Time To Talk Tempe Streetcar Again is a post from: Rail Life

So, here’s a meeting you might not want to miss if you are interested in learning more about the proposed Tempe Streetcar project.

The meeting looks to be about design guidelines for the look and feel of the stations. While this is cool stuff to know, there is sure to be a person or two in attendance looking to find out how they will be funding the project.

Of course, you can follow along with the Tempe Streetcar project via the City of Tempe Streetcar page and the METRO Streetcar page, as well.

Provide input on Urban Design Guidelines for Tempe Streetcar

METRO invites you to attend a public meeting to review and comment on the Urban Design Guidelines (UDG) for the 2.6-mile Tempe Streetcar project that will serve the downtown and Central Tempe community.

The UDG is a document that will provide the future project designers with guidelines for how the streetcar stops should look, including concepts for seating, lighting, platform paving treatments, canopies, etc.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

200 E. 5th St., Tempe, 85281

So, let’s talk Tempe Streetcar at the meeting. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is this the right route? Will it benefit the area? What are YOU hearing about the project?

Early Christmas For Mesa Light Rail Fans is a post from: Rail Life

This week, dozens of transit geeks, METRO employees, politicians, local business owners and Mesa residents gathered to celebrate another light rail milestone. The unveiling of a new “future light rail route” sign in front of the Mesa Arts Center on Main Street signifies what many believe will be a large step forward in showcasing what this part of town has to offer.

The crowd of people heard from METRO CEO Steve Banta, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, local business owners and others as they shared their insight as to what is coming in the near future, a future they say will be here a bit sooner than what was recently discussed. According to AZCentral and Mayor Smith, the Mesa light rail extension will open in 2015 instead of 2016.

Sooner is certainly better when you talk about opening this next leg of our light rail system, and it is welcome news to people working on the project, as well as those working in the area. Construction is scheduled to speed up this coming year with utility relocation beginning in the spring.

Much talk and emphasis has centered around helping the business community along Main Street during the long construction process. METRO has reached out to the community and provided opportunities for business owners to participate in community meetings, receive marketing materials and assistance during the entire process. A ton of information is available to Mesa business owners on the Mesa extension page of their web site.

“20 years ago, I never thought I’d see this day come” William Lindley, Director, Arizona Rail Passenger Association.

Many people are not familiar with all of the things this part of Mesa has to offer. As the trains begin to bring people to downtown Mesa, the Arts Center, the museums, and the small businesses will more than likely be a pleasant surprise. As new businesses descend upon the area, it will be interesting to see how new transit-oriented developments blend in with this section of town. For Mesa, Santa is riding a light rail train…

Merry Christmas, y’all.

Hey Mesa – Here’s Your Sign is a post from: Rail Life

Who’s ready for another light rail milestone? You are? Good. Monday is your chance to participate in a celebration of our next light rail extension.  Maybe you don’t really care about the Mesa light rail extension, but you want to grab some free grub and have a chance to win some free stuff? Hey, you’re in luck there, too.

See the info below, straight from the horse’s mouth…

Join METRO as we celebrate the extension of light rail into central Mesa by signing a “future light rail route” sign and unveiling the first sign to the community.

Come learn about the latest project happenings, enter to win a gift card to local shops on the extension, and enjoy some breakfast treats. The 3.1-mile extension will extend light rail on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive by 2015.

Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 9–10 a.m.

SE corner of Center/Main Streets in front of the Mesa Arts Center

Click here for more information on the Central Mesa project.

If you haven’t followed what’s happening in Mesa along the new route, you should start to pay attention. This extension will be here before we know it and will open up a lot of choices and opportunities for many people. Come on out Monday and take a look around. You might just be surprised at what you learn…

Mesa Light Rail Extension Gains Clearance is a post from: Rail Life

For immediate release

July 14, 2011

Central Mesa light rail extension receives environmental clearance

Another milestone in the project development process

PHOENIX, AZ — METRO has received the Finding of No Significant Impact (or FONSI) from the Federal Transit Administration for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension.  This approval comes following the submittal of the project’s Environmental Assessment, required to understand the extension’s effect on its neighboring environment and to continue to compete for federal grant dollars.

"This is another significant step toward implementing the voter-approved extension of light rail, which is so important to not only Mesa, but to the entire metro region," said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.

After more than a year of reviewing potential property, historic preservation, air quality, noise and vibration, hazardous materials and other impact areas, the receipt of the FONSI indicates that no significant environmental effect would occur with the implementation of this project.

