Atlanta, D.C. Metro, Charlotte or Columbus --moving question?

[QCP]

Originally Posted by Weedydidi

I lived there for 15 years. Don't fall for that line of nonsense! The city got plenty of money for light rail, the arena, the NASCAR Hall of Fame.....they didn't CHOOSE to improve their infrastructure. The didn't CHOOSE it!!!

Okay, well I live here now, as I have for more than a decade. So I have been here for the most dramatic growth period. Obviously you do not understand what monies are allowed to pay for specific projects.

For instance, the arena and NASCAR HOF are products of a hotel tax. State law prohibits hotel taxation monies from being used for items such as schools, roads, or other infrustructure type amenities. So actually, both of those projects are being paid for by out of towners, not the residents of Charlotte-Meck itself.

As for the lightrail, that money was raised through a half-cent sales tax. It was specifically ear-marked for this specific project before tax payers had the chance to vote. But, actually this does count as infrustructure. And if you ever make it back down here, check it out. It has been quite successful, actually much more successful than they (CATS) had even hoped for. It is used daily by THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life.

I'm assuming when you mention infrustructure you are referring to I-485 and some of the main roadways traveling through Charlotte. I won't deny, they are an issue. One that not only has the residents up in arms, but the city leaders as well. They (NCDOT) were told before 485 ever broke ground that their projections were way too shallow. Six to eight lanes were demanded from the beginning, yet only four was given. That is the fault of the state, not the city. And truthfully, if you ever go to a Roads and Transportation meeting you'd be outraged to find out how much city money has been used to fix problems with state maintained roads. When it comes to monies distributed from the state, Charlotte continues to get the shaft, even though we generate more tax revenue than any city in the state. It's as if we are the successful stepchild that the rest of the family is jealous of. Instead of realizing that our success is their success, they continue to hit us with envy and greed.

Anyways, I won't deny that all the growth has caused some strains. But, truthfully when you consider the amount of growth we have experienced, it almost damn near impossible not to have issues. Overall, I'd say the VAST majority of people that relocate here, flaws and all, are much happier than they were before.

Personally, I think it is a wonderful city that continues to head in the right direction.

[livebyoptimism]

Originally Posted by buckeyegal78

Cleveland is a dirty city. The only good thing about it is that it's on the lake, and the Cavs are fun to watch. That's about it.

Hellllllllllooooooooooooooooooo!!!! You forgot about the Cleveland Museum of Art!!!! It's amazing!!! & the Indians games are alwyas fun to go to, same with the Browns. They do always lose, but die hard fans already know that & go for fun Ha ha.

[Weedydidi]

Originally Posted by QCP

As for the lightrail, that money was raised through a half-cent sales tax. It was specifically ear-marked for this specific project before tax payers had the chance to vote. But, actually this does count as infrustructure. And if you ever make it back down here, check it out. It has been quite successful, actually much more successful than they (CATS) had even hoped for. It is used daily by THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life.

The money has come from a variety of sources, such as the STATE, the federal government, the county, and the city of Charlotte itself. And taxpayers DID vote on the half-cent sales tax as part of a transportation package, but that was way back when the budget for the total project was $831 million mark. In 2007, there was a referendum on the ballot to repeal the half-cent sales tax, after the expense for the project had ballooned to over $2 billion and the opening of the line had been pushed back by over a year.

As for it being "quite successful," I just ask you this: if it were a project that you were running as a business, would you deem it "successful" with all of the money it's bleeding? For pity's sake the tickets are sold on the honor system.

I'll agree that Mecklenburg is a "donor county" in NC, but the city and county manage to get a lot money for those things they want.

[QCP]

Originally Posted by Weedydidi

As for it being "quite successful," I just ask you this: if it were a project that you were running as a business, would you deem it "successful" with all of the money it's bleeding? For pity's sake the tickets are sold on the honor system.

If the system was running as a business, then no I would not consider it to be a success. But, the same could be said for any mode of public transportation. I don't think it can be looked at that way. I tend to think it is more on par with other forms of infrustructure, meaning the money it generates will indirectly have a positive influence on the city. For instance, the South End is seeing a gigantic boom because of the existing line. There are currently 10 condo/ apartment projects being developed along the line.

As for the honor system, I too have questioned the method. But studies have shown, economically it is the best solution for a rail of our size. From what I have read, the cost of a turnstile type system would cost much more than they could ever lose with the current system. They do actually check from time to time. I've been checked probably about 50% of my rides. It's a $50 fine for riding without a ticket. I also think they've done a pretty good job with repeat offenders. I've actually been on a train where the train stopped and made one man get off. They were specifically singling him out, so they seem to be aware of the ones that are trying to slide in.

Anyways, I think long term, it is vital to the continuation of the growth in the area. Lightrails are expensive and exhaustive to build, better now, than say when our population hits 1 million plus. At that time it's too late - I think for once this is being proactive, not reactive.

On another note, I actually feel like I'm in Columbus right now...it's 11 degrees as I type this . That's why I moved away from there! Damn that Global Warming!

[stationplay]

well i love atlanta. if i had a chance i would move there in a heartbeat. Columbus is the **** tho.

[GeminiGal]

I have lived in Charlotte, Atlanta and currently reside in Columbus. Believe it or not, right now, the economy in Columbus seems to be doing better. I can't tell you how many folks I know in both those cities that are losing their jobs. Talking with people here things in this part of OH are doing better. Don't move anywhere without a job. If you do land one, be prepared financially. I know of TWO instances where people have moved having landed a good, well paying job (one in Raleigh and one in Charlotte) only to loose it within a matter of weeks.

[jmargaret]

No matter what city you are in, it all depends on your line of work and education whether or not there is a job for you. I don't base my chance of success on what I see happening with other people. Do what is right for YOU. Live where the opportunities for YOU are the best. Cleveland, Columbus, Atlanta, whatever.....there is opportunity for everyone, everywhere, for those who want to work hard enough and for those who have prepared themselves to compete in our global economy.

[ZnGuy]

Originally Posted by jcoffy

BTW Cleveland & Columbus which one is the best choice

I lived in Columbus (Dublin) for a few years and recently moved from Cleveland(Chagrin Falls). Personally I preferred living in Cleveland. I found Columbus to be somewhat bland and did get the cookie cutter feel. Way too much retail to the point I thought that a strip mall could eventually locate near my house. Sports revolve around OSU. It is nice rooting for a winning team but when you aren't an OSU alumni, the fanacticism can be a little much. I enjoined the culture and diversity that Cleveland brings and I am big time Pro sport follower. Lake iErie s also an asset and CLE has wonderful suburbs and it doesn't get any better than hanging near the Falls in Chagrin. One thing Columbus has over CLE is it misses some of the snowfall (especially lake effect). Winters are much too long in OH (especially CLE) so I decided a few years back to move south to NC (Charlotte) which is fantastic.