I've made 43 roundtrips on The Tide as a Data Collector (11 on Opening Day), and some additional trips off-duty. (I'm back on-duty this evening.) I've seen plenty of it, and would like to record my observations.
NOTABLES
Among those I've seen onboard are Chesapeake City Councilman & TDCHR Commissioner Cliff Hayes, City of Virginia Beach chief lobbyist Bob Matthias (I explained the passenger counting system to him), City of Virginia Beach Transportation Planning Coordinator Mark Schnaufer, Future of Hampton Roads President Ray Taylor, and The Virginian-Pravda's Debbie Messina. When Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim boarded at Harbor Park on August 20, the passengers gave him a round of applause. Yesterday I ran into HRT President Phillip Shucet as we both alighted at MacArthur Sqaure. (As we'd been sitting in different halves of the train, we didn't spot each other onboard.)
However, special mention goes to the passenger on my train opening night: Reid Greenmun, Chairman of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA). Yes, Reid Greenmun rides The Tide! In his habitual arrogance, yesterday on Pilotonline he declared himself an authority on The Tide based on that single trip. (NEWS FLASH: there are some Data Collectors who have been working 6-7 days per week on the trains.)
OPENING MORNING
On August 19, I took the first Cutback Inbound 20 of the morning to Newtown Road Station, arriving at 5:55 A.M. As the bus pulled towards the Station, we could see the place was packed.
Despite the attempt of Virginia News Source to later inflate the figure, there were no more than 20 protesters when I arrived.
My first train was the 6:30 A.M. run that morning. As I waited on the platform for it, a pair of senior ladies spoke to me. One recognized me from St. Gregory's. The other grasped that the objective of the protesters was to keep "a certain element" out of Virginia Beach.
UTILIZATION
By Sunday, August 21, passengers had begun calculating how they could utilize The Tide. They could save money by taking the train into downtown for shopping, entertainment, and Tides games.
Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University students were taking The Tide to MacArthur Center. The former were going NSU Station - MacArthur Square Station. On Saturday a pair of ODU coeds were on the Inbound Route 16 with me, taking it to Fort Norfolk to catch the train.
Last week there was a party in Ingleside. A group of 8 was on my train going there, and they would have certainly driven prior to August 19.
Saturday a family from Portsmouth was sitting behind me. They had drove over to a park and ride, and spoke of enjoying parking on High Street and taking the ferry over. I pointed out to them that the same $3.50 Day Pass would work on both the ferry and train. (Guess what they'll do next time?)
Yesterday I went downtown for an early dinner. I obviously would never do the 75 minute bus ride for dinner alone, but The Tide comes to within two blocks of the restaurant.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
Let me answer some of the arguments against they have come up.
First, an opponent on opening morning was claiming extending The Tide into Virginia Beach would take money away from public schools. Not only false, but the contrary is true. Under the schools funding formula, all mass transit expenses come out of the City side of the Budget. The redevelopment induced by The Tide would increase the money to schools in outlying years.
Second, people will stop riding once the newness fades away. Reread the Utilization section and you'll see where the repeat customers will come from.
Third, the train's speed. However, the TPO would let you know that at rush hour our interstates roll at 25 mph or under, urban door to door travel is 15 mph, and our bridges and tunnels are under 10 mph. That will only get worse.
Let me point out the Virginia Beach extension, having no street running, would have a much higher average speed than Norfolk.
TICKET VENDING MACHINES (TVMs)
Once fares began being charged, two issues popped up. First, people didn't know how to use the TVMs. Second, they didn't know which farecard to buy.
A smaller version of the Tide Guide program has been launched to help deal with those issues.
HUMOR
With the deluge of people opening weekend, the running joke was repeating the opponents "No one will ride it" mantra.
On a Saturday night train, the ACS system was still stuck on Military Highway Station as we approached the Fort Norfolk Station. I quipped to the off-duty Bus Operator standing next to me "You can transfer to the 23 at either one."
As our Outbound Train turned for Harbor Park with a Tides game that evening, a pair of women launched into a terrible rendition of Take Me Out To The Ballgame. A group of teenage girls responded with (to the same tune) Throw Them Off Of The Tide Train.
One evening we could see westbound 264 backed up as we passed. Passengers began yelling "You should have taken The Tide!"
OPPOSITION
The group that told us "No one will ride it" was left with zero credibility by opening weekend. While no one ever pretended numbers that high were sustainable, it showed that a huge slice of the public is interested in light rail.
In the past week since fares began being charged, ridership has been 1.75 - 3 times the benchmark.
Randy Wright was right. He said if we built a starter line, when people saw it and rode it, they'd embrace it. The regional light rail to be built question was settled on August 19, 2011.
Showing posts with label Norfolk City Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Norfolk City Council. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Random Thoughts August 4, 2011
1. The City of Norfolk has a Department of Parks & Urban Forestry. Isn't "Urban Forestry" an oxymoron?
2. When will the agreement on an entertainment complex for the Dome site be completed? We've been on the cusp of closing the deal for months.
3. Who files at the 11th hour for this November's Virginia Beach City Council special election should be interesting. When perennial candidate John Moss first announced, I couldn't have imagined he'd be in a position to still be taken seriously at this point.
4. Meyera Oberndorf is being recruited by the Demonrats to run for the 7th Senate District seat this November. Anyone who has worked a General Assembly race before (and I've done a few) knows standing up a credible campaign just 90 days out from Election Day is virtually impossible.
Therefore, the only rational reason I can see for her running is to boost voter turnout on the west side of Virginia Beach (7th District), which would help a status quo Council candidate but hurt John Moss.
5. My best wishes to the new Republic of South Sudan. Now if they would change the country name to disassociate themselves from the thugs who rule in Khartoum. Maybe a beautiful name in one of the indigenous languages.
6. With zero units constructed through Virginia Beach's Workforce Housing Program, how long until the City takes more forceful measures to get the units built?
7. With Southwest Airlines buying AirTran, and closing their Newport News station next Spring, what - if any - of the Newport News AirTran flights become Norfolk Southwest flights? Conventional wisdom is that Atlanta service is a given, but do we also get Boston and New York - LaGuardia?
8. In his latest blog post, even Bob O'Connor had to admit that Virginia Beach light rail is inevitable. How long before other Kool-Aid chuggers catch on, and end their futile resistance?
9. How much longer can the European Union keep putting out national financial crisis after national financial crisis in the euro zone?
10. Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE) Executive Director (and former City of Virginia Beach staffer) Betsy McBride has moved back to her native Idaho. That led a mid-level City staffer to joke about potato farming. Glad to know I'm not the only one who has quipped about that.
11. What has the Hampton Roads Partnership been doing since the Declaration of Interdependence?
12. Sweating our way through this Summer, only a Flat Earther could continue to deny climate change.
13. The teahadists burned any credibility they had in opposing the raising of the Federal debt ceiling. If they had taken time to notice, everyone in the mainstream knew it was necessary, with the arguments being over what conditions to attach to it. The tea baggers would have triggered a second Great Depression with a Federal debt default.
14. Speaking of such, in a comment on the blog Bearing Drift, Reid Greenmun called raising the Federal debt ceiling "insane". If the Chairman of the extremist VBTA wants to see what is actually insane, all he has to do is look in the mirror.