“This is good news that took a lot of hard work and rigorous analysis by METRO working closely with the City of Mesa,” said METRO CEO Steve Banta.  “It also allows us to initiate other key areas of work including utility relocation and real estate acquisition discussions.”

The Central Mesa extension will travel on Main St. from the current end-of-line at Sycamore, through downtown Mesa to Mesa Dr.  It will include four stations and a park-and-ride lot.  The project is currently in design.  As the design progresses, precise real estate needs will be determined and discussions with property owners would ensue at that time.  Utility relocation is expected to begin in summer 2012 with the line operational in 2016.

For more information on Central Mesa, visit www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.

Mesa Light Rail Extension Info To Be Available To Public is a post from: Rail Life

The public is invited to come check out more information about the upcoming Mesa light rail extension. Here’s the scoop from METRO:

Public meeting to review 30% design

Design plans for the Central Mesa Light Rail Extension are 30% complete. The 3.1-mile extension will extend light rail on Main Street from Sycamore to Mesa Drive. METRO invites you to a public meeting to review the preliminary plans, including the roadway design and station art and architecture concepts. Project staff will be available to address questions and comments.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

6 – 8 p.m. (presentation begins at 6:20 p.m.)

East Valley Institute of Technology

Health and Sciences Building Auditorium

1601 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

More Light Rail Expansion Talks is a post from: Rail Life

The Phoenix West Alternatives Analysis Study is progressing and here is the latest update.

METRO will be providing a project update to the Phoenix City Council on May 3. The meeting is on the agenda for information and discussion only. METRO plans to take the project back to the Council for action late this year. Council meeting dates and agendas are subject to change, so please check the Phoenix website for the latest meeting information.

Over the next six to eight months, METRO’s work on the study will continue:

• Historic property evaluation– project staff will be walking the area, taking photographs and recording information that will help in identifying potential historic properties.
• Property impacts – further evaluation of how light rail fits into the neighborhood and ways to ease any impact.
• Railroad crossing – discussions with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the Federal Railroad Administration on options for light rail to cross the existing freight line at 19th Avenue.
• Proposed route along Jefferson Street – additional review of the Jefferson Street section of the proposed route and evaluation of possible alternatives (for example, we have received requests to study a Van Buren alignment between the I-17 and 19th Avenue).
• Meetings/communication with stakeholders – continued meetings with residents, property owners, and community organizations to solicit input and provide information. Watch for community event notifications via email and also as posted on the METRO website.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Terry Gruver at 480-664-2631 or tgruver@metrolightrail.org.

This release was sent via METRO light rail. Big thanks to them for keeping us in the loop! :)

Rail Life Pic Of The Week – High Ridership Spurs Need For Unconventional Funding is a post from: Rail Life

We have heard talks about the funding of METRO’s Mesa extension for quite some time, but the talks have been heating up lately as Mesa officials continue to explore extending the line further than originally planned.

A new study has been proposed to “better understand costs, station locations and to get public feedback” for an extension to Gilbert Road. It sounds like the cost of the $500,000 study will get a rubber stamp on Monday.

The Mesa light rail extension is being looked at as a key component towards economic development in the area, and preliminary reports show that extending the line from approximately Mesa Drive to Gilbert Road would have a positive impact on ridership numbers. Currently, the Sycamore and Main station is the eastern end of the line and showed the highest number of boardings in 2010. People using this station often come from Chandler, Gilbert and other east valley areas.

Given the fact that these additional 2 miles of track were not part of Prop 400, they “will likely need to find an unconventional funding source”, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said.

See the msnbc article here:

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics or videos of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

Arizona On Track For Passenger Rail is a post from: Rail Life

Today, Arizona’s State Transportation Board approved a state rail plan that should be a big step forward in potentially building passenger rail in Arizona.

Our friend Serena Unrein from PIRG wrote about today’s activities in the Huffington Post. Serena’s “On Track For Passenger Rail” article explains the details and lets us know some of the reasoning behind why many people are interested in the subject.

“The Arizona Department of Transportation now moves forward with a study to determine the best corridor for the Phoenix-Tucson intercity rail.” – Huffington Post

Today, I spoke with Serena and got to hear some more of the details of today’s events. “It’s a big deal” said Serena, there were over 1000 petitions signed in support and many small businesses have been very helpful in raising awareness for the need to have passenger rail in Arizona. If you want to learn more, feel free to join Serena along with Eric Emmert of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, Small Business Owner Jade Meskill, and others on Monday to get the scoop. See the information below concerning Monday’s meeting: Of course you can follow PIRG on Twitter or check out their Facebook page for updates, as well. And, if you are really cool, you will check out RailLife on Facebook, too. :)

Businesses, Transportation Advocates Celebrate Passage of Plan to Bring Passenger Rail to Arizona and Highlight Potential for Arizona’s Economy

WHAT: Members of the business community and transportation advocates will celebrate the passage of the first-ever statewide plan for rail transportation in Arizona and discuss what it means for Arizona’s economy.  The State Rail Plan, which was adopted by the State Transportation Board Friday, prioritizes passenger rail between Phoenix and Tucson.  The State Rail Plan is a crucial first step for building passenger rail in Arizona. 

