Foxx's Streetcar Idea Borrowed From DC's Adrian Fenty?

Anthony Foxx's dreams of developing a Streetcar line in Charlotte may have come from none other than his "buddy" DC Mayor Adrian Fenty.

Why do you think Foxx keeps running to DC?

Apparently he wants to become a Political "Star" like Fenty i.e., Personal Gain.

Yes Foxx has found a new political idol and now wants to turn Charlotte into a Washington, DC "lookalike".

Let's see Adrian Fenty doesn't really want to help the Homeless or DC's less fortunate and neither does Anthony Foxx.

Seems Fenty only wants to invest money into helping provide for DC's Elite, ditto for Foxx.

Does anyone remember last Winter when Adrian Fenty had city crews to plow and shovel DC's Wealthy communities first while leaving the city's less Wealthier citizens to fend for themselves?

Fenty wants to develop a Streetcar line, ditto for Foxx.

What's wrong with Anthony Foxx wanting to follow in Fenty's footsteps?

Well for starters Washington, DC already has a Modern, well-developed Public Mass Transportation system with high ridership.

Charlotte on the other hand does NOT!

Charlotte's Public Mass Transportation consists of a Segregated City Bus system.

Nice, Clean, well-maintained, on-schedule buses for Charlotte's White citizens and Bankers.

Raggedy, Cold/Hot, Late buses for Charlotte's Black citizens.

All of this even though both Black & White citizens pay the SAME exact fares.

Charlotte does have a Light Rail system but its incomplete.

Instead of Anthony Foxx using Federal funding to help expand the Light Rail as he promised while serving on the Charlotte City Council back in 2007, he wants to funnel millions of dollars into a 1.5 mile Streetcar.

Has Mayor Foxx ever considered that what works for DC might NOT be what's best for Charlotte at this time? (a Recession)




Well now you know where Mayor Anthony Foxx borrowed his Streetcar idea from.

Why doesn't Foxx focus on helping to lower Charlotte's extremely HIGH Crime rate and expanding the city's Light Rail system before copying his "buddy" Adrian Fenty's Streetcar project idea?

If Anthony Foxx forces the City Council to develop his "Streetcar named Desire" at this time during one of Charlotte's worst Economic crisis, do you think he will more than likely be a one-term Mayor?

I'll leave that decision up to Charlotte's voters in 2011.

I'm just saying.

Check out the articles and videos below.






Extra Car Could Be Added To Charlotte Lynx Light Rail


Crowded commuters on the city's light rail line could be getting some relief after transit officials this week proposed the addition of a third car on Lynx trains during peak travel times.

Longer trains would require the extension of passenger platforms and more powerful electrical systems to propel the additional car. Engineers believe the modifications would cost $66.9 million.

About 16,000 passengers ride the south corridor line each day, far exceeding original projections for the two year-old service, said Carolyn Flowers, CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System.

Three-car trains were originally planned, Flowers said, but the project was scaled back due to concerns about the cost of the line from I-485, near Pineville, to Uptown.

During the evening rush hour, Lynx trains are filled to near capacity, said Reggie Smith, a south Charlotte resident who said he has been riding the train since the service was launched in November 2007.

"You’re barely moving, and when the doors open up you’re praying 'please don’t let anyone else come on because I’m about to die'," Smith told NewsChannel 36.

An extension of the Lynx system is planned for northeast Charlotte, including stops along North Tryon, UNC-Charlotte, and I-485 in University City. Cost estimates for the project top $1 billion, and transit planners have said a recent decline in local funding could delay the start of service for the expanded system until 2019.

Officials have said the modifications on the south corridor could be made at the same time the new line is constructed.

The three-car trains will be required along the full length of the expanded light-rail system, transit planners have said, because the Lynx line is projected to draw nearly 25,000 daily passengers by 2030.

Still, some transit leaders are questioning the proposal to modify an existing train service when funding for other rail projects remains uncertain.

"It’s very difficult for me to justify expanding a line that is successful until we provide rail to the other areas who need it," Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain said during Wednesday's meeting of the Metropolitan Transit Commission.

A sharp decline in money collected from Mecklenburg's half-cent sales tax for transit has sparked recent debate among MTC members about which transit projects should be built first.

The commission is scheduled to decide next month whether to pursue federal funding for at least part of the modifications to the south corridor.

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx said said the MTC will continue to weigh the plans for modifying existing transit service against the funding that is available for all construction.

