Impressions from a newcomer (Baltimore, Columbia: budget, work, medical)

[ajacksb]

I posted about 8 months ago just before I moved to Baltimore. I've since walked the streets, eaten the food, met some of the people, and drank the wine (or beer).

On the ground, there is enormous work to be done. 50 years of decline will take a long time repair, and there are some neighborhoods I don't feel safe walking in even during the day. Working for the city, however, I see talented and motivated people every day trying to change things. The neighborhoods which are improving will continue to improve and bring in new residents. In my professional opinion, the city has already hit rock bottom, and is now in the long process of repairing itself.

The Red Line (east-west light rail line) is also in the planning stages and construction will start in 2012. The city has a competitive project and it will in all likelihood be accepted by the FTA. This project will bring millions of dollars into blighted areas in West Baltimore and will finally create a transit system in the city. We are hosting a Red Line summit this Saturday, May 10th, 8am at the downtown convention center. Please drop by with your comments.

I am considering buying a rowhouse in the next few years in the new EBDI development near Johns Hopkins Medical Center. This area will be relatively affordable when new housing gets built, and the long range prospects of the neighborhood look good. I'm currently renting in Washington Hill, and would consider buying in this neighborhood as well.

There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes, so hang in there.

[jonjj]

I was planning on attending the meeting... I heard recent rumors that they may decide on Boston Street as the east side artery for it??? Mistake. I prefer Fayette or Orleans or even Eastern Avenue.

[atlas1882]

Light rail is a mistake. It will be way to expensive to build. Impossible to maintain without subsidies, and underutilized. The city should focus on improving the roads and the bus system. If a Red Line has to be built, we should consider a Bus Rapid Transit system before embarking on yet another Light Rail boondoggle.

[sobo16]

An east-west light rail or train would be useful as long as its stops make sense.

A good way to get people to move to the city would be to lower the property tax rate. One would think with a rate that is more than twice anywhere else in Maryland that the roads would at least be well-maintained and free of potholes.

[baltimore's best]

Originally Posted by sobo16

An east-west light rail or train would be useful as long as its stops make sense.

A good way to get people to move to the city would be to lower the property tax rate. One would think with a rate that is more than twice anywhere else in Maryland that the roads would at least be well-maintained and free of potholes.

I agree. The services rendered for each tax dollar paid is way "out of wack". But remember all that quirkyness doesn't come cheaply. Your lucky to live here, so just enjoy it. I'd love to see a light rail right down Fayette into west Baltimore. I think it would make an interesting trip. Some creative person could begin a tour of sites in The Corner.

[amelluz]

i have to say, i would be much more likely to use baltimore's public transportation system if it included more rails (which are really the only parts that i use now).

i know it will take a long way to get to this ( http://www.baltimoreregiontransitpla...and_legend.pdf ) but the prospect of it makes me happy.

[sobo16]

Wow, that would be great, if it ever happens. Especially that yellow line with useful stops all the way out to Columbia, and the multiple connections to MARC stops.

Too bad the transportation budget keeps getting cut. I remember reading that the extension of the Metro to White Marsh is a no-go for now.

[jonjj]

Expanding freeways is a no-win situation at this point. We desperately need to expand our rail service in the Baltimore metro area and I will be there to attend. I have attended other meetings in the past and they are very interesting. I guess this would be of interest to those of us who actually use mass transit in the region.

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by atlas1882

Light rail is a mistake. It will be way to expensive to build. Impossible to maintain without subsidies, and underutilized. The city should focus on improving the roads and the bus system. If a Red Line has to be built, we should consider a Bus Rapid Transit system before embarking on yet another Light Rail boondoggle.

Do you think roads are built without subsidies? Even with gas taxes, they are heavily subsidized and don't pay for themselves. I agree that improving the bus system should be a priority.

[atlas1882]

Roads are certainly subsidized, but if we are going to base our decision on a comparison of efficiency then the subsidy improving and expanding the road network as opposed to investing in light rail or subways is a no brainer. Depending on which form of public transit you are talking about and whose calculations you trust, roads are anywhere from 10 to 60 times cheaper for the taxpayers than rails.