15. Suffolk has yet to decide on a final proposed option on how to replace Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus service come January 1. Stay tuned, as this one could get entertaining before it's over. (Entertaining, unless you're a Suffolk bus rider.)
16. The jockeying is on over the vacant Chief Communications Officer's position at HRT, with its $100k+ annual salary. Two applicants have already spoke to me about the job.
17. In picking up sports from the British, why did cricket have to eclipse soccer in India? With the country having as large a population (read: talent base) as it does, it could have had a great men's national soccer team. (In Asia, even friggin' North Korea has a much better team.)
18. So far, picking a candidate to support in the Republican Presidential field is a case of choosing the lesser of evils. (Yes, I still wish Mike Huckabee was running.)
19. Since the Chilean miners rescue, it seems like the only big story out of South America has been the health of Venezuelan President Huge Chavez. Damn quiet. Then, is quiet preferable?
2. When will the agreement on an entertainment complex for the Dome site be completed? We've been on the cusp of closing the deal for months.
3. Who files at the 11th hour for this November's Virginia Beach City Council special election should be interesting. When perennial candidate John Moss first announced, I couldn't have imagined he'd be in a position to still be taken seriously at this point.
4. Meyera Oberndorf is being recruited by the Demonrats to run for the 7th Senate District seat this November. Anyone who has worked a General Assembly race before (and I've done a few) knows standing up a credible campaign just 90 days out from Election Day is virtually impossible.
Therefore, the only rational reason I can see for her running is to boost voter turnout on the west side of Virginia Beach (7th District), which would help a status quo Council candidate but hurt John Moss.
5. My best wishes to the new Republic of South Sudan. Now if they would change the country name to disassociate themselves from the thugs who rule in Khartoum. Maybe a beautiful name in one of the indigenous languages.
6. With zero units constructed through Virginia Beach's Workforce Housing Program, how long until the City takes more forceful measures to get the units built?
7. With Southwest Airlines buying AirTran, and closing their Newport News station next Spring, what - if any - of the Newport News AirTran flights become Norfolk Southwest flights? Conventional wisdom is that Atlanta service is a given, but do we also get Boston and New York - LaGuardia?
8. In his latest blog post, even Bob O'Connor had to admit that Virginia Beach light rail is inevitable. How long before other Kool-Aid chuggers catch on, and end their futile resistance?
9. How much longer can the European Union keep putting out national financial crisis after national financial crisis in the euro zone?
10. Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE) Executive Director (and former City of Virginia Beach staffer) Betsy McBride has moved back to her native Idaho. That led a mid-level City staffer to joke about potato farming. Glad to know I'm not the only one who has quipped about that.
11. What has the Hampton Roads Partnership been doing since the Declaration of Interdependence?
12. Sweating our way through this Summer, only a Flat Earther could continue to deny climate change.
13. The teahadists burned any credibility they had in opposing the raising of the Federal debt ceiling. If they had taken time to notice, everyone in the mainstream knew it was necessary, with the arguments being over what conditions to attach to it. The tea baggers would have triggered a second Great Depression with a Federal debt default.
14. Speaking of such, in a comment on the blog Bearing Drift, Reid Greenmun called raising the Federal debt ceiling "insane". If the Chairman of the extremist VBTA wants to see what is actually insane, all he has to do is look in the mirror.
15. Suffolk has yet to decide on a final proposed option on how to replace Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus service come January 1. Stay tuned, as this one could get entertaining before it's over. (Entertaining, unless you're a Suffolk bus rider.)
16. The jockeying is on over the vacant Chief Communications Officer's position at HRT, with its $100k+ annual salary. Two applicants have already spoke to me about the job.
17. In picking up sports from the British, why did cricket have to eclipse soccer in India? With the country having as large a population (read: talent base) as it does, it could have had a great men's national soccer team. (In Asia, even friggin' North Korea has a much better team.)
18. So far, picking a candidate to support in the Republican Presidential field is a case of choosing the lesser of evils. (Yes, I still wish Mike Huckabee was running.)
19. Since the Chilean miners rescue, it seems like the only big story out of South America has been the health of Venezuelan President Huge Chavez. Damn quiet. Then, is quiet preferable?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tide Launch Preview Meeting
This morning there was a Tide launch preview meeting held at the Courtyard by Marriott on Greenwich Road in Virginia Beach. The meeting was conducted jointly by the City of Norfolk and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT).
The primary purpose was to brief businesses along the eastern portion of the alignment about upcoming Tide service. (That's why it was held in the periphery of the Newtown Road Station.) However, there was a large contingent of advocates for the disabled present, and a few people from Light Rail Now (LRN).
While most of the material was old news for those of us who have been following The Tide, a couple points of note were covered:
1. Opponents have tried to attack the fare verification system. Not only will their be checkers onboard, but off-duty Norfolk Police Department (NPD) officers to provide security. Failure to pay can result in a fine of up to $250, while using a counterfeit or fraudulent farecard carries a minimum $500 fine.
2. There will be a number of events on opening weekend in the periphery of the stations. Not only the official events, but many businesses and groups plan to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the expected crowds. For example, the YMCA adjacent to the York Street Station will hold an open house all weekend.
The primary purpose was to brief businesses along the eastern portion of the alignment about upcoming Tide service. (That's why it was held in the periphery of the Newtown Road Station.) However, there was a large contingent of advocates for the disabled present, and a few people from Light Rail Now (LRN).
While most of the material was old news for those of us who have been following The Tide, a couple points of note were covered:
1. Opponents have tried to attack the fare verification system. Not only will their be checkers onboard, but off-duty Norfolk Police Department (NPD) officers to provide security. Failure to pay can result in a fine of up to $250, while using a counterfeit or fraudulent farecard carries a minimum $500 fine.
2. There will be a number of events on opening weekend in the periphery of the stations. Not only the official events, but many businesses and groups plan to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the expected crowds. For example, the YMCA adjacent to the York Street Station will hold an open house all weekend.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Vendor Issue At Cedar Grove
It's a familiar sight for the 5,000 people who travel through the Cedar Grove Transfer Center each weekday: the hot dog cart, from Dee's Hot Dogs. With Cedar Grove being land leased by the City of Norfolk, the vendor had to go through a City permitting and licensing process.
I went through Cedar Grove myself this morning and stumbled onto a story. (Well, it's a noteworthy story for we bus riders.) A non-profit had shown up selling snacks, and was claiming exemption from the normal process based on their non-profit status. A lady from Dee's Hot Dogs was there, and was speaking on the phone in an agitated manner with a City of Norfolk official.
IMO other vendors should be allowed to operate there, but there needs to be a standardized process for everyone. Whether profit or non-profit, there needs to be a level playing field. Allowing non-profits a lower standard would give them an unfair competitive advantage.
I'll argue that the hot dog cart is the second greatest improvement to Cedar Grove since Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) transfer center for downtown Norfolk was moved there. (The greatest was quartering the bus arrivals area into four Stages.) Whenever I'm going through there and have the time and money, I buy from them to help sustain the business. They're good citizens, even stocking iced Gatorade today for passengers waiting for buses in this heat. FYI, my usual is a hot dog with mustard and chili plus a soda. Yeah, I bought this morning and had a chili dog and can of Mountain Dew for breakfast.