"There are other projects that are in line for support and we have to listen to the professionals and then make a decision," he said.

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D.C. Mayor Says Federal Funds On The Way For Snowstorm Cleanup


The federal government will reimburse Washington authorities for snow cleanup in the wake of two massive snowstorms that recently hit the region, according to D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty.

The mayor said that city agencies have done the best possible job clearing snow from roadways and sidewalks, but that the federal government will kick in disaster relief funds in order to defray growing costs for local governments.

Asked on MSNBC if the city has done the best job possible, Fenty said, "There's no question," but admitted that "there's always things you could do better."

Fenty also said that he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Wednesday, who assured him that the federal government will reimburse the cost to the D.C. government, a move he called "a big help."

Many area residents have become frustrated with the D.C. city government as well as Virginia and Maryland authorities because they believe not enough has been done to clear roads, sidewalks and transit lines.

But Fenty said D.C. averages 15 inches of snow per winter, and does not have the capacity to handle the 65 inches that have fallen on the city this year. He did say that in the future, the city would seek to expand agreements with private contractors and keep snow removal equipment better maintained.

Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) said Wednesday that federal disaster relief funds administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, are likely on the way for the region.

Over 30 inches of snow has fallen on the region since last Friday, essentially paralyzing the city. The federal government has been closed all week and the House of Representatives has called off its votes for the rest of the week.

The Senate voted Tuesday, but it is unlikely it will vote again this week.

Both the House and the Senate are expected to keep their Presidents Day recess next week, meaning they will not return for votes until the following week.


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Sources: CNN, MSNBC, The Hill, Washington Post, WCNC, Google Maps

Charlotte Senior Citizens Get No Respect...Streetcar Blues

Apparently Senior Citizens who reside in Charlotte-Mecklenburg county are worth nothing to local Politicians.

In fact it appears Mayor Anthony Foxx wants to sacrifice them for his little "Streetcar Named Desire" pipe dream.

Actually Foxx's ploy to raise property taxes seems more like a "Mayor McCrory Copycat Dream" (North Carolina's first Light Rail system was established under former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory's reign).

The City of Charlotte really has NO need or use for a Streetcar at this time, nevertheless since Foxx and his Democrat Political Hacks don't want to lose any Votes, they insist on spending $500 Million Dollars (mostly Property Taxes) to build it.

Thousands of Charlotteans are Unemployed yet Anthony Foxx wants to use Federal, State and Taxpayer dollars to make himself look good.

Yes I am well aware of the new EPA Air Quality/ Fuel Emission Standards.

However constructing a Streetcar which will only travel 1.5 miles in the Uptown area is NOT going to solve that problem!

Most Intelligent people agree that expanding the Light Rail to U.N.C.C. would be a better use of spending Federal, State and Taxpayer dollars.

It would also help to clean up Charlotte's Air Quality.

Furthermore since it would take longer to continue construction of the Light Rail expansion, this would create more long term Jobs for Unemployed Charlotteans.

Its all Politics folks! Nothing but Arrogance, Politics and Power.

(Sigh) Nevertheless....

It doesn't matter if Foxx cancels Senior Citizen Doctor trips (provided by CATS) which will probably cause the death of many Low Income, Black Senior Citizens due to lack of proper Medical Care.

Even though many of those same Senior Citizens voted Foxx into the Mayor's office.

Even though those same Senior Citizen Doctor trips could be paid via the use of Stimulus Money or other Federal funding.

How is it that Mayor McCrory kept the Senior Citizen Transportation program in place for years and Charlotte NEVER went broke?

Suddenly under Foxx's rule the City of Charlotte can no longer afford it?

Easy!

It doesn't matter because Mayor Anthony Foxx is a Narcissistic, Selfish Snob and HE DOESN'T REALLY GIVE A DARN!

Cutting that much needed program will help fund Foxx's 1.5 mile Streetcar project so that when Key National Democrat Leaders come to visit Charlotte he can stick out chest and brag:
"LOOK WHAT I DID".

Its all Politics folks! Nothing but Arrogance, Politics and Power.

That's okay because people always reap what they sow.

Just take a look at what happened to Corrupt Former Mayor of Baltimore Sheila Dixon who used Gift Cards allocated to help Baltimore's poorest citizens for her own use.

As the old saying goes "The bigger they are, the harder they fall".

Charlotteans take a hard look at Anthony Foxx and Charlotte's Future.

