The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the board that governs Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), met on Thursday afternoon.
The most interesting news is that Suffolk has agreed in principle to reintegrate it's local bus service into HRT's network. Suffolk has been leasing buses from HRT, putting it's own drivers on, and operating the routes separately. Talks will now be needed to tackle the details of the change.
The big news of the day was the awarding of the contract for the construction of catenary lines and other electrical work on Norfolk's light rail starter line. Please note, Flat Earthers: the contract is 5.3% below budget!
In fact, only one contract (Contract 40) has come in markedly over budget. That's for the track work from Harbor Park to EVMS, and it's only high because Norfolk decided to do utility work while the impacted streets are torn up. Remove the utility work and there is no cost problem.
Commissioners were warned about fuel costs. While fuel accounted for only 15% of HRT's FY 2008 Budget, by FY 2010 it's projected to be 20%.
Commissioner Jim Wood spoke of a story by Joe Bouchard, former commander of Norfolk NOB and now Delegate from the 83rd District. Traffic in the region is so bad that the Navy was flying
some from Norfolk NOB to Oceana NAS. It's Bouchard's hope that light rail can be extended to allow that trip to be made by train.
Finally, the postponed TDCHR Retreat has been rescheduled for November 7 & 8 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
TPPC August 28, 2008
The Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Committee (RAC) met on Thursday morning. The big issue: about an hour was spent discussing the decline in farecard sales for, and ridership on, the seasonal VBWave trolley service. Ridership in June & July was down 32%, while farecard sales were down 45% over 2007.
Farecards are easy to get a finger on: the method of selling them has changed. Some Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) have been removed. There's a greater reliance on retail sales, especially through Sunsations.
Ridership is perplexing. One, hybrid ridership is slightly higher than trolley ridership, so it's hard to blame it on the new vehicles. Two, the route that took the biggest hit (Route 32, Shopper's Shuttle) is the route that should have benefited the most from the vehicle change. Three, hotel occupancy was only down 6% in June, while city parking lot usage stayed about even.
Two recommendations came out of the meeting. First, a robust marketing campaign for the VBWave in 2009. Second, the pressing need for a Survey of VBWave riders to get at the causes.
The meeting ended on reminders of chances to have input on mass transit in Virginia Beach, as well as the new Comprehensive Plan.
Farecards are easy to get a finger on: the method of selling them has changed. Some Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) have been removed. There's a greater reliance on retail sales, especially through Sunsations.
Ridership is perplexing. One, hybrid ridership is slightly higher than trolley ridership, so it's hard to blame it on the new vehicles. Two, the route that took the biggest hit (Route 32, Shopper's Shuttle) is the route that should have benefited the most from the vehicle change. Three, hotel occupancy was only down 6% in June, while city parking lot usage stayed about even.
Two recommendations came out of the meeting. First, a robust marketing campaign for the VBWave in 2009. Second, the pressing need for a Survey of VBWave riders to get at the causes.
The meeting ended on reminders of chances to have input on mass transit in Virginia Beach, as well as the new Comprehensive Plan.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tatoo This On Your Forehead
It's finally going to happen: Virginia Beach will have a public meeting on mass transit policy to solicit citizen input. Today's City Page reports that it will be Tuesday, September 16 from 7-9 P.M. at the convention center.
The meeting will be hard-pressed to beat the story behind it. First it was going to be early this year, then after the Budget, and now September. First it was going to be 4 town hall meetings, then 2, and now an open house. The really fun part: who pays how much for what?
Regardless, be sure to come. You bet it's on my calendar!
The meeting will be hard-pressed to beat the story behind it. First it was going to be early this year, then after the Budget, and now September. First it was going to be 4 town hall meetings, then 2, and now an open house. The really fun part: who pays how much for what?
Regardless, be sure to come. You bet it's on my calendar!
2008 Avenging Archangel Awards
This Spring I promised annual awards by this blog to be given annually on August 27. The first edition is a short list, but I promised to have some:
Christine Alvarez Award - for uplifting the region's poor: Empower Hampton Roads
The faith-based group has done good work, pushing issues many politicos are afraid to touch but they are needed.