I went through Cedar Grove myself this morning and stumbled onto a story. (Well, it's a noteworthy story for we bus riders.) A non-profit had shown up selling snacks, and was claiming exemption from the normal process based on their non-profit status. A lady from Dee's Hot Dogs was there, and was speaking on the phone in an agitated manner with a City of Norfolk official.
IMO other vendors should be allowed to operate there, but there needs to be a standardized process for everyone. Whether profit or non-profit, there needs to be a level playing field. Allowing non-profits a lower standard would give them an unfair competitive advantage.
I'll argue that the hot dog cart is the second greatest improvement to Cedar Grove since Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) transfer center for downtown Norfolk was moved there. (The greatest was quartering the bus arrivals area into four Stages.) Whenever I'm going through there and have the time and money, I buy from them to help sustain the business. They're good citizens, even stocking iced Gatorade today for passengers waiting for buses in this heat. FYI, my usual is a hot dog with mustard and chili plus a soda. Yeah, I bought this morning and had a chili dog and can of Mountain Dew for breakfast.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Route 310/NET Public Hearings
On Tuesday Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) held two Public Hearings on proposed changes on downtown Norfolk shuttle service. With the advent of light rail service, Route 310 would be eliminated, the NET be slightly reconfigured, an $1.50 fare charged for the NET (it's always been a fare-free service), and limited NET service into Ghent launched.
Around 30 people attended the Noon Hearing, with about two dozen at the 6 P.M. Public Hearing. The Virginian-Pravda's Debbie Messina was at the Noon Hearing, but not the 6 P.M.
NOON
HRT's Marie Arnt read a legal statement to open the Public Hearing, followed by Chief Planning & Development Officer Ray Amoruso giving a Presentation on the proposal.
Three speakers attacked putting a fare on Norfolk Electric Transit (NET). Another speaker wanted to maintain both the NET and 310. One man wanted the NET to go up Granby Street between Cedar Grove and 21st Street, rather than Monticello Avenue. Three City of Norfolk employees claimed to be speaking on behalf of their agencies in opposition, despite City of Norfolk planners having helped draft the proposal.
I myself spoke, addressing the issue of capacity. I stated the proposal won't work unless either a large number of current bus riders take the train downtown, or the bus transfer center is moved downtown in order for mainline buses to help distribute passengers. (There would be four hybrids an hour going between Cedar Grove and downtown, a total of 104 seats.)
6 P.M.
The Public Hearing opened the same way. This time it was dominated by students and faculty from Tidewater Community College's Norfolk campus, concerned about the impact on them. Amoruso later revealed that there are ongoing negotiations between HRT and TCC about providing an annual TCC bus pass, which would easily solve their problem.
Two temps complained about the effect on them trying to work downtown. Also, opposition was voiced over the route deviation in the Scope/Chrysler Hall area.
Around 30 people attended the Noon Hearing, with about two dozen at the 6 P.M. Public Hearing. The Virginian-Pravda's Debbie Messina was at the Noon Hearing, but not the 6 P.M.
NOON
HRT's Marie Arnt read a legal statement to open the Public Hearing, followed by Chief Planning & Development Officer Ray Amoruso giving a Presentation on the proposal.
Three speakers attacked putting a fare on Norfolk Electric Transit (NET). Another speaker wanted to maintain both the NET and 310. One man wanted the NET to go up Granby Street between Cedar Grove and 21st Street, rather than Monticello Avenue. Three City of Norfolk employees claimed to be speaking on behalf of their agencies in opposition, despite City of Norfolk planners having helped draft the proposal.
I myself spoke, addressing the issue of capacity. I stated the proposal won't work unless either a large number of current bus riders take the train downtown, or the bus transfer center is moved downtown in order for mainline buses to help distribute passengers. (There would be four hybrids an hour going between Cedar Grove and downtown, a total of 104 seats.)
6 P.M.
The Public Hearing opened the same way. This time it was dominated by students and faculty from Tidewater Community College's Norfolk campus, concerned about the impact on them. Amoruso later revealed that there are ongoing negotiations between HRT and TCC about providing an annual TCC bus pass, which would easily solve their problem.
Two temps complained about the effect on them trying to work downtown. Also, opposition was voiced over the route deviation in the Scope/Chrysler Hall area.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
TDCHR June 23, 2011
Got air conditioning? This afternoon's meeting of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) didn't, which probably helped hold the public portion of the meeting in Hampton to about 55 minutes.
You obviously want the light rail news. As you probably already know, service begins on August 19, with fares first charged on August 22. HRT President Phillip Shucet rode a test train himself last night, and noted that all safety systems were working correctly. He thanked the City of Norfolk traffic engineering, who had a big role in getting things done this quickly. The $10 million unallocated contingency fund will be unneeded. (Norfolk has wanted to put it towards their local share.)
You'll love this: there was an issue with a contractor's work. The contractor said correcting it would require an $80k study and $500k-$2 million in construction. HRT staff bought the materials and fixed it themselves for $30k.
Pat Woodberry of Newport News was elected TDCHR Chairperson for FY 2012, with Rick West of Chesapeake Vice Chairman. They assume office on July 1.
11 months through FY 2011, HRT is $1.48 million under Budget.
HRT will move into the new administration building in Norfolk in February, 2012. (Please, get us out of the old Cadillac dump!)
Three contracts were awarded today:
1. A new Patrick Henry Transfer Center will be built in Newport News on Roger Brown Drive, adjacent to the Mall. It will put the TC on City of Newport News (rather than Mall) property, and give bus riders improved restroom access.
2. A Federal grant will be utilized to put shelters at an additional 200 bus stops, doubling the number of stops with them. In addition, some cities are putting together their own shelter programs.
3. A new contract for external auditor. The second lowest bidder was chosen, as recommended by staff, the Operations & Oversight Committee, and the Budget & Audit Committee. The lowest bidder had no experience at such, their proposed team was too small and inexperienced, and their bid was based on far too few hours to get the job done right. Therefore, the judgement was that the low bidder didn't grasp the scope of the project. After a lengthy discussion, the contract was approved.
No, it's not utopia at HRT. During the final nine days of May, the number of customer complaints was 251 above that for the same period in 2010. That was primarily due to a service board change on May 22 (board changes normally produce complaint spikes), and the operational impact from the move from the Ford plant back to 18th Street.
The TDCHR then went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.
You obviously want the light rail news. As you probably already know, service begins on August 19, with fares first charged on August 22. HRT President Phillip Shucet rode a test train himself last night, and noted that all safety systems were working correctly. He thanked the City of Norfolk traffic engineering, who had a big role in getting things done this quickly. The $10 million unallocated contingency fund will be unneeded. (Norfolk has wanted to put it towards their local share.)
You'll love this: there was an issue with a contractor's work. The contractor said correcting it would require an $80k study and $500k-$2 million in construction. HRT staff bought the materials and fixed it themselves for $30k.
Pat Woodberry of Newport News was elected TDCHR Chairperson for FY 2012, with Rick West of Chesapeake Vice Chairman. They assume office on July 1.
11 months through FY 2011, HRT is $1.48 million under Budget.
HRT will move into the new administration building in Norfolk in February, 2012. (Please, get us out of the old Cadillac dump!)
