Mesa Looking At College Students To Rock The Rail Life is a post from: Rail Life

We know that ASU students are a huge part of the success of the Phoenix light rail system. They ride in big numbers, spend money at businesses along the line, and they seem to enjoy the convenience of taking the train to school as well as out to play.

Recently, it was announced that Mesa could soon be welcoming college students downtown in the former Tri City Community Center building located at 225 East Main Street.  In a story titled “Mesa, Benedictine University working toward downtown campus”, we learn more details on the possibility of an “urban campus with on-site student housing that will enroll 1,500 students within a decade.”

I’ve seen that building many times. It’s a cool old building that would be a great fit for a small college. The location is VERY close to a future light rail station and park and ride lot. It is also easy walking / bike riding distance from several small restaurants, coffee shops, Pioneer Park, museums, etc.

If they really can enroll 1500 students within the next 10 years, there seems to be a lot of reasons for people to take a look at the housing options in the area. Will there be a need for more? Will you see lofts in some of the cool old buildings downtown? Are some of the small historic neighborhoods close by ready for an influx of students? Will we see infill development come to some of the vacant land in the area? Are the business owners in Mesa ready for a bunch of college students from Benedictine University?

The photo above was taken just a couple of blocks west of the Tri City building that could be home to Benedictine and is right in front of the multi-million dollar Mesa Arts Center. I’ve mentioned many times how much I like the next section of light rail opening in Mesa in the not too distant future. The stretch of Main Street that will see light rail trains carrying passengers in and out of that city seems like a perfect fit for Transit Oriented Development ( TOD ) in this area. Downtown Mesa already has some TOD characteristics in multi-level, street-facing buildings with wide sidewalks. This helps to make living, working and playing very convenient. Obviously, people traveling in and out of Mesa via light rail will have even more choices than ever before once this next stretch opens. 

While we are all familiar with the “chicken and the egg” discussions of bringing quality development and more residents to a downtown area, it seems that there is an interesting correlation between creating more urban environments surrounded by quality transportation and an influx of college students. We continue to learn from the short history of light rail in the Phoenix area. It will be fun to see how this one plays out, and it will be cool to see more students rockin’ the Rail Life!

More News About Mesa Light Rail Extension is a post from: Rail Life

As most of us know, Mesa is on the fast-track to complete the next ( and first ) extension of our light rail system. Over the past couple of years, there have been many meetings and much input on routes, construction, business development and all aspects of bringing light rail further into Mesa. This next phase of the Mesa light rail extension is set to be operational in 2016.

Recently, there has been a lot of attention to potential zoning changes along the line where a “dense urban core of mid-rise buildings with a variety of business and residential uses” could be found. As we have discussed in the past, Main Street in downtown Mesa already seems to have what many urban planners look for when talking about transit oriented developments. Wide sidewalks, street facing businesses, densely populated cores, etc. Bringing the light rail line through the existing downtown Mesa area will bring new residents, shoppers, and interest to an area that has struggled to transform itself after many attempts in the past. Sure, there are those who would like to see Mesa keep it’s “small town feel” forever, but having an economic engine that is light rail travel through the city is bound to help bring much needed foot traffic to the area.

“The first step is adoption of form-based zoning for the area. Form-based zoning pays more attention to the size and density of buildings rather than to their specific uses, and it provides transitions from intense urban areas to residential neighborhoods” – Jeff McVay, Mesa City Planner via AZCentral

All of this talk comes at a time when light rail ridership continues to post record numbers. As the economy struggles to find it’s footing, many people are looking to find areas where they can combine convenience, cost savings, and lifestyle into one simple package. Phoenix and Tempe have both shown that businesses and neighborhoods can benefit from a strong transportation system. All indications point to Mesa looking forward to extending the light rail system further east and bringing more of an urban feel to the areas along the line…

Rail Life Pic Of The Week – More Options Coming Up is a post from: Rail Life

This week, I mentioned the old train at Pioneer Park in Mesa. As I was driving around the area after snapping a few photos of the train, I was reminded of some of the cool old historic properties in and near downtown Mesa. I know a lot of people living and playing along the line have never seen some of these neighborhoods.

I have a feeling that many of these areas along the Mesa extension will become more popular once METRO begins to service these neighborhoods.

This home is located on 1st Street, just a block south of Pioneer Park and was built in 1935.

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.

See these samples of some of the homes for sale near the Mesa extension.