WHEN: Monday, March 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

WHO: Eric Emmert, East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance

Jade Meskill, Small Business Owner

Serena Unrein, Arizona PIRG Education Fund

WHERE: Phoenix Union Station

401 South 4^th Avenue, Phoenix

CONTACT: Serena Unrein, Arizona PIRG Education Fund

Office: 602-252-9225

sunrein@arizonapirg.org

Relief For Mesa Light Rail Business Owners is a post from: Rail Life

We have been watching the news about funding for the Mesa light rail extension for quite some time. Yesterday, the East Valley Tribune reported about “Grants to aid Mesa merchants along light-rail route.”

There has been a lot of discussion in the past about how to best help business owners along the line during a lengthy construction period. METRO has reached out to the community, and task forces have been in place to study what can / should be done.

The EV Trib mentions that the grants will be available for businesses between Mesa Drive and Sycamore in downtown Mesa, and that they are intended to help people access businesses while Main Street is restricted.

Fortunately, for some of the businesses along Main Street, there is decent access from behind many of the buildings as some of the street-facing shops already have parking in back. I have said several times in the past that I like the way downtown Mesa is set up for transit development. Many people are not aware of some of the cool old buildings, nice museums, shops and housing options near downtown Mesa.

Last October, Mesa Vice Mayor Kyle Jones talked to Rail Life about the progress of the Mesa Light Rail extension. We talked about the extension, possible changes to the area, and how they would like to “maintain that character that already exists”. While they are interested in bringing more people to the downtown Mesa area and attract new businesses, they hope to “maintain the flavor of the architecture of the buildings”.

For people interested in learning more about the grants available to business owners in Mesa, the Tribune article said to call (480) 964-3751 or e-mail Cynthia.wmcdc@gmail.com.

Phoenix Blogger Speaks Out About I-10 West Extension: You Can Too is a post from: Rail Life

Recently, I read a blog post titled, “Light rail loses its way. “ In that post, we read about potential pitfalls of the extension as well as suggestions for alternatives. One thing that seems to resonate with just about everyone is the economic development opportunities that are available along certain routes.

“Instead of moving through existing city streets and spurring economic development like the current line, the western extension is set to move along I-10 in the middle of the freeway.” – DowntownPhoenix blogger:

Look at the big argument for the Tempe Streetcar, a light rail extension heading south of the Mill Avenue District in Tempe. A big part of that decision appears to have been made based on the potential for economic development along the route. Yeah, others are saying it may or may not happen and some people are saying they would prefer a Rio Salado alignment but most people can agree that a good alignment involves development along the line and near the stations.

** Update ** For another opinion, see  the post from the Arizona Rail Passenger Association titled “ METRO should be on Thomas, not I-10.”

What do other Phoenix residents think of the west valley extension?

If you have an opinion about the I-10 West extension, you have a chance to voice your opinion on March 2nd. The details are in the following METRO release:

Public meeting set to review transit mode and route recommendation for I-10 West corridor

PHOENIX, AZ — Community input is being sought on the results of the Phoenix West High-Capacity Transit Study that, for the past three years, has evaluated enhanced transit service options between central Phoenix and the West Valley.  The public meeting is set for:

Wednesday, March 2

6 – 8 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Isaac Middle School Cafeteria

3402 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix

Attendance is highly encouraged as METRO will review study findings that include a recommendation for light rail to travel between downtown Phoenix, the State Capitol area and the I-10 West freeway to approximately 79th Avenue.  Greater specifics on the route and study process will be provided, followed by an opportunity for questions and comments.

The Phoenix West study was initiated in 2007 and has evaluated a range of transit modes and potential east-west alignments that would connect the light rail starter line to the West Valley.  The project team has conducted detailed analysis on ridership, land use, economic development, costs, traffic and utility impacts.  The transit project being recommended is the highest performing alternative from this evaluation and would help improve regional mobility, support local neighborhoods and stimulate economic development opportunities.

For more information on the Phoenix West study, visit www.metrolightrail.org/phoenixwest.