Rosa Parks Award - for striving towards an inclusive Virginia Beach: Georgia Allen
Some have done as much work, but nobody I know of has sacrificed themselves more towards the goal.
Maury Jackson Award - for civic activism in Virginia Beach: Dan Baxter
1st Vice President (and former President) of the CCO, he has Chaired the Clean Community Commission, served on the Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force, and much more. Given that Jackson recruited Baxter to the CCO, fitting that he's the first recipient.
Urho Kekkonen Award - for statesmanship: Delegate Bob Tata
For HB 6028, the bill that got light rail rolling in Virginia Beach.
Richard Maddox Award - for best City Councilman: tie, Bob Dyer and Jim Wood
I was debating this one, and hoped one of them would distinguish himself - or shoot himself in the foot - at this past weekend's City Council Retreat.
Christine Alvarez Award - for uplifting the region's poor: Empower Hampton Roads
The faith-based group has done good work, pushing issues many politicos are afraid to touch but they are needed.
Rosa Parks Award - for striving towards an inclusive Virginia Beach: Georgia Allen
Some have done as much work, but nobody I know of has sacrificed themselves more towards the goal.
Maury Jackson Award - for civic activism in Virginia Beach: Dan Baxter
1st Vice President (and former President) of the CCO, he has Chaired the Clean Community Commission, served on the Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force, and much more. Given that Jackson recruited Baxter to the CCO, fitting that he's the first recipient.
Urho Kekkonen Award - for statesmanship: Delegate Bob Tata
For HB 6028, the bill that got light rail rolling in Virginia Beach.
Richard Maddox Award - for best City Councilman: tie, Bob Dyer and Jim Wood
I was debating this one, and hoped one of them would distinguish himself - or shoot himself in the foot - at this past weekend's City Council Retreat.
Isaak Mikkanen Award - for best developer: The Dragas Companies
With most developers claiming we can't build affordable housing without a Redevelopment Authority, Dragas has done it on their own.
The first annual list is a short one; under comments feel free to suggest any awards for the 2009 edition.
I had 5 negative awards ready to go, but some involve people I'm currently locking horns with. Therefore, I thought it might be perceived as spiteful for me to make them, even though the decisions had long been made.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Conspiracy Theory of The Year Frontrunner
I think most of those who know Reid Greenmun know he's full of wacky conspiracy theories. However, this one is so good I have to share it with you all. Today at Tidewater Liberty he put up a post on the Virginia Beach Mayor's race. http://tidewaterliberty.wordpress.com/2008/08/26/thoughts-on-the-2008-va-beach-race-for-mayor
You have to love it! "It is obvious to me that DEVELOPER Scott Taylor is in the race to split off votes from John Moss." Obvious to who else, Reid? Your friend Harvey? Yeah, since Taylor is a developer he must actually be a tool of Sessoms?!? ROFL! Honest to God, how many votes are there to split off of Moss? The two dozen that go to the VBTA breakfast? Reid goes on to wonder why Moss isn't the frontrunner, and then thinks it's simply a case of lazy reporters not knowing that Moss is the man to beat.
Geez, that sure is some wicked Kool-Aid that the VBTA is serving....
You have to love it! "It is obvious to me that DEVELOPER Scott Taylor is in the race to split off votes from John Moss." Obvious to who else, Reid? Your friend Harvey? Yeah, since Taylor is a developer he must actually be a tool of Sessoms?!? ROFL! Honest to God, how many votes are there to split off of Moss? The two dozen that go to the VBTA breakfast? Reid goes on to wonder why Moss isn't the frontrunner, and then thinks it's simply a case of lazy reporters not knowing that Moss is the man to beat.
Geez, that sure is some wicked Kool-Aid that the VBTA is serving....
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Box In Putin!
In the poll question that closed last night, 53% favored NATO membership for both Georgia and Ukraine. 40% wanted neither, while 6% back Ukraine alone.