Chicago's Corrupt Politics at its finest folks!

This is another reason why I did NOT vote for Foxx.

Once again you can thank your friendly neighborhood newspaper the Charlotte Observer (community nickname: "Charlotte Disturber") for this bit of loveliness.

Mayor Foxx your Coldhearted, Selfish behavior will eventually cause you to reap what you sow.

I'm praying for you.

One More Thing:

Mayor Foxx and every Charlotte City Council Member who agrees with this foolishness should be voted out of Public Office as soon as possible.

NO MORE STRAIGHT TICKET VOTING!




 




Anthony Foxx & CATS To Cancel Senior Citizen Doctor Trips, Raise Fares



Bus and train riders may pay an extra quarter for a one-way ride starting in July, and the Charlotte Area Transit System is considering service cuts for the elderly and disabled to fill a nearly $2 million budget hole.

In addition, CATS is proposing to cut the historic trolley service through South End. That service uses replica trolley cars on weekends, and is mostly used by tourists and families.

CATS also said Wednesday the possible opening of the light-rail extension to University City could be pushed back past 2019 because the transit system may not have enough money. Three years ago, CATS said the 11-mile extension might open by 2013.

The grim forecast is due to the recession, which has led to consumers' cutting back on spending. That has led to a decline in revenue from the half-cent sales tax for transit, which is an important source of revenue for CATS.

Last year, CATS projected the half-cent sales tax would generate about $270 million less over the next decade than was projected in 2006. Now the transit system estimates the shortfall will grow: $349 million over the next 10 years.

CATS proposes raising its local one-way bus and Lynx Blue Line fare to $1.75 from $1.50.

The transit system last raised fares in 2008 due to high fuel prices. That increase raised the one-way fare from $1.30 to $1.50. In the summer of 2007, CATS raised its one-way local fare from $1.20 to $1.30.

CATS policy is to consider raising fares every two years so customers won't have to face steep increases at once. But if the proposed fare increase for 2010 is approved by the Metropolitan Transit Commission, a one-way fare will have risen 46 percent since 2007.

The cost of monthly and weekly passes will also increase. Overall, the fare increase is expected to generate an extra $2.5 million annually.

Carolyn Flowers, CATS' new chief executive, said Wednesday she'll look at reducing special service for the elderly and the disabled to save money.

CATS is required by the federal government to provide special service for those who live near local bus routes. But CATS has for several years provided rides for people who live outside those areas, and is now considering cutting that service. CATS carried just under 3,400 of those rides last year.

The transit system is also proposing cutting a $1.07 million grant to Mecklenburg's Department of Social Services for giving taxicab rides to the elderly and the disabled to jobs or the grocery store. CATS has said DSS could apply for federal grants to offset the lost funding.

That nonscheduled service is considered critical for its riders, but it's also expensive. Some rides cost the transit system $25.

"We are looking at all of our cost structure," said Flowers, who came to CATS from the Los Angeles transit system. "Our focus is trying to sustain our core service."

In the fall of 2007, as Mecklenburg voters debated whether to keep or repeal the half-cent sales tax, CATS warned that repealing the tax would dramatically impact special service for the elderly and disabled.

If the fare increase and the service cuts are approved by the MTC in April, CATS said it will be able to maintain the same number of regular bus and rail service hours that it offers today.

Some members of the MTC were concerned about raising fares in the midst of a recession.

"I'd like to see other options instead of a fare increase," said Davidson Mayor John Woods, who said CATS should study additional service cuts.

CATS isn't in danger of running an overall deficit.

But the transit system tries to sock away money each year for long-term construction projects such as the light-rail extension and the planned commuter rail line to Lake Norman. CATS believes it will be able to save $20.6 million for this fiscal year, which ends in June. Earlier in the year, CATS projected it would have $22 million this year for capital projects.

Flowers said she doesn't want to shift that capital money for today's operating costs.

"You still want to try to build for the future," Flowers said. "If you start nibbling away at your future, you won't have any revenue set aside for capital projects."

After opening the Lynx Blue Line at the end of 2007, CATS has faced a number of obstacles.

The first came in the summer of 2008, when fuel prices spiked to $4 a gallon for consumers. That led CATS to make an unplanned fare increase.

In the fall of 2008, the local economy began to worsen, CATS struggled with lower half-cent sales tax revenue.

Last March, CATS made $4million in service cuts, including cutting six routes and reducing how frequently light-rail trains arrive at rush hours.