Three contracts were awarded today:
1. A new Patrick Henry Transfer Center will be built in Newport News on Roger Brown Drive, adjacent to the Mall. It will put the TC on City of Newport News (rather than Mall) property, and give bus riders improved restroom access.
2. A Federal grant will be utilized to put shelters at an additional 200 bus stops, doubling the number of stops with them. In addition, some cities are putting together their own shelter programs.
3. A new contract for external auditor. The second lowest bidder was chosen, as recommended by staff, the Operations & Oversight Committee, and the Budget & Audit Committee. The lowest bidder had no experience at such, their proposed team was too small and inexperienced, and their bid was based on far too few hours to get the job done right. Therefore, the judgement was that the low bidder didn't grasp the scope of the project. After a lengthy discussion, the contract was approved.
No, it's not utopia at HRT. During the final nine days of May, the number of customer complaints was 251 above that for the same period in 2010. That was primarily due to a service board change on May 22 (board changes normally produce complaint spikes), and the operational impact from the move from the Ford plant back to 18th Street.
The TDCHR then went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Redistricting Here, Redistricting There
VIRGINIA BEACH
The information was e-mailed out yesterday: the Thursday evening (June 16) Virginia Beach City Redistricting Meeting will be 6 P.M. at Meyera Oberndorf Central Library.
Some plans have already been submitted, and I saw a copy of one this past Thursday night.
NORFOLK
This past Tuesday night I was over in Norfolk to see if I could learn anything from their Redistricting process. What I got was a great seat for when Rodney Jordan dropped his bombshell.
For those who haven't heard, he offered a plan which would convert Norfolk's Ward 1 (now represented by Andy Protogyrou) to a minority-majority ward. Not African-American majority, but total minority. It does so by pushing Ward 1 south, and drawing Ward 5 (Tommy Smigiel) all the way west in Ocean View through Willoughby Spit.
Obviously it would shift power in Norfolk, but it would also have notable effects at the regional level, too. Virginia Beach inclusionists should support the efforts of Jordan & friends, as having an amiable government in Norfolk City Hall would obviously help the cause for inclusion here.
If the Norfolk City Council rejects Jordan's proposal, he can then file it with the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration during Norfolk's preclearance review. The Obama Administration could then reject the official Norfolk plan on the grounds that a fourth minority-majority ward is possible, and instruct Norfolk to proceed along those lines. (That may be where Virginia Beach's Redistricting ends up, too.)
The information was e-mailed out yesterday: the Thursday evening (June 16) Virginia Beach City Redistricting Meeting will be 6 P.M. at Meyera Oberndorf Central Library.
Some plans have already been submitted, and I saw a copy of one this past Thursday night.
NORFOLK
This past Tuesday night I was over in Norfolk to see if I could learn anything from their Redistricting process. What I got was a great seat for when Rodney Jordan dropped his bombshell.
For those who haven't heard, he offered a plan which would convert Norfolk's Ward 1 (now represented by Andy Protogyrou) to a minority-majority ward. Not African-American majority, but total minority. It does so by pushing Ward 1 south, and drawing Ward 5 (Tommy Smigiel) all the way west in Ocean View through Willoughby Spit.
Obviously it would shift power in Norfolk, but it would also have notable effects at the regional level, too. Virginia Beach inclusionists should support the efforts of Jordan & friends, as having an amiable government in Norfolk City Hall would obviously help the cause for inclusion here.
If the Norfolk City Council rejects Jordan's proposal, he can then file it with the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration during Norfolk's preclearance review. The Obama Administration could then reject the official Norfolk plan on the grounds that a fourth minority-majority ward is possible, and instruct Norfolk to proceed along those lines. (That may be where Virginia Beach's Redistricting ends up, too.)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
7th Annual HRACRE Property Tour
Today the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE) held their 7th annual property tour. Participants boarded a double decker motor coach at Virginia Beach's Town Center for the five stop tour that focused on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
The first stop was 31Ocean. Catching even the organizers off-guard, PHR/Gold Key prepared a special welcome for the tour. The group was taken to the 31st Street Hilton's Sky Bar for desserts and drinks. (No, I didn't. I can't stand the taste of rum.) There on the rooftop, Bruce Thompson gave a talk on what he was doing in the area, pointing to his nearby projects at 34th Street and across Pacific Avenue. He related it back to the City's vision for the Resort Area. For those who have tried to portray Bruce as entirely self-serving, he offered to partner with other developers to get projects done, and even offered to aid projects PHR/Gold Key wasn't even involved in. As a parting gift, tour participants were given passes for themselves and a guest to return to Sky Bar during the 2011 season.
There was then the bus ride into Norfolk, which produced a couple nuggets. First, while the City of Norfolk is hoping for an earlier launch, Tide revenue service will probably begin in September or October. That's due to safety system testing. Second, the City of Norfolk Staffer pushed St. Paul's Quadrant, redevelopment plans that (at least publicly) had appeared to be on the back burner. (St. Paul's Quadrant also came up later at MacArthur Square.) Norfolk's current downtown is 93 acres, while St. Paul's Quadrant would add an additional 110 acres.
The second stop was Fort Norfolk Plaza, one block west of the western terminus of the light rail starter line. It's the first medical office building "of scale" built in the periphery of Norfolk General Hospital in 50 years. It's already about 90% leased, as it offers competitive rates and amenities that the older buildings in the neighborhood don't. We met on the unleased 2nd Floor. Looking across Plum Point Park towards the Elizabeth River, I thought, "For us, that's beautiful; for the VBTA, it's a conspiracy."
The third stop was the Wells Fargo Center, where we met in a Willcox Savage conference room on the 22nd Floor. (You could see the rail line going west to Fort Norfolk.) The site for the building was chosen based on the neighboring Monticello Station, and having light rail right there was greatly helping leasing of the 121 apartments. There's a 1st Floor restaurant, Bite, that some were crowing about. (Memo to self: check it out for breakfast once the adjacent train is running.)
The fourth stop was MacArthur Square, where City of Norfolk Staff spoke to us. First, Norfolk is looking at placemaking around the station: the Slover Library diagonally southwest, a mural was planned for the post office wall facing the station, and the MacArthur Memorial is going to raze the existing theater and build a new $6 million facility facing MacArthur Square. (The current one has its back to it.) Second, TOD overlays are being prepared for all light rail stations. Noted were that there will be bicycle parking requirements in construction of new buildings, and that any such new buildings will be required to be a minimum 30 feet in height.
The final stop was Virginia Beach's Newtown Strategic Growth Area (SGA). (Actually, the meeting was in a hotel on the Norfolk side of Newtown Road.) SGA Office Manager Barry Frankenfield gave a brief overview of Beach SGA policy, covered some of the particulars in Newtown's seven subareas, and made a sales pitch to work with developers who want to come in and make the vision a reality.
However, Frankenfield made one statement that deserves bold print: the primary public spending in the SGAs will be roads and stormwater. That's it. For those knuckle-draggers who have tried to portray the SGAs as never-ending money pits, the City of Virginia Beach will simply cover transportation and stormwater.
My thanks to HRACRE for being allowed to go on the tour as a guest. Not only was it informative, but that was a nice box lunch and the beer was a pleasant surprise (I do like Coors Light.). For the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) regularly portraying the business community as the enemy (real conservatives are pro-business), HRACRE welcoming some grassroots activists onto their bus tour shows forward-looking forces can work together.