The new poll question deals with an idea floated by Councilman Bill DeSteph at this weekend's Virginia Beach City Council Retreat. The proposal: phase out BPOL "over 5-10 years".
1. On the one hand, the tax was enacted originally to pay for Virginia's share of The War of 1812. It's long been paid for. In addition, the way it is applied is cumbersome for businesses.
2. On the other hand, it provides over $42 million per year to the City of Virginia Beach. With the City already facing a $68 million Budget shortfall for FY 2010, some argued that we simply can't afford it.
Have your say.
The new poll question deals with an idea floated by Councilman Bill DeSteph at this weekend's Virginia Beach City Council Retreat. The proposal: phase out BPOL "over 5-10 years".
1. On the one hand, the tax was enacted originally to pay for Virginia's share of The War of 1812. It's long been paid for. In addition, the way it is applied is cumbersome for businesses.
2. On the other hand, it provides over $42 million per year to the City of Virginia Beach. With the City already facing a $68 million Budget shortfall for FY 2010, some argued that we simply can't afford it.
Have your say.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
2008 Virginia Beach City Council Retreat, Day 2
Council reconvened on Saturday morning to continue their Retreat. As I posted last night, they had three major policy areas to cover.
IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Objectives
1. Better traffic flow, less congestion
3. Better mass transit with increased ridership
4. Safer streets and intersections
5. More alternative modes of transportation
7. Secure transportation funding
Challenges and Opportunities
1. Funding: local, state, and Federal
2. Funding for mass transit
3. Project Priorities
8. Linking bus routes with light rail
9. Acquisition of Norfolk Southern Right-of-Way
10. Local road funding: building and maintenance
Actions
1. Roads Funding Plan
11. Neighborhood Road & Maintenance Program: Policy and Funding
12. Norfolk Southern Corridor Mass Transit: Policy, Direction, and Actions
15. Lynnhaven Parkway Project
17. I-264 Strategy and Actions
22. I-264/I-64 Interchange
REVITALIZE NEIGHBORHOODS AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Objectives
1. Safe neighborhoods
2. Reuse of aging commercial areas
3. Improve neighborhood infrastructure and city amenities
4. More property owners investing in upgrading homes and properties
5. Community vision guiding future development and land use
6. Protection of natural resources and waterways
Challenges and Opportunities
1. Declining Property Values
3. Aging housing stock
6. Criminal activity, deteriorating neighborhoods
8. Code Enforcement
10. Lack of pattern books and design funding
11. Differing citizens values and perspectives
Actions
1. Comprehensive Plan: Update
2. Stormwater and Ditch Maintenance Program
5. Dredging for (navigable) waterways
8. Bayside Action Plan
10. Gang Strategy
16. Neighborhood Preservation Program and Plan
17. Agriculture Reserve Program: Evaluation and Funding
BE A COMPETITIVE, FIRST CLASS RESORT FOR RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND TOURISTS
Objectives
2. Become year-round destination
3. Safe and inviting environment for families
4. More variety of activities
6. Optimize potential of convention center
Challenges and Opportunities
1. National Economy
2. Transportation & tunnel relief
3. Improve over competition - amenities
6. Parking and access
8. Lack of weather-resistant activities
11. Taxis and Transit
Actions
3. Convention center: business development
5. Sand Replenishment & Hurricane Protection
6. Dome site: Report and Direction
9. Resort Parking
City Council then went back and prioritized the top 19 actions for 2008-09
TOP PRIORITY
2. Business Attraction Policy
3. Burton Station Development
4. Road Funding Plan and Policy Direction
6. Mass Transit Funding
10. Comprehensive Plan
17. Compensation Policy
19. Landfill and SPSA
HIGH PRIORITY
1. Town Center Phase IV
5. Neighborhood Road Improvement Policy Direction
7. Lynnhaven Parkway Project
13. Neighborhood Preservation Program
15. Beach/Sand Replenishment
16. Dome site
18. Total Compensation for New Hires
MODERATE PRIORITY
8. I-264 Strategy and Policy
9. I-64/I-264 Interchange
11. Dredging for Waterways Policy
12. Bayside Action Plan
14. Agriculture Reserve Program
Other notes
1. It was a great day for mass transit: not only did it make Top Priority, but City Council realizes it needs to make a major new investment in bus routes.