Ridership has also suffered due to lower fuel prices and high unemployment.

Overall transit ridership for CATS is down 10 percent for the first six months of the current fiscal year compared with the same period in 2008.

In fall 2007, CATS said it could begin multiple transit lines over the next two decades, including a light-rail extension, commuter rail, streetcar and either a busway or light-rail down Independence Boulevard.

Though that's still officially the plan, it's likely that CATS will be able to build only one of those projects before it runs out of money.

The city of Charlotte has taken the lead in building a streetcar through central Charlotte. The city is applying for a federal grant to build a 1.5-mile starter line on Trade Street, which will cost $1.5 million annually to operate.

The city has said CATS could help pay for those operating costs. Flowers said Wednesday that's not an option.

"Clearly it won't be CATS," Flowers said. "We aren't budgeting it and we aren't planning to budget it."






City Of Charlotte Requests $25M Grant For Streetcar


Charlotte City Council put the wheels in motion Monday night, voting to request a grant for the streetcar project.

The vote passed 7-4 with council's three Republicans and Democrat Warren Turner voting against the measure.

The $25 million federal grant would go toward a 1.5-mile section from Elizabeth Avenue to the transportation center on Trade Street in uptown.

Charlotte would have to come up with another $12 million to pay for construction. Some have questioned that spending.

"You're not doing your job. You're not looking after the people's money. And you're not looking at the facts that we don't (have) cash to run this thing," said council member Andy Dulin.

The city expects to learn this summer if Charlotte wins the federal grant. Construction would start next year and the streetcar could be running in 2013.



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Sources: McClatchy Newspapers, Charlotte Observer, WCNC, Baltimore Sun, Meck Deck, John Locke Foundation, Charmeck.org, Google Maps

Carolyn Flowers: CATS' New Chief Named (Recently From California)...Congratulations!

New CATS chief named: Carolyn Flowers


Carolyn Flowers has been hired as the new chief executive at Charlotte Area Transit System. The announcement will be made at 10 a.m. this morning at the Government Center. Flowers takes over in January.

She replaces Keith Parker, who left earlier this year to run the transit system in San Antonio. CATS deputy director John Muth served as interim CEO after Parker left in May and made himself a candidate for the full-time job.

Instead, City Manager Curt Walton, working with County Manager Harry Jones, Matthews Town Manager Hazen Blodgett and Davidson Mayor John Woods, who was the Metropolitan Transit Commission member representative, selected Flowers.

She comes to town after serving as Chief Operations Officer for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where she has presided over a $900 million operating budget and 6,000 employees. Her duties there include bus service and freeway-service patrol.

Parker was the third-highest paid city employee, earning just under $198,000 per year, when he left CATS. Flowers will earn almost the exact same amount, with a salary of $197,500. Flowers' experience also includes stints as budget director for the city of Beverly Hills and as financial manager at Wang Laboratories.

"I look forward to leading CATS and working with our experienced staff to continue building one of the finest transit systems in the country," Flowers says in a prepared statement. "The people in the Charlotte region can count on my experience and commitment to continue to provide service and make our system world-class."

At CATS, Flowers inherits a big job. She will preside over a bus and rail system with ambitious expansion plans — and declining revenue. In fiscal 2009, which ended June 30, the designated half-cent transit tax generated $61.8 million, or 18.7% less than the $76 million expected. Budgeted tax revenue for the current fiscal year is anticipated to rise only slightly, to $62.7 million. Those shrinking taxes have already rendered the 2030 transit plan unreachable without delays or reshuffling. During the next decade, the transit system projects a $286 million gap in tax revenue.

Several major projects are in preliminary phases or under consideration. These include a $1 billion light-rail extension running through University City and a $375 million commuter-rail line to Huntersville and, perhaps, Iredell County. Earlier this year, City Council approved a $4.5 million engineering study for a proposed 10-mile, $457 million streetcar system running from Eastland Mall through uptown and out to Beatties Ford Road. All of the projects are counting heavily on federal and state funding, with much of those hopes dependent on a forthcoming overhaul of transportation funding by Congress next year. Even if the federal grants are made more accessible for streetcars, CATS can’t pay for the line, leaving construction costs in the city’s hands.

Seventy candidates were considered for the job, with sevcn finalists interviewed.



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Sources: Charlotte Biz Journals, Charmeck.org, LA City, Passenger Transport, Youtube, Google Maps