The first stop was 31Ocean. Catching even the organizers off-guard, PHR/Gold Key prepared a special welcome for the tour. The group was taken to the 31st Street Hilton's Sky Bar for desserts and drinks. (No, I didn't. I can't stand the taste of rum.) There on the rooftop, Bruce Thompson gave a talk on what he was doing in the area, pointing to his nearby projects at 34th Street and across Pacific Avenue. He related it back to the City's vision for the Resort Area. For those who have tried to portray Bruce as entirely self-serving, he offered to partner with other developers to get projects done, and even offered to aid projects PHR/Gold Key wasn't even involved in. As a parting gift, tour participants were given passes for themselves and a guest to return to Sky Bar during the 2011 season.
There was then the bus ride into Norfolk, which produced a couple nuggets. First, while the City of Norfolk is hoping for an earlier launch, Tide revenue service will probably begin in September or October. That's due to safety system testing. Second, the City of Norfolk Staffer pushed St. Paul's Quadrant, redevelopment plans that (at least publicly) had appeared to be on the back burner. (St. Paul's Quadrant also came up later at MacArthur Square.) Norfolk's current downtown is 93 acres, while St. Paul's Quadrant would add an additional 110 acres.
The second stop was Fort Norfolk Plaza, one block west of the western terminus of the light rail starter line. It's the first medical office building "of scale" built in the periphery of Norfolk General Hospital in 50 years. It's already about 90% leased, as it offers competitive rates and amenities that the older buildings in the neighborhood don't. We met on the unleased 2nd Floor. Looking across Plum Point Park towards the Elizabeth River, I thought, "For us, that's beautiful; for the VBTA, it's a conspiracy."
The third stop was the Wells Fargo Center, where we met in a Willcox Savage conference room on the 22nd Floor. (You could see the rail line going west to Fort Norfolk.) The site for the building was chosen based on the neighboring Monticello Station, and having light rail right there was greatly helping leasing of the 121 apartments. There's a 1st Floor restaurant, Bite, that some were crowing about. (Memo to self: check it out for breakfast once the adjacent train is running.)
The fourth stop was MacArthur Square, where City of Norfolk Staff spoke to us. First, Norfolk is looking at placemaking around the station: the Slover Library diagonally southwest, a mural was planned for the post office wall facing the station, and the MacArthur Memorial is going to raze the existing theater and build a new $6 million facility facing MacArthur Square. (The current one has its back to it.) Second, TOD overlays are being prepared for all light rail stations. Noted were that there will be bicycle parking requirements in construction of new buildings, and that any such new buildings will be required to be a minimum 30 feet in height.
The final stop was Virginia Beach's Newtown Strategic Growth Area (SGA). (Actually, the meeting was in a hotel on the Norfolk side of Newtown Road.) SGA Office Manager Barry Frankenfield gave a brief overview of Beach SGA policy, covered some of the particulars in Newtown's seven subareas, and made a sales pitch to work with developers who want to come in and make the vision a reality.
However, Frankenfield made one statement that deserves bold print: the primary public spending in the SGAs will be roads and stormwater. That's it. For those knuckle-draggers who have tried to portray the SGAs as never-ending money pits, the City of Virginia Beach will simply cover transportation and stormwater.
My thanks to HRACRE for being allowed to go on the tour as a guest. Not only was it informative, but that was a nice box lunch and the beer was a pleasant surprise (I do like Coors Light.). For the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) regularly portraying the business community as the enemy (real conservatives are pro-business), HRACRE welcoming some grassroots activists onto their bus tour shows forward-looking forces can work together.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Learn To Drive, NPD!
Payday is Walmart Day, so Friday morning I was on my way there to go grocery shopping. At Military Circle's 6 A.M. cutback lineup, it was Cutback Inbound 20 to Cutback Outbound 15.
As the 15 started to head up Military Highway, a Norfolk Police Department (NPD) K9 unit came out of the Kangaroo Express at Janaf. The K9 unit made a slow looping turn...right into the path of the bus. Thankfully the bus wasn't going full speed, so we were able to brake to avoid a collision. The bus Operator exclaimed to the passengers afterwards, "They're suppose to be the police!"
Tired cop after being on duty all night? Regardless, had that been a 40' bus at full speed, the NPD K9 unit would have been flipped over. (We had a 30 footer on the cutback run.) Since this was a K9 unit, remember that the police dog would have been in the rear...right where the bus would have struck.
I've e-mailed Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), advising that a copy of the bus' security tapes be sent to NPD.
As the 15 started to head up Military Highway, a Norfolk Police Department (NPD) K9 unit came out of the Kangaroo Express at Janaf. The K9 unit made a slow looping turn...right into the path of the bus. Thankfully the bus wasn't going full speed, so we were able to brake to avoid a collision. The bus Operator exclaimed to the passengers afterwards, "They're suppose to be the police!"
Tired cop after being on duty all night? Regardless, had that been a 40' bus at full speed, the NPD K9 unit would have been flipped over. (We had a 30 footer on the cutback run.) Since this was a K9 unit, remember that the police dog would have been in the rear...right where the bus would have struck.
I've e-mailed Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), advising that a copy of the bus' security tapes be sent to NPD.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Random Thoughts March 31, 2011
1. Am I the only one who thinks the fuss about the City Manager's proposed Budget for Virginia Beach in FY 2012 is bad theater? Given that the Budget had been trimmed and savings dipped into the past two years, tax and/or fee hikes were a given this year unless the economy improved markedly. It didn't.
2. The Democrats' plan for redistricting the state Senate is farcical at points. However, when I looked at the proposed 13th District, know what I thought? After 75 year old Fred Quayle, Senator Bob Dyer?
3. In the Republican House redistricting plan, Virginia Beach's Central Business District goes from the 83rd to the 85th District. Quite fitting for Bob Tata, whose bill jump-started the Beach light rail process.
4. Advertised for today was a Sea Level Rise Listening Session from 1-4 P.M. It was moved to 9 A.M. - Noon with no word I heard. So do they really want to listen?
5. Are you all having fun watching Norfolk being dragged into glasnost by Andy Protogyrou and Tommy Smigiel?
6. Under the Republican House redistricting plan, I go from the 83rd District (Chris Stolle) to the 90th (Algie Howell). Hey, I was considering looking for a new barber.... More seriously, Algie strikes me as a nice guy.
7. Why does it scare me on one level when I agree with the TEA Party? Not enough spending cuts in what's being considered by Congress.
8. The Laskin Gateway Project may spur what's hoped for in the Resort Area Strategic Action Plan. However, the knuckle-draggers are still refighting the 31st Street referendum battle. Pathetic.
9. Please note that light rail opponents have yet to offer a comprehensive alternative plan that is both constructive and realistic. Until then, they shouldn't be taken seriously. Do they think they can complain often and loud enough that people don't grasp they have nothing to offer?
10. Hang on, UFL: you might get your dream cancelled NFL season.
2. The Democrats' plan for redistricting the state Senate is farcical at points. However, when I looked at the proposed 13th District, know what I thought? After 75 year old Fred Quayle, Senator Bob Dyer?
3. In the Republican House redistricting plan, Virginia Beach's Central Business District goes from the 83rd to the 85th District. Quite fitting for Bob Tata, whose bill jump-started the Beach light rail process.