2. Reba McClanan arrived late...as she first went to the Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) Breakfast.
3. Best joke of the day: BRT was mentioned as a possibility for the Norfolk Southern Right-of-Way, which led John Uhrin to say, "If it hadn't been for the last time, I'd still have my Saturdays free."
Now I need to get going to 6 P.M. Mass. Enjoy!
IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Objectives
1. Better traffic flow, less congestion
3. Better mass transit with increased ridership
4. Safer streets and intersections
5. More alternative modes of transportation
7. Secure transportation funding
Challenges and Opportunities
1. Funding: local, state, and Federal
2. Funding for mass transit
3. Project Priorities
8. Linking bus routes with light rail
9. Acquisition of Norfolk Southern Right-of-Way
10. Local road funding: building and maintenance
Actions
1. Roads Funding Plan
11. Neighborhood Road & Maintenance Program: Policy and Funding
12. Norfolk Southern Corridor Mass Transit: Policy, Direction, and Actions
15. Lynnhaven Parkway Project
17. I-264 Strategy and Actions
22. I-264/I-64 Interchange
REVITALIZE NEIGHBORHOODS AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Objectives
1. Safe neighborhoods
2. Reuse of aging commercial areas
3. Improve neighborhood infrastructure and city amenities
4. More property owners investing in upgrading homes and properties
5. Community vision guiding future development and land use
6. Protection of natural resources and waterways
Challenges and Opportunities
1. Declining Property Values
3. Aging housing stock
6. Criminal activity, deteriorating neighborhoods
8. Code Enforcement
10. Lack of pattern books and design funding
11. Differing citizens values and perspectives
Actions
1. Comprehensive Plan: Update
2. Stormwater and Ditch Maintenance Program
5. Dredging for (navigable) waterways
8. Bayside Action Plan
10. Gang Strategy
16. Neighborhood Preservation Program and Plan
17. Agriculture Reserve Program: Evaluation and Funding
BE A COMPETITIVE, FIRST CLASS RESORT FOR RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND TOURISTS
Objectives
2. Become year-round destination
3. Safe and inviting environment for families
4. More variety of activities
6. Optimize potential of convention center
Challenges and Opportunities
1. National Economy
2. Transportation & tunnel relief
3. Improve over competition - amenities
6. Parking and access
8. Lack of weather-resistant activities
11. Taxis and Transit
Actions
3. Convention center: business development
5. Sand Replenishment & Hurricane Protection
6. Dome site: Report and Direction
9. Resort Parking
City Council then went back and prioritized the top 19 actions for 2008-09
TOP PRIORITY
2. Business Attraction Policy
3. Burton Station Development
4. Road Funding Plan and Policy Direction
6. Mass Transit Funding
10. Comprehensive Plan
17. Compensation Policy
19. Landfill and SPSA
HIGH PRIORITY
1. Town Center Phase IV
5. Neighborhood Road Improvement Policy Direction
7. Lynnhaven Parkway Project
13. Neighborhood Preservation Program
15. Beach/Sand Replenishment
16. Dome site
18. Total Compensation for New Hires
MODERATE PRIORITY
8. I-264 Strategy and Policy
9. I-64/I-264 Interchange
11. Dredging for Waterways Policy
12. Bayside Action Plan
14. Agriculture Reserve Program
Other notes
1. It was a great day for mass transit: not only did it make Top Priority, but City Council realizes it needs to make a major new investment in bus routes.
2. Reba McClanan arrived late...as she first went to the Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) Breakfast.
3. Best joke of the day: BRT was mentioned as a possibility for the Norfolk Southern Right-of-Way, which led John Uhrin to say, "If it hadn't been for the last time, I'd still have my Saturdays free."
Now I need to get going to 6 P.M. Mass. Enjoy!
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