MARTA unveils its dream project list for November Referendum (Buckhead: lease, airport)

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Atlanta City Council could reduce TSPLOST tax hike

Glad to see the 0.5% MARTA sales tax increase is still on the table.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Glad to see the 0.5% MARTA sales tax increase is still on the table.

Agree that should be the focus. I think not doing the full penny can be a good (granted more symbolic) gesture that the city is not going to charge the maximum tax they can just because they can.

Maybe a 0.25% TSPLOST makes sense to get all the RoW for the Beltline. But the remaining 0.25% could be held back for future projects / another election cycle.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Agree that should be the focus. I think not doing the full penny can be a good (granted more symbolic) gesture that the city is not going to charge the maximum tax they can just because they can.

Maybe a 0.25% TSPLOST makes sense to get all the RoW for the Beltline. But the remaining 0.25% could be held back for future projects / another election cycle.

Forget the BeltLine, let's focus on the projects that will effect the majority of residents, pursue the TSPLOST project lists.

[primaltech]

The 1.5% total funding level for MARTA will probably end up being permanent. 2057 is a very long way away. They will probably vote to renew it at that far off point, especially if it means a new capital project list.

[primaltech]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Reduce the number of stops and implement the ARC stop guide to properly communicate which route and the ending point. I asked this question to a MARTA rep at the last MARTA/TSPLOST meeting and it was under consideration, but they would want the entire system remodeled, not just CoA, and the funds specifically must be spent on CoA projects.

Agreed that it must change for the entire system.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Forget the BeltLine, let's focus on the projects that will effect the majority of residents, pursue the TSPLOST project lists.

Yeah, by the time MARTA gets that far along in the light-rail construction, we can either renew the tax for finishing the BeltLine, or we'll have already started a lot of it via the TAD and other construction funding.

[tikigod311]

We definitely need to be careful on putting too much towards the Beltine. I could tell the old folks in the last meeting were resistant to the idea of the Beltline being the focal point. Its wrong, but I got the impression the Beltline was thought of by many as the white people's project. Plus, the investment in citywide projects makes a lot of sense.

I would love to see the full penny, but totally understand the lack of appetite for more taxes. As long as the Transit aspect is left alone, I will be happy.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Reduce the number of stops and implement the ARC stop guide to properly communicate which route and the ending point. I asked this question to a MARTA rep at the last MARTA/TSPLOST meeting and it was under consideration, but they would want the entire system remodeled, not just CoA, and the funds specifically must be spent on CoA projects.

Thanks for bringing it up CQ. I'm glad to hear that it's under consideration, which makes sense, considering MARTA uses the ARC stops in their pictures for standard bus services on the little service explanation sheet.


It also makes sense that MARTA is holding off until they can do a sweeping system update. Given the relatively low cost of such an update, I doubt it will be terribly far off. Perhaps as MARTA continues with the bus service adjustments.


It would be an awful pain in the arse to have to go around and change schedules and such each time there's a bit of tweaking. Not hard or anything, just an extra thing to keep track of.

Originally Posted by jsvh

Atlanta City Council could reduce TSPLOST tax hike

There was a quote in the WABE radio piece about that stuck out to me. It was one of the South Atlanta reps talking about the need for more, possibly heavy rail, in south Atlanta to spur development. I was about to get all upset, but Ashe apparently pointed out that one of the longest (and most costly) projects is the light rail pushing down into south-Atlanta. Not to mention all the other parts of the BeltLine and other light rail projects and ART services and such going in south of I-20.


I've gotten the impression that there are those who only speak for their part of the city without actually looking at the plan. I've heard the demand for services to the south and west parts of the city, and then I look at the map and ask 'What more could be done with the money?!'. Dunno, it's just silly sounding, and it might hurt the vote's chance if that idea isn't fixed before November.


I guess we'll need to wait for the final list to come out, then there's the publicity campaign. It should be okay, but is something to consider.

[tikigod311]

Originally Posted by fourthwarden

and it might hurt the vote's chance if that idea isn't fixed before November.


I guess we'll need to wait for the final list to come out, then there's the publicity campaign. It should be okay, but is something to consider.

I hope you have some time to put together a map once the project list is approved. I get the feeling it could do more to sell the tax than the official project map will. (in other words) Your maps look better than the ones produced by people paid to design them

Marketing is going to be so key with this tax.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by tikigod311

I hope you have some time to put together a map once the project list is approved. I get the feeling it could do more to sell the tax than the official project map will. (in other words) Your maps look better than the ones produced by people paid to design them

Marketing is going to be so key with this tax.

We'll see when the final list comes out.