4. Advertised for today was a Sea Level Rise Listening Session from 1-4 P.M. It was moved to 9 A.M. - Noon with no word I heard. So do they really want to listen?
5. Are you all having fun watching Norfolk being dragged into glasnost by Andy Protogyrou and Tommy Smigiel?
6. Under the Republican House redistricting plan, I go from the 83rd District (Chris Stolle) to the 90th (Algie Howell). Hey, I was considering looking for a new barber.... More seriously, Algie strikes me as a nice guy.
7. Why does it scare me on one level when I agree with the TEA Party? Not enough spending cuts in what's being considered by Congress.
8. The Laskin Gateway Project may spur what's hoped for in the Resort Area Strategic Action Plan. However, the knuckle-draggers are still refighting the 31st Street referendum battle. Pathetic.
9. Please note that light rail opponents have yet to offer a comprehensive alternative plan that is both constructive and realistic. Until then, they shouldn't be taken seriously. Do they think they can complain often and loud enough that people don't grasp they have nothing to offer?
10. Hang on, UFL: you might get your dream cancelled NFL season.
Friday, March 11, 2011
WAVY - TV On Cedar Grove And Late Buses
The video embedded below is a story run by WAVY-TV yesterday. While some of the statements in it are hyperbole, there's much truth in it.
First of all, don't send a reporter to do a story on Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) who doesn't know the difference between a Handi-Ride vehicle and a former Handi-Ride vehicle. Behind her was a former Handi-Ride vehicle now being used as an Operator's shuttle from the Ford plant. Actual Handi-Ride vehicles are painted with green and blue trim and have the Handi-Ride logo on them. (Moron!)
The one woman's comment that a late bus can cost you 3-4 hours is ridiculous. Actually, 29-59 minutes maximum.
However, I do love the emphasis on late buses. I've said before that late buses are the most frustrating thing about riding HRT. Part of the problem is that HRT's Dashboard measures late at 5 minutes, when a typical transfer center lineup is 3 minutes. That gives a better than actual picture of the problem. A bus 4 - 4 1/2 minutes late probably costs you a transfer, but the Dashboard counts it as on-time.
The Route 15 to Robert Hall is brought up. Yes, any HRT regular knows the 15 is chronically late at rush hour. However, the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) proposed changes to the 15 to help...and not all the impacted cities signed off on them. (It's not HRT's fault.)
In the written story that accompanies the video on WAVY's website, Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot calls for the transfer center to be moved to Downtown Plaza, and to "include restrooms, a cafe, a newsstand and TV monitors." While Burfoot's heart is in the right place, that's overkill. Get us downtown, provide restrooms, and allow a variety of vendor carts and/or kiosks. It would be temporary until we get to the Harbor Park multimodal station.
One tip for them from an experienced rider (me): if it's important (such as work), go a bus early. You're covered in case of a missed transfer, bus breakdown, need to use the restroom, etc.
First of all, don't send a reporter to do a story on Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) who doesn't know the difference between a Handi-Ride vehicle and a former Handi-Ride vehicle. Behind her was a former Handi-Ride vehicle now being used as an Operator's shuttle from the Ford plant. Actual Handi-Ride vehicles are painted with green and blue trim and have the Handi-Ride logo on them. (Moron!)
The one woman's comment that a late bus can cost you 3-4 hours is ridiculous. Actually, 29-59 minutes maximum.
However, I do love the emphasis on late buses. I've said before that late buses are the most frustrating thing about riding HRT. Part of the problem is that HRT's Dashboard measures late at 5 minutes, when a typical transfer center lineup is 3 minutes. That gives a better than actual picture of the problem. A bus 4 - 4 1/2 minutes late probably costs you a transfer, but the Dashboard counts it as on-time.
The Route 15 to Robert Hall is brought up. Yes, any HRT regular knows the 15 is chronically late at rush hour. However, the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) proposed changes to the 15 to help...and not all the impacted cities signed off on them. (It's not HRT's fault.)
In the written story that accompanies the video on WAVY's website, Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot calls for the transfer center to be moved to Downtown Plaza, and to "include restrooms, a cafe, a newsstand and TV monitors." While Burfoot's heart is in the right place, that's overkill. Get us downtown, provide restrooms, and allow a variety of vendor carts and/or kiosks. It would be temporary until we get to the Harbor Park multimodal station.
One tip for them from an experienced rider (me): if it's important (such as work), go a bus early. You're covered in case of a missed transfer, bus breakdown, need to use the restroom, etc.
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.)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
LRT Boosts Other Council Aims
Light rail isn't simply about transportation and land redevelopment. It would also help other objectives expressed at this week's Virginia Beach City Council Retreat:
1. During Friday morning discussions with the School Board, Mayor Sessoms suggested partnerships with our area universities, for things like boosting research & development. How would those students participate? It would help if they could get here by train:
A. Norfolk State University and Eastern Virginia Medical School are on Norfolk's Starter Line.
B. Old Dominion University would be on the Navy base extension.
C. Virginia Wesleyan College is on Route 27, a feeder bus route that will serve the Newtown Road Station.
2. On Saturday morning, Glenn Davis noted that Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake all have borders in the Centerville area. He wondered if the three cities could consolidate services, with offices in that area.
During a later break, I explained to him how that area was served by Route 15. It would be a 10-15 minute bus ride from the Military Highway Station.
1. During Friday morning discussions with the School Board, Mayor Sessoms suggested partnerships with our area universities, for things like boosting research & development. How would those students participate? It would help if they could get here by train:
A. Norfolk State University and Eastern Virginia Medical School are on Norfolk's Starter Line.
B. Old Dominion University would be on the Navy base extension.
C. Virginia Wesleyan College is on Route 27, a feeder bus route that will serve the Newtown Road Station.
2. On Saturday morning, Glenn Davis noted that Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake all have borders in the Centerville area. He wondered if the three cities could consolidate services, with offices in that area.
During a later break, I explained to him how that area was served by Route 15. It would be a 10-15 minute bus ride from the Military Highway Station.
Friday, December 10, 2010
RAC December 9, 2010
Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held a short meeting Thursday afternoon, lasting only about 40 minutes.
Chairman Preston Midgett and Vice Chair Gerrie West were reelected to their positions for 2011.
In response to TPPC concerns over the draft Form-Based Zoning for the Resort Area, SGA Office Director Barry Frankenfield stated his Office might be ready to brief the TPPC in January. However, there is still work to be done on the draft, with one area being how it deals with parking issues. Also, in recent talks with the Navy, the City is trying to make clear what the draft does with lodging units versus residential units. AICUZ regulations look upon the two differently.
Despite concerns about air encroachments into the public right of way, the Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) endorsed Phase III of the Ocean Beach Club. The issue is that there would be overhangs from the proposed building extending beyond the property line. In addition, a law enforcement monument is in the works for 35th Street, done by the same sculptor that did the King Neptune statue at 31st Street. (Don't worry: it will be smaller.) The PDRC worked with how to make the pieces (i.e. Ocean Beach Club, monument, etc.) fit together well.
Neither the Resort Investment Committee, Green Committee, nor Communications Committee met this month.
