale is that it's a military readiness issue: Navy fighter pilots and SEALs would have to report to bases here quickly in case of a national security situation.
Retired military officers spoke on the importance of transportation for the military in the region. One General told Senator Webb that he can't recommend any additional commands be based in Hampton Roads until we tackle our region's transportation problems. In addition, one of the criteria in grading out for shifting commands is (note again, VBTA) mass transit service to the base in question.
Probably overshadowing Secretary Connaughton was what broke out later on High Speed Rail. Speaking was Dr. Alexander Metcalf of Transportation Economics & Management Systems, Inc. (TEMS) of Frederick, MD, the consultant hired by the TPO to help the region land Federal High Speed Rail funding. Dr. Metcalf has 30 years in passenger rail business planning, including having served as Chief Economist for British Rail. Dr. Metcalf gave a fascinating presentation that had to leave you optimistic about our chances with his help.
The problem is a turf battle. After the TPO thought all issues had been resolved, Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) objected again on Wednesday morning. They fear a duplication of efforts by TEMS and DRPT. The issue was tabled pending a later conference call between TPO Executive Director Dwight Farmer, DRPT Director Thelma Drake, Metcalf, and Staff.
Some interesting things from Metcalf's presentation. First, Amtrak's model overestimates the operating costs of High Speed Rail by nearly double, meaning our subsidy payments would only need to be half of what's been discussed so far. Second, he can model and demonstrate that 110-125 mph service makes much more sense for our region than 79-90 mph service. Third, his model estimates that 110 mph service would carry 1.88 million passengers per year between Hampton Roads and Washington by 2025. That would mean 14 trains daily with a capacity of 400 passengers each.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
70% Have Their Taxes Done Professionally
70% of you have professionals do your income taxes, while 30% do them yourselves.
Personally, since I started working at age 16, I've done my own income taxes every year but one. (I was in the hospital at tax time.) I've never found it difficult. I filed my taxes online, and received both my state and Federal refunds this past weekend.
The new question: what are the chances of Rita Sweet Bellitto being elected to a full term on the Virginia Beach City Council? On Tuesday Council appointed her to fill Ron Villanueva's vacant seat, which will be up for election in November. I offer the same four answers from the poll on the chances of Councilman/VBTA puppet Bill DeSteph getting reelected.
Personally, since I started working at age 16, I've done my own income taxes every year but one. (I was in the hospital at tax time.) I've never found it difficult. I filed my taxes online, and received both my state and Federal refunds this past weekend.
The new question: what are the chances of Rita Sweet Bellitto being elected to a full term on the Virginia Beach City Council? On Tuesday Council appointed her to fill Ron Villanueva's vacant seat, which will be up for election in November. I offer the same four answers from the poll on the chances of Councilman/VBTA puppet Bill DeSteph getting reelected.
Cops As Librarians?
Arriving in the Resort Area early for this afternoon's RAC meeting, I went into the Oceanfront Library. A VBPD policewoman had security duty...and was behind the desk helping with librarian duties.
That raises some obvious questions. Are we so short library help that security has to be utilized in such a manner? With contracted security cheaper, why is VBPD providing library security? Why is a police officer pulling library duty when we need more cops on the street? With City Budget time just around the corner, I'd like to know.
That raises some obvious questions. Are we so short library help that security has to be utilized in such a manner? With contracted security cheaper, why is VBPD providing library security? Why is a police officer pulling library duty when we need more cops on the street? With City Budget time just around the corner, I'd like to know.
RAC February 4, 2010
This afternoon Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met for about 80 minutes.
The Minutes from the January meeting were approved without correction. That was the only vote of the afternoon.
Barry Frankenfield gave an update on the Laskin Gateway Project. A few Commissioners who had been at the stormy December 10 Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting agreed it would have helped had the information that evening been formatted as presented to the RAC this afternoon. Not only are property owners looking to redevelop their holdings within the area, but developers are trying to assemble land in the periphery. The CAC doesn't currently have another meeting scheduled, but probably will meet in late February.
JT's Grommet Park rolls along, and will probably open in May. The playground for the wheelchair-bound will be on the beach at Rudee Inlet. It will be double wide (so two wheelchairs can pass), have a soft play area in addition to the playground equipment already considered, as well as sand tables. There will be access from the Boardwalk at that elevation so wheelchairs don't have to go down to the beach level then back higher again. There will be wheelchair areas at the front that will allow families to gather. The design of the front area is such that it should deflect fairly heavy storms. In the wake of the November Nor'easter designers went out and took photos and measurements to calculate storm surge on that part of the beach.
Speaking of Rudee Inlet, money is currently in the City Budget to allow design of an extension of the planned Rudee Walk out onto the jetty.
