Declining population of Upstate cities........

[jackson92186]

The problem is transportation. Syracuse and every other city in NYS were built around interurban "trolley" lines and commuter rail. When the government removed these and built highways, it essentially subsidized development exclusively for suburban growth. Businesses moved out of the city after the government built roads to serve the suburbs, while making it more difficult to commute within the city with the removal of the transit systems that these cities were built on. To fix the problem, the city should allow for private development of rail infrastructure by reserving a right of way that goes to central locations, taxing substantially less of their profits (if at all) and zoning for higher density around transit stops to maximize the effectiveness that mass transit could serve for the city. Doing such would define development within city limits (or wherever the transportation serves most effectively). This would increase the value of the properties, and hence, bring more money into the city's tax base and allow them to lower taxes while improving services.

[jetgraphics]

Originally Posted by jackson92186

The problem is transportation. Syracuse and every other city in NYS were built around interurban "trolley" lines and commuter rail. When the government removed these and built highways, it essentially subsidized development exclusively for suburban growth. Businesses moved out of the city after the government built roads to serve the suburbs, while making it more difficult to commute within the city with the removal of the transit systems that these cities were built on. To fix the problem, the city should allow for private development of rail infrastructure by reserving a right of way that goes to central locations, taxing substantially less of their profits (if at all) and zoning for higher density around transit stops to maximize the effectiveness that mass transit could serve for the city. Doing such would define development within city limits (or wherever the transportation serves most effectively). This would increase the value of the properties, and hence, bring more money into the city's tax base and allow them to lower taxes while improving services.

RIGHT YOU ARE.
In fact, with the end of the oil age fast approaching, prudence would suggest that we seriously consider rebuilding interurban and urban rail systems.

However, to avoid problems that destroyed streetcars and interurbans, consider these options:
Only allow a government or public authority to build / maintain the tracks, not the rolling stock. Allow any private train company (or private parties) to access the tracks, so that competition remains in effect.
Not only does that relieve the rail companies of upkeep, it eliminates the penalty of property taxes on the rights of way (ROW).

That was one of the economic forces that drove railroad companies to abandon tracks and ROWs.

I strongly suspect that private investment will leap at the chance to "get on track". The historical record from 1890s through 1910s certainly would support that conclusion. Streetcar companies were very profitable and innovative. For example, they sponsored amusement parks to utilize excess power and generate ridership on week ends.

With the advent of tax payer subsidized paved roads, the automobile, bus and truck had an economic advantage over the heavily taxed private rail systems.

Now, the conditions are opposite. The economic "tax" on petroleum (and fossil fuels, in general) is killing off gas and diesel modes of transportation.

[jackson92186]

don't you think? Its crazy how no politian even mentions such an obvious solution to our cities, as well as our oil dependancy (a BIG problem), our environment (a BIG problem), and our economy (a BIG problem lol).

[ckhthankgod]

I wish the OnTrack thing worked in Syracuse. I wonder if they ould bring it back with routes using the tracks that goes east to west from say East Syracuse to Solvay? What about other routes in other areas?

Here's information on it:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OnTrack

[jetgraphics]

Originally Posted by jackson92186

don't you think? Its crazy how no politian even mentions such an obvious solution to our cities, as well as our oil dependancy (a BIG problem), our environment (a BIG problem), and our economy (a BIG problem lol).

As we all know, or should know, nothing will happen on the political front until the Insiders have set up the situation so that they will benefit.

“Follow the money” is always good advice. When the wealthy and / or power elite see how they can enrich themselves, suddenly the solution will be proclaimed from on high.

Must we tolerate corruption? Apparently so - any progress towards resolution is better than apathy and despair.

[Hinton Bound]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Being from the syracuse area, there was a question asked on the website that is in conjunction with the local paper about what can be done to attract people to Syracuse? While Syracuse's population has declined recently, the same can be said for all major Upstate cities and even some communities outside of these cities. What can be done to attract or just keep people from leaving cities in Upstate NY?

I grew up in upstate NY (Otsego/Delaware/Orange counties) in the 70's & 80's. I left the state in 1987 for a career in the military. As I drew closer to retirement, I looked to come back home. I really wanted a place out in the country, and as I will have about $35,000 in annual retirement pay, I could afford to look at areas that had less of a job market. Simply put, taxes and the politics of taxes kept me from buying back home in NY.

I had the opportunity to buy my fathers place (house & 7 acres)in Orange county (Greenville). Taxes are $9500/yr and rising. That's a minimum of $800/month just in taxes- FOREVER.

Instead, I bought 53 acres, a house and a barn in West Virginia (very similar in all regards to upstate NY) for $100,000 and pay $824/yr in COMBINED taxes. Oh and no building permits or ridiculous zoning laws.

When Albany begins to feel the pinch of people voting with their feet (leaving the state), perhaps they'll do something about it.

I really wanted to come home to upstate NY, but it makes ZERO economic sense.

[ocnymonty]

Taxes.... I debated whether to buy my first house OR just leave NY altogether. I stayed, but wonder every day if I made the right decision.

My objection is purely economic.

[jetgraphics]

Originally Posted by ocnymonty

Taxes.... I debated whether to buy my first house OR just leave NY altogether. I stayed, but wonder every day if I made the right decision.

My objection is purely economic.

JG: If you feel at home, it's worth it. And if it's your home, it's worth defending against the parasites in government.

Don't be afraid to get involved with inspection of the public servants. They are often derelict in duty, and need your constant vigilance to keep them at their jobs.

[Emitchell]

I grew up in CNY, left in 1995 and would also very much like to return someday, but the tax climate and employment scenario are real hindrances. I really couldn’t consider returning under the current conditions.