The first meeting of the task force on Resort event food & beverage sales met on Wednesday morning, and the meeting went well. The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) continues with the parking meters to raise funds for the homeless initiative. Roanoke, Norfolk, and Chesapeake have all inquired as to how we put our program together, as they may wish to follow suit.
Speaking of Chesapeake and Norfolk, both have pulled a page from our playbook and established Special Events offices. In fact, Chesapeake has hired one of our employees to run theirs, while Norfolk has interviewed a second member of our Staff. Finally, work is going on at the intersection of 32nd and Arctic to install brick pavers for the pedestrian crossing. It's being done later due to the original base the road was built on.
Chairman Preston Midgett and Vice Chair Gerrie West were reelected to their positions for 2011.
In response to TPPC concerns over the draft Form-Based Zoning for the Resort Area, SGA Office Director Barry Frankenfield stated his Office might be ready to brief the TPPC in January. However, there is still work to be done on the draft, with one area being how it deals with parking issues. Also, in recent talks with the Navy, the City is trying to make clear what the draft does with lodging units versus residential units. AICUZ regulations look upon the two differently.
Despite concerns about air encroachments into the public right of way, the Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) endorsed Phase III of the Ocean Beach Club. The issue is that there would be overhangs from the proposed building extending beyond the property line. In addition, a law enforcement monument is in the works for 35th Street, done by the same sculptor that did the King Neptune statue at 31st Street. (Don't worry: it will be smaller.) The PDRC worked with how to make the pieces (i.e. Ocean Beach Club, monument, etc.) fit together well.
Neither the Resort Investment Committee, Green Committee, nor Communications Committee met this month.
The first meeting of the task force on Resort event food & beverage sales met on Wednesday morning, and the meeting went well. The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) continues with the parking meters to raise funds for the homeless initiative. Roanoke, Norfolk, and Chesapeake have all inquired as to how we put our program together, as they may wish to follow suit.
Speaking of Chesapeake and Norfolk, both have pulled a page from our playbook and established Special Events offices. In fact, Chesapeake has hired one of our employees to run theirs, while Norfolk has interviewed a second member of our Staff. Finally, work is going on at the intersection of 32nd and Arctic to install brick pavers for the pedestrian crossing. It's being done later due to the original base the road was built on.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wood Street And The Tide Launch
The MSM has previously reported on the proposed move of Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) Cedar Grove Transfer Center to Wood Street. The Norfolk City Council is scheduled to vote on that and other light rail-related matters on December 7.
What you haven't read are details from the proposals. HRT's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) was briefed Wednesday evening on them:
1. The Tide is scheduled to go into revenue service on May 1, 2011.
2. The Cedar Grove Transfer Center would be moved to Wood Street two weeks prior, on April 17.
3. The bus lineup would be on the north side of Wood. 13 shelters would be there, 3 more than at Cedar Grove. Traffic on Wood would be one way westbound, though emergency vehicles exiting the adjacent fire station could run against traffic. A fence would be erected on the south side of Wood Street. Posey Lane would no longer exit into Wood.
4. There would be toilets there for bus Operators, but none now are planned for passengers.
TRAC members immediately lobbied for them. HRT Staff retorted none were at the former transfer center on Charlotte Street. (Psst...we slipped into MacArthur Center from there.)
5. Routes 6, 8, and 45 would provide service from Wood Street into southern downtown. They'd leave south on St. Paul's, turn right on Waterside, right on Boush, then right on City Hall, heading out of downtown from there.
6. Route 23 would travel Princess Anne Road along the northern periphery of downtown, as it did in pre-Cedar Grove days.
7. The single new bus route will be Route 16, from ODU to Fort Norfolk via Colley Avenue.
8. The additional cost to the City of Norfolk in FY 2012 would be $5.9 million, $3.1 million for light rail and $2.8 million for additional bus service. (Also, additional Federal and state funds would be involved.)
It's not a zero sum game, as $1.2 million would be saved by eliminating the NET ($700k) and Route 310 ($500k).
9. Some buses leaving Wood Street would serve the Monticello Station, including Routes 1 and 3. They'd head west on Charlotte Street, then turn north up Monticello.
10. There's a proposal for a Ghent NET on the table. It would run evenings from 6-10 P.M., 6-Midnight Friday and Saturday. There are four evening (Thursday - Sunday) and nightly options being considered.
11. The Tide would begin service daily at 6 A.M. It would run until 10 P.M. Monday - Thursday, Midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9 P.M. on Sunday.
What you haven't read are details from the proposals. HRT's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) was briefed Wednesday evening on them:
1. The Tide is scheduled to go into revenue service on May 1, 2011.
2. The Cedar Grove Transfer Center would be moved to Wood Street two weeks prior, on April 17.
3. The bus lineup would be on the north side of Wood. 13 shelters would be there, 3 more than at Cedar Grove. Traffic on Wood would be one way westbound, though emergency vehicles exiting the adjacent fire station could run against traffic. A fence would be erected on the south side of Wood Street. Posey Lane would no longer exit into Wood.
4. There would be toilets there for bus Operators, but none now are planned for passengers.
TRAC members immediately lobbied for them. HRT Staff retorted none were at the former transfer center on Charlotte Street. (Psst...we slipped into MacArthur Center from there.)
5. Routes 6, 8, and 45 would provide service from Wood Street into southern downtown. They'd leave south on St. Paul's, turn right on Waterside, right on Boush, then right on City Hall, heading out of downtown from there.
6. Route 23 would travel Princess Anne Road along the northern periphery of downtown, as it did in pre-Cedar Grove days.
7. The single new bus route will be Route 16, from ODU to Fort Norfolk via Colley Avenue.
8. The additional cost to the City of Norfolk in FY 2012 would be $5.9 million, $3.1 million for light rail and $2.8 million for additional bus service. (Also, additional Federal and state funds would be involved.)
It's not a zero sum game, as $1.2 million would be saved by eliminating the NET ($700k) and Route 310 ($500k).
9. Some buses leaving Wood Street would serve the Monticello Station, including Routes 1 and 3. They'd head west on Charlotte Street, then turn north up Monticello.
10. There's a proposal for a Ghent NET on the table. It would run evenings from 6-10 P.M., 6-Midnight Friday and Saturday. There are four evening (Thursday - Sunday) and nightly options being considered.
11. The Tide would begin service daily at 6 A.M. It would run until 10 P.M. Monday - Thursday, Midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9 P.M. on Sunday.
Friday, October 29, 2010
TDCHR October 28, 2010
On Thursday afternoon in Hampton the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) met.
Norfolk's light rail Starter Line is 95% complete. Also, the TDCHR took up an agreement between the TDCHR, Norfolk State University (NSU), the City of Norfolk, and the Norfolk Housing & Redevelopment Authority that largely covers final issues in the periphery of NSU.
For the first quarter of FY 2011, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is nearly $1.2 million under budget.
Ridership in September, 2010 was down somewhat from September, 2009.
Finally, the next TDCHR meeting will be November 18 in Norfolk. Normally the TDCHR meets on the 2nd Thursday in November and December (due to the holidays), but the 2nd Thursday this year is Veterans Day. Therefore, the TDCHR unanimously voted to move the meeting back one week.
Norfolk's light rail Starter Line is 95% complete. Also, the TDCHR took up an agreement between the TDCHR, Norfolk State University (NSU), the City of Norfolk, and the Norfolk Housing & Redevelopment Authority that largely covers final issues in the periphery of NSU.
