On Thursday afternoon the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the governing body of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), met in HRT's Norfolk office.
The meeting began with a Public Hearing on Routes 960, 963, and the Hampton Community Service. 16 written comments had been submitted prior, while I was the only speaker to address the Commission (on the 960). Planning Staff will review the comments, then bring options to the June meeting of the Operations & Oversight (O & O) Committee. O & O will then choose an option, which will then go to the full TDCHR at their June meeting.
There was a Presentation to the TDCHR on a proposed Fare Policy document. It will now be reviewed, with adoption expected at the June TDCHR meeting. The Fare Policy is simply a set of principles by which HRT will set fares. (No, there is not a fare increase currently on the table.)
The TDCHR approved a $77 million Budget for FY 2010, an 1.08% reduction from the FY 2009 Budget. Speaking of FY 2009, HRT is $1.365 million under Budget even with an additional cut in state operating funds.
The Executive Committee is working on a restructuring of the TDCHR's committee system, which should see a reduction in the number of committees. Their plan will be presented to the June TDCHR meeting.
There was quite a bit on Virginia Beach light rail yesterday:
1. 2 of the 3 main figures involved in the AA/DEIS were present.
2. The project's website is slated to be up in about a week.
3. Tentatively two Scoping public meetings are planned. One would be at Princess Anne High School, the other at the convention center. These meetings will be the public's chance to be heard prior to the study process beginning.
4. The project process from now until the Final Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) is signed is expected to take at least 4 years, maybe slightly longer.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
TPPC May 28, 2009
This morning the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held it's May meeting.
VBWave seasonal trolley service is off to a good start. First, Memorial Day Weekend ridership was up about 2,000 people over 2008. Second, 6 of the trolleys scheduled to be repainted in a blue scheme (similar to the hybrid buses) already have been. (10 total will be repainted.) Third, five new Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) have been installed in the Resort Area.
The City is testing LED lighting for the Oceanfront. LED is being used at 2nd Street on Atlantic Avenue, and along the Boardwalk between 2nd Street and Rudee Inlet. Staff at the Department of Public Works want to see how the units hold up to the salt spray over an extended period.
The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) reported no significant problems in the Resort Area over the holiday weekend.
Policy on the dedicated trolley lanes on Atlantic Avenue was discussed. Staff was asked to come back with more information in order that the TPPC can recommend possible changes.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Residential Parking Permit Program. The TPPC endorsed an administrative change on leased and commercial vehicles receiving RPPP decals, which the full Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) is expected to vote on at it's June 4 meeting.
VBWave seasonal trolley service is off to a good start. First, Memorial Day Weekend ridership was up about 2,000 people over 2008. Second, 6 of the trolleys scheduled to be repainted in a blue scheme (similar to the hybrid buses) already have been. (10 total will be repainted.) Third, five new Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) have been installed in the Resort Area.
The City is testing LED lighting for the Oceanfront. LED is being used at 2nd Street on Atlantic Avenue, and along the Boardwalk between 2nd Street and Rudee Inlet. Staff at the Department of Public Works want to see how the units hold up to the salt spray over an extended period.
The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) reported no significant problems in the Resort Area over the holiday weekend.
Policy on the dedicated trolley lanes on Atlantic Avenue was discussed. Staff was asked to come back with more information in order that the TPPC can recommend possible changes.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Residential Parking Permit Program. The TPPC endorsed an administrative change on leased and commercial vehicles receiving RPPP decals, which the full Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) is expected to vote on at it's June 4 meeting.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
63% Prefer Ron's Chances
The poll question was which House of Delegates seat is more likely to be a Republican pickup in November, the 21st District or the 83rd? 63% of you prefered Ron Villanueva's shot at beating Bobby Mathieson to Chris Stolle's odds against Joe Bouchard.
