Future development along light rail line in central Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa (low income, apartment)
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In another thread, I questioned why there seems to be a lack of revitalization along certain areas of the light rail line. If the above article is true, then hopefully things should start taking shape ... especially along West Camelback and East Washington with all the dilapidated & vacant buildings.
What's really nice to know is that this development fund is courtesy of private enterprise, and not a dime of taxpayer money. Now, we can only HOPE that revitalization will begin to materialize as planned, and not be delayed, scaled back, or axed (like many other projects have over the years).
In another thread, I questioned why there seems to be a lack of revitalization along certain areas of the light rail line. If the above article is true, then hopefully things should start taking shape ... especially along West Camelback and East Washington with all the dilapidated & vacant buildings.
What's really nice to know is that this development fund is courtesy of private enterprise, and not a dime of taxpayer money. Now, we can only HOPE that revitalization will begin to materialize as planned, and not be delayed, scaled back, or axed (like many other projects have over the years).
I'm not trying to start a dispute. But I'm curious if any of the long time residents of Phoenix AND the residential property investors think this is really going to have an significant impact on those targeted areas?
I'm not trying to start a dispute. But I'm curious if any of the long time residents of Phoenix AND the residential property investors think this is really going to have an significant impact on those targeted areas?
No dispute at all because I have wondered the same thing. I have lived here long enough to have remembered all the plans for taller structures, world class theme parks, entertainment districts to enhance nightlife, revitalization of the inner city areas, etc., only to be slapped with reality that few or none of those plans ever came to fruition.
I have high hopes that this latest development scheme will help some of the more blighted areas along the light rail route. The best thing about it is that it's being funded via private enterprise (no taxes or bonds). So even if things don't go according to plan, not a dime of our tax money will be subsidizing this.
In another thread, I questioned why there seems to be a lack of revitalization along certain areas of the light rail line. If the above article is true, then hopefully things should start taking shape ... especially along West Camelback and East Washington with all the dilapidated & vacant buildings.
What's really nice to know is that this development fund is courtesy of private enterprise, and not a dime of taxpayer money. Now, we can only HOPE that revitalization will begin to materialize as planned, and not be delayed, scaled back, or axed (like many other projects have over the years).
Patience. Things do not change over night. Especially during a bad economy. Light rail has worked wonders for Newark, NJ but Newark does have one major selling point and advantage that propels development.
W Camelback is residential and strip malls. Both will be difficult to build up. Given that it's a less desirable area it will likely be the last of the light rail areas to see any improvement. I live in Tempe and was told my area was somewhat dodgy before light rail. Now there's apartment buildings for rich kids and my rent has been jacked up twice to reflect "market value". I think light rail has some to do with that.
Major kudos for private funding. Easing a bit, if even just a little, of the tax burden/risk on taxpayers is great. That's how things should be done.
Light rail revitalization is a work in progress and I hope 10-15 years down the road the changes will be great and many.
In another thread, I questioned why there seems to be a lack of revitalization along certain areas of the light rail line. If the above article is true, then hopefully things should start taking shape ... especially along West Camelback and East Washington with all the dilapidated & vacant buildings.
What's really nice to know is that this development fund is courtesy of private enterprise, and not a dime of taxpayer money. Now, we can only HOPE that revitalization will begin to materialize as planned, and not be delayed, scaled back, or axed (like many other projects have over the years).
That choo choo was a disruption to central Phoenix we did not need. For a fraction of the cost the bus lines across the Valley could have been unified into a regional transportation authority. And the bus fleets upgraded to run on electricity and alt fuels. Additonally routes and hours could have been expanded to faciltiate commuters going to work.
Instead we have this expensive play thing used mainly by ASU students whilst low income workers needing a way to get work got nothing.
That choo choo was a disruption to central Phoenix we did not need. For a fraction of the cost the bus lines across the Valley could have been unified into a regional transportation authority. And the bus fleets upgraded to run on electricity and alt fuels. Additonally routes and hours could have been expanded to faciltiate commuters going to work.
Instead we have this expensive play thing used mainly by ASU students whilst low income workers needing a way to get work got nothing.
Used mostly by ASU students? Have you ridden the light rail with any frequency during commuting hours or other times? If so, you'd see otherwise. Do we need a better bus system? Sure, although even it is not as bad as it used to be or as some still paint it to be. And, Valley Metro is, for that matter, a regional system. In fact, I think we have an RPTA. http://www.valleymetro.org/images/up...on_2007-04.pdf
Used mostly by ASU students? Have you ridden the light rail with any frequency during commuting hours or other times? If so, you'd see otherwise. Do we need a better bus system? Sure, although even it is not as bad as it used to be or as some still paint it to be. And, Valley Metro is, for that matter, a regional system. In fact, I think we have an RPTA.
Your posting makes too much sense.
Light rail trains always seem to be filled to capacity when I see them rolling along through eastern Phoenix and northern Tempe.
The regional system can only expand as long as the metropolitan area continues to grow, with a combination of bus routes, light rail, commuter trains, and more freeways.
Patience. Things do not change over night. Especially during a bad economy. Light rail has worked wonders for Newark, NJ but Newark does have one major selling point and advantage that propels development.
Please, don't leave us in suspense. Tell us what Newark has as a major selling point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by _Charles_
That choo choo was a disruption to central Phoenix we did not need. For a fraction of the cost the bus lines across the Valley could have been unified into a regional transportation authority. And the bus fleets upgraded to run on electricity and alt fuels. Additonally routes and hours could have been expanded to faciltiate commuters going to work.
Instead we have this expensive play thing used mainly by ASU students whilst low income workers needing a way to get work got nothing.
I was in favor of light rail for the most part, but things like this shouldn't always be requiring additional taxation. I would have preferred something like monorail, and had it paid for via private enterprise & user fees. The monorail in Las Vegas was fully funded through the hotel/casino industry. Why couldn't something like that work in Phoenix?
Phoenix has always needed a comprehensive transportation system ... and we do have it for the most part, but it seems that we have always been trying to play catch up with the rest of the nation. If you recall, we were one of the last major cities to complete the interstate highway system (I10 was completed in the early '90s), and also one of the last major cities to build a rail transit system. Also, regarding expansion of the bus system that you favor: I believe Phoenix was the only major city to not have Sunday service until the early 2000s. A city/metro area this size needs to keep up, not lag behind.
I am excited about the combination of the phx Sky Train and Light Rail. Not sure how much longer I will be traveling for work. But I would be buying a luxury loft in downtown Phoenix where I could come back home to every Friday night from the airport by taking the train/light rail. If I could travel like I do another 20 years it could be worth it.
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