For the first quarter of FY 2011, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is nearly $1.2 million under budget.
Ridership in September, 2010 was down somewhat from September, 2009.
Finally, the next TDCHR meeting will be November 18 in Norfolk. Normally the TDCHR meets on the 2nd Thursday in November and December (due to the holidays), but the 2nd Thursday this year is Veterans Day. Therefore, the TDCHR unanimously voted to move the meeting back one week.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Computer Room Back Online
A couple months ago the basement computer room at Norfolk's Main Library flooded, which shut the room down. I'm happy to report that it's now back up, though without carpet this time. (Hey, makes sense in a flood area and saves money.)
Since this has been discussed out on the buses (on the Inbound 15 one night when I was on), I thought I'd get the word out that the facility can be utilized again.
Since this has been discussed out on the buses (on the Inbound 15 one night when I was on), I thought I'd get the word out that the facility can be utilized again.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
TPO July 21, 2010
It was a blockbuster meeting today for the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).
First, the tool for prioritizing the region's transportation projects was approved. Staff anticipated having a fully prioritized list back to the TPO at it's January meeting. However, the TPO wants a list in September, even if that list needs to later be adjusted. The reason is to try to have something to go prior to the 2011 General Assembly session and the October meeting of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB).
Second, the initial work of the consultant on High Speed Rail was received, with Staff authorized to reach agreement with him for another year's work. However, some from the state government expressed skepticism over assumptions in the initial work.
Third, Norfolk light rail was sent $10 million in the state share of stimulus funds to help Norfolk cover the last round of cost overruns.
Finally, the TPO deferred action on the state's transportation measures. The sticking point is a timeline in already-passed legislation that would require another act of the General Assembly to undo.
First, the tool for prioritizing the region's transportation projects was approved. Staff anticipated having a fully prioritized list back to the TPO at it's January meeting. However, the TPO wants a list in September, even if that list needs to later be adjusted. The reason is to try to have something to go prior to the 2011 General Assembly session and the October meeting of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB).
Second, the initial work of the consultant on High Speed Rail was received, with Staff authorized to reach agreement with him for another year's work. However, some from the state government expressed skepticism over assumptions in the initial work.
Third, Norfolk light rail was sent $10 million in the state share of stimulus funds to help Norfolk cover the last round of cost overruns.
Finally, the TPO deferred action on the state's transportation measures. The sticking point is a timeline in already-passed legislation that would require another act of the General Assembly to undo.
Friday, June 25, 2010
TDCHR June 24, 2010
On Thursday afternoon, the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the governing board of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), held it's June meeting.
Shortly after convening, the TDCHR went to closed session. That left the bulk of us out in the second floor hallway for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, we learned that it had been about the buyout of Michael Townes' retirement package, which was immediately approved.
With a large group there for the leadership election, the hallway was full. As a regular visitor to HRT Headquarters, I knew the most comfortable seat in the house was the small sofa at the top of the stairway. I got it, and was joined by a Staffer.
Speaking of the leadership election, Paul Riddick of Norfolk was elected Chairman and Pat Woodbury of Newport News Vice Chair. Jim Wood was the lone "No" vote. Riddick said "I just plan to follow the script that each Chairman has in the past", and that if the media raised technical or financial questions, he would refer them to HRT Staff.
Current Chairman Jim Wood gave departing remarks. Noteworthy, he stated that he was "extremely confident" that those who stole $80,000 plus would face justice. That's based on conversations he's had wth those involved in the investigation. Wood was given a standing ovation for his service.
An order was placed for ten additional buses from Gillig, one 29 foot hybrid and nine 35 foot diesel buses.
With one month remaining in FY 2010, HRT is $1.477 million under Budget.
The TDCHR passed a Resolution, based on a new state law, that will require new hires after July, 2010 to pay 5% of their Virginia Retirement System (VRS) contributions. With plenty of new hiring needed to staff Norfolk light rail, the fiscal impact is big.
It was reported out that the Paratransit Advisory Committee has taken a position opposing any Handi-Ride fare increases within the ongoing fare review.
Ridership in May was 3.83% over May, 2009. With one month left in FY 2010, ridership overall is up 2.85% for the year.
In other notes:
1. Both WAVY and WVEC covered the meeting and have video on their websites. (You can see me in the background on the WVEC video.)
2. Randy Wright stated that, given Norfolk City Council's procedure, it would probably be August before his replacement is chosen. Wright was given the other standing ovation of the day.
Shortly after convening, the TDCHR went to closed session. That left the bulk of us out in the second floor hallway for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, we learned that it had been about the buyout of Michael Townes' retirement package, which was immediately approved.
With a large group there for the leadership election, the hallway was full. As a regular visitor to HRT Headquarters, I knew the most comfortable seat in the house was the small sofa at the top of the stairway. I got it, and was joined by a Staffer.
Speaking of the leadership election, Paul Riddick of Norfolk was elected Chairman and Pat Woodbury of Newport News Vice Chair. Jim Wood was the lone "No" vote. Riddick said "I just plan to follow the script that each Chairman has in the past", and that if the media raised technical or financial questions, he would refer them to HRT Staff.
Current Chairman Jim Wood gave departing remarks. Noteworthy, he stated that he was "extremely confident" that those who stole $80,000 plus would face justice. That's based on conversations he's had wth those involved in the investigation. Wood was given a standing ovation for his service.
An order was placed for ten additional buses from Gillig, one 29 foot hybrid and nine 35 foot diesel buses.
With one month remaining in FY 2010, HRT is $1.477 million under Budget.
The TDCHR passed a Resolution, based on a new state law, that will require new hires after July, 2010 to pay 5% of their Virginia Retirement System (VRS) contributions. With plenty of new hiring needed to staff Norfolk light rail, the fiscal impact is big.
It was reported out that the Paratransit Advisory Committee has taken a position opposing any Handi-Ride fare increases within the ongoing fare review.
Ridership in May was 3.83% over May, 2009. With one month left in FY 2010, ridership overall is up 2.85% for the year.
In other notes:
1. Both WAVY and WVEC covered the meeting and have video on their websites. (You can see me in the background on the WVEC video.)
2. Randy Wright stated that, given Norfolk City Council's procedure, it would probably be August before his replacement is chosen. Wright was given the other standing ovation of the day.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Riddick Nominated For TDCHR Chairman
Today the Executive Committee of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) nominated Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick to serve as Chairman in FY 2011. WAVY-TV had a video report, which I'll embed below.
Where did you hear this story first? Try Paul Riddick To TDCHR Chairman?, May 4 on this blog. Avenging Archangel: bringing issues to you before most people even realize that they're issues.
For the transitphobes who will try to hide behind Riddick to attack any transit improvements, let me point out that the need for much better mass transit in Hampton Roads isn't predicated on which personality holds the TDCHR gavel.
Where did you hear this story first? Try Paul Riddick To TDCHR Chairman?, May 4 on this blog. Avenging Archangel: bringing issues to you before most people even realize that they're issues.
For the transitphobes who will try to hide behind Riddick to attack any transit improvements, let me point out that the need for much better mass transit in Hampton Roads isn't predicated on which personality holds the TDCHR gavel.
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