I agree. Speaking to a couple Republican insiders in the wake of the November, 2007 election, the conventional wisdom was that Bouchard had won narrowly and that we could easily oust him in 2009. There are a couple flaws in that argument:
1. Bouchard won despite a poor Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort that resulted in lackluster turnout in some Democratic-leaning areas. I don't expect the Dems to make that mistake twice, especially with the statewide slate on the ballot this year.
2. Bouchard impresses people that hear him speak in a forum.
Therefore, I believe the 21st will be the easier fight to win.
The new question: will Virginia Beach raise taxes next year? Virginia News Source recently pushed the line that there is a "massive" tax increase coming. Personally, I think that story is a lie to keep their minions in line, as I can't imagine City Council hiking taxes right before 6 incumbents hit the campaign trail for reelection. What do you think?
I agree. Speaking to a couple Republican insiders in the wake of the November, 2007 election, the conventional wisdom was that Bouchard had won narrowly and that we could easily oust him in 2009. There are a couple flaws in that argument:
1. Bouchard won despite a poor Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort that resulted in lackluster turnout in some Democratic-leaning areas. I don't expect the Dems to make that mistake twice, especially with the statewide slate on the ballot this year.
2. Bouchard impresses people that hear him speak in a forum.
Therefore, I believe the 21st will be the easier fight to win.
The new question: will Virginia Beach raise taxes next year? Virginia News Source recently pushed the line that there is a "massive" tax increase coming. Personally, I think that story is a lie to keep their minions in line, as I can't imagine City Council hiking taxes right before 6 incumbents hit the campaign trail for reelection. What do you think?
Yes, I Have A Sense of Humor
In the mail I received an Invitation to Rosemary Wilson's annual Garden Party fundraiser. Uh...last year I wrote a couple strategy papers for Georgia Allen's challenge of Rosemary. How did I get on the invitation list?
My work schedule next Wednesday would preclude me from going, so it's a non-issue.
My work schedule next Wednesday would preclude me from going, so it's a non-issue.
Taking on Jaywalkers?
This afternoon there was a section of fence being erected on the median of Virginia Beach Boulevard at Town Center. Granted, it was being put up in a bizarre manner, but is the City going straight at jaywalkers in that dangerous area of road?
Friday, May 22, 2009
Pembroke Implementation Plan Meeting at PA High School
Last night at Princess Anne High School there was a meeting on the draft Pembroke Area Implementation Plan. First there was a Presentation on the draft plan, followed up a breakout with Staff and consultants available to answer questions. About 100 residents attended.
The funny thing: no recognizable VBTAers were there.
You have until June 5 to submit comments on the draft plan. More information is available at http://www.vbgov.com/pembrokeplan
The funny thing: no recognizable VBTAers were there.
You have until June 5 to submit comments on the draft plan. More information is available at http://www.vbgov.com/pembrokeplan
Thursday, May 21, 2009
UCAC May 20, 2009
The User Citizen Advisory Committee (UCAC) of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) met on Wednesday evening at HRT headquarters in Hampton. The meeting lasted about 80 minutes.
Members were given answers to the questions they had submitted in their City Reports. The City Reports are written reports that UCAC members e-mail into HRT in advance of the meeting, raising questions and concerns with HRT Staff.
HRT Staff briefed members on the ongoing Comprehensive Operations Analysis (next public meetings slated for August), unlit bus numbers on the rear of buses, the UCAC Guidelines (In the process of being revised), and changes to the Peninsula Commuter Service (formerly Work Trips). In addition, UCAC members raised additional oral questions.
Members were given answers to the questions they had submitted in their City Reports. The City Reports are written reports that UCAC members e-mail into HRT in advance of the meeting, raising questions and concerns with HRT Staff.
HRT Staff briefed members on the ongoing Comprehensive Operations Analysis (next public meetings slated for August), unlit bus numbers on the rear of buses, the UCAC Guidelines (In the process of being revised), and changes to the Peninsula Commuter Service (formerly Work Trips). In addition, UCAC members raised additional oral questions.
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