Grand Rapids, MI Reacts to Streetcar Idea
In the midst of a spectacular building spree that's pumped nearly $3 billion into high tech medical labs, worldclass hotels, state-of-the-art museums, and countless pubs, restaurants, and condos, Grand Rapids, MI last week officially launched an investigation into the potential benefits of a piece that remains missing from downtown: a modern streetcar system to improve mobility for residents, workers, and visitors.
The eight month study, led by one of the world's leading engineering firms, will analyze the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the proposal. Upon its completion, the investigation will deliver a preferred route, estimated capital costs, and projected ridership for the project. Basically, it will answer the question of whether Grand Rapids should make a move that has helped cities like Seattle and Denver prepare for the 21st century.
The boo birds, however, are already out. After the local ABC affiliate aired a special report on what the streetcar could mean for the revival of Michigan's second largest city, the naysayers stormed the station website to say the idea of streetcars is nothing more than an expensive plot that will cost too much tax money, stifle job growth, and further bust government budgets.
Click here to read a scrolling list of the missives. But here is a sample of the huffy statements:
"Anyone remember that Simpsons episode where that scam artist talked Springfield into getting a monorail? How could we possibly afford this with our state's economy in shambles?"
"This will be nothing but a traffic congestor and drain the local, state, and federal budget!"
"This is a stupid idea."
Streetcar opponents said essentially the same thing when Portland announced the initial leg of its system in 1997. Since opening the streetcar route at the turn of the century, the city has experienced ever deepening private investment, significant growth in knowledge economy jobs, and a rising reputation as one of the most competitive, attractive, and sustainable cities in America.
4 comments:
I don't believe that forum is really a good indicator of what the greater community thinks. From what I'm hearing the streetcar is being met with healthy criticism and wonderment, but not this kind of venom.
It's rather unfortunate that some folks think that way. I read through the comments and most if not all of them are just rooted in fear.
We know of the benefits of light-rail and streetcar. As soon as they do we can go forward and progress.
I found a comment on your story by checking out news comments in my old home city of Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, too little, too late for me, but I thought my comment to you may be helpful. I no longer could afford to live in GR. I am a single mum who was due to the economy forced to move from GR. I had a good home based business in marketing, but once my clients cut their budgets (first thing to go is always marketing) I couldn't afford to pay rent. Forced to TRY welfare, I couldn't afford gas for my car, or the exorbitant parking fees in GR for interviews even with the paltry money given to me weekly by welfare. I now live outside of Dublin, in Ireland - thanks to moving out of GR, a temp job, and prudent saving. I think the residents of GR would benefit GREATLY from a street car system, however, please look closely at this system that they have implemented here in Dublin, Ireland called the LUAS. It is a great system, save one crucial thing, it is made to stop for car traffic. If there is an accident on the road, the LUAS is also made to wait, causing pro-active users (the same you cited reaching) the same fate as those driving cars. Also, planners here did not think through to the future needs. I do hope that GR does implement a street car system, one that runs to the airport, connects to the Amtrak and to major sectors in the suburbs, but I hope the planners research and learn from mistakes made here! I think it will definitely make GR a city worth travelling to and, if implemented correctly, a good model for other American cities to follow.
Oh... I just read the WZZM posts on your streaming naysayers, after I made my post on the LUAS system here in Ireland. To the country bumpkin - the LUAS tells passengers of stops in both English AND Irish...I'd be HAPPY to lend my voice to this, I have prior experience in voice recording, AND I'd do it happily for FREE, no matter what language. To all those others I've read about money...THINK about HOW MUCH it costs to build a parking lot...HOW MUCH it COSTS to park your car there...IF you think it's FREE, you're an idiot. Here, you can buy a daily, weekly or monthly pass direct or with your train or bus ticket from anywhere in the country. The LUAS is used so much here that it needs MORE cars added for the amount of use. Kids, the elderly, workers, and tourists use it religiously - it's a great system here, but could have been better planned and thought out for the future. They're sinking another 1 BILLION into it right now BECAUSE it is so well used. himmellstoss@yahoo.com
I am all for it. I think it is exactly the kind of thing we will need to attract the type of people to fill the 5,000 jobs and 3,500 condos expected in Grand Rapids by 2010. There is no reason we can't become a beacon city for technological, economic, and creative, assets. The streetcar system is the perfect way to connect the $3 billion investments we have built in the recent decades, and lay the tracks for future improvements.
I applaud your efforts and would love to get involved.
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