Saving A Train – Will Old Meet New? is a post from: Rail Life

Before we know it, the METRO light rail line will extend further east into Mesa, stopping just short of Pioneer Park. Many people that ride the current system have probably never been to or even heard of Pioneer Park. When I was a little kid, a LONG time ago, I can recall going to Pioneer Park and playing on the big old train. Back in those days, we could climb all over it, get inside and pretend to be the conductor, play cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, etc., etc. Now days, the train is blocked off and kids are not allowed to do these things. Heck, I get it… We put a LOT of wear and tear on that old train.

Check out this video of the old Southern Pacific Engine 2355 at Pioneer Park from “back in tha’ day”.

Unfortunately, the train has seen better days. Vandals, the elements, and father time have done a number on the Southern Pacific Engine #2355. A group of people want to help restore the old train to once again be a shining example of years gone by. The rich history of the train will take a lot of people coming together and stepping up in many way$.

I believe there have been talks of bringing the train towards the front of the park near Apache Blvd once it is restored. At that point, people riding the METRO light rail line along Apache would be able to see it much easier. I know people would enjoy seeing and learning more about the history of the area and about the transportation systems. Kind of an “old meets new” feeling for transportation geeks. In order to restore the train and to move it from the back of the park out closer to Main Street where many more people will be able to see it, people from the community have been trying to Save The Train from further deterioration. There is a golf tournament scheduled for this weekend to raise funds and awareness.

The Mesa light rail extension is scheduled for 2016. It will be interesting to see if this old train is still around to welcome it’s new guests to the area.

Public invited to learn more about Mesa light rail expansion is a post from: Rail Life

More Mesa light rail expansion information is now available and the public is invited to add their .02 on Friday, December 10th. Take a look at today’s release from METRO.

Draft Environmental Assessment Available for Review

One opportunity to review is a public meeting on Dec. 10

METRO and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) report for the Central Mesa extension of light rail on Main Street to Mesa Drive in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The federally-required EA evaluates the potential impacts to the neighboring environment. Many social, economical, and environmental categories were evaluated including noise and vibration, traffic and parking, historical and archaeological resources, and potential impacts related to construction activities.  METRO will take public comments on the draft EA from Nov. 24 – Dec. 24, 2010.  All comments received by Dec. 24, 2010 will be addressed in the Final EA.

The public is invited to attend an open house in which project staff will provide information, respond to questions and receive comments on the Draft EA.

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

6 – 8 p.m.

OneOhOne Gallery

101 W. Main St., Mesa

Copies of the Draft EA are also available for review at the following locations:

• METRO’s website – www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa
• METRO’s office – 101 N. 1st Ave., Ste. 1300, Phoenix
• Mesa’s Main Library – 64 E. 1st St., Mesa

For additional information or to submit comments in writing or by phone, please contact:

Robert Forrest METRO

101 N. 1st Ave., Ste. 1300, Phoenix, AZ, 85003 

602-322-4514 phone rforrest@metrolightrail.org

Jerome Wiggins Federal Transit Administration, Region IX

201 Mission St., Ste. 1650, San Francisco, CA, 94105-1831

415-744-2819 phone jerome.wiggins@fta.dot.gov

An electronic comment form is also available at www.metrolightrail.org/centralmesa.  Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by contacting Robert Forrest at 602-322-4514/TTY 602-322-4499.

More Mesa Light Rail Info is a post from: Rail Life

We are hearing more about progress on the Mesa light rail extension. Below is a video with Vice Mayor Kyle Jones followed by a recent press release from Metro.

Project design begins with utility engineering

Beginning this fall, METRO will survey the Central Mesa corridor to identify locations of underground utilities and investigate the soil conditions under the future light rail extension. This work is necessary to help develop the project’s design.

Signs of activity began mid-October with the contractor marking the roadway. Work will start on the east end of the line between Hobson and Country Club Drive. Work will continue westward from Country Club Drive to Sycamore between November 24, 2010 and January 3, 2011.

During the work, please expect intermittent traffic restrictions. This work generally involves one truck with cones and/or a directional arrow directing traffic around the work zone. Typically, it will take the contractor approximately one hour to complete the work at any one location. The work will occur during daytime hours. In addition, the contractor will coordinate with the city of Mesa to minimize traffic disruption during any special events in the corridor.

Click here to view the Central Mesa utility engineering factsheet. Visit the project website for additional information.

Life on the Light Rail is a post from: Rail Life

There’s been plenty of stories on how well-used the light rail is, how it’s become a convenient people mover for students, sport fans and a healthy amount of commuters, and even plenty of glamour shots of bands playing in cars, events at stations of the trains themselves.

I’m here to tell you what it’s REALLY like to ride the light rail. No fancy angles or impressive stats, just a blow by blow account of a typical experience riding the light rail from Roosevelt and Central (my