There are three potential operators seeking to bid on The Hippo, the proposed huge waterslide on the beach. City Staff is currently finalizing the language for a possible franchise.
As expected, revenues collected for the Tourism Growth Investment Fund (TGIF) are down in the recession. There will probably be a TGIF Presentation to the RAC this Spring.
Running the Shamrock Marathon through The North End is now go, with issues stemming from the current drainage pipe construction in the neighborhood having been overcome. There were talks between the City, marathon organizers, and the neighborhood's civic league to resolve the matters.
The next RAC meeting will be a strategic planning meeting. It will be Thursday, March 4 at 3 P.M. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The Minutes from the January meeting were approved without correction. That was the only vote of the afternoon.
Barry Frankenfield gave an update on the Laskin Gateway Project. A few Commissioners who had been at the stormy December 10 Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting agreed it would have helped had the information that evening been formatted as presented to the RAC this afternoon. Not only are property owners looking to redevelop their holdings within the area, but developers are trying to assemble land in the periphery. The CAC doesn't currently have another meeting scheduled, but probably will meet in late February.
JT's Grommet Park rolls along, and will probably open in May. The playground for the wheelchair-bound will be on the beach at Rudee Inlet. It will be double wide (so two wheelchairs can pass), have a soft play area in addition to the playground equipment already considered, as well as sand tables. There will be access from the Boardwalk at that elevation so wheelchairs don't have to go down to the beach level then back higher again. There will be wheelchair areas at the front that will allow families to gather. The design of the front area is such that it should deflect fairly heavy storms. In the wake of the November Nor'easter designers went out and took photos and measurements to calculate storm surge on that part of the beach.
Speaking of Rudee Inlet, money is currently in the City Budget to allow design of an extension of the planned Rudee Walk out onto the jetty.
There are three potential operators seeking to bid on The Hippo, the proposed huge waterslide on the beach. City Staff is currently finalizing the language for a possible franchise.
As expected, revenues collected for the Tourism Growth Investment Fund (TGIF) are down in the recession. There will probably be a TGIF Presentation to the RAC this Spring.
Running the Shamrock Marathon through The North End is now go, with issues stemming from the current drainage pipe construction in the neighborhood having been overcome. There were talks between the City, marathon organizers, and the neighborhood's civic league to resolve the matters.
The next RAC meeting will be a strategic planning meeting. It will be Thursday, March 4 at 3 P.M. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Phil Shucet To HRT
Okay, some of you are probably wondering about my opinion on Phil Shucet being named interim CEO at Hampton Roads Transit (HRT).
The bottom line here is that the TDCHR has now placed a much higher priority on light rail extensions than operating it's existing bus and ferry (don't forget Route 90!) network. Shucet is an engineer who has experience (as VDOT Commissioner) at contracting, construction projects, etc. Tackling the issues involved in light rail construction should be fairly easy for him.
What Shucet doesn't have experience at is mass transit operations. How much does he know about the issues involved in keeping HRT's buses rolling daily, planning new routes, etc.? Phil took office on Monday morning. Now imagine if our Winter storm had struck 84 hours later, on Tuesday morning. What does Shucet do? (At least by Monday morning HRT was back to "roll with caution" status.)
The bottom line here is that the TDCHR has now placed a much higher priority on light rail extensions than operating it's existing bus and ferry (don't forget Route 90!) network. Shucet is an engineer who has experience (as VDOT Commissioner) at contracting, construction projects, etc. Tackling the issues involved in light rail construction should be fairly easy for him.
What Shucet doesn't have experience at is mass transit operations. How much does he know about the issues involved in keeping HRT's buses rolling daily, planning new routes, etc.? Phil took office on Monday morning. Now imagine if our Winter storm had struck 84 hours later, on Tuesday morning. What does Shucet do? (At least by Monday morning HRT was back to "roll with caution" status.)
Kerry Dougherty Botches It Yet Again
In her column today, Kerry Dougherty attacks the City of Virginia Beach for having cleared the Boardwalk of snow and ice while many city streets remained covered.
It's an apples and oranges argument. The additional services provided in the Resort Area are paid for through the Tourism Growth Investment Fund (TGIF). It's the same pool of cash that gets Resort Area sidewalks cleared each night overnight during the Summer. So while the crews and equipment could have been potentially used elsewhere afterwards, there were no funds to cover the costs.
Can someone stop Kerry from continuing to embarrass herself?
It's an apples and oranges argument. The additional services provided in the Resort Area are paid for through the Tourism Growth Investment Fund (TGIF). It's the same pool of cash that gets Resort Area sidewalks cleared each night overnight during the Summer. So while the crews and equipment could have been potentially used elsewhere afterwards, there were no funds to cover the costs.
Can someone stop Kerry from continuing to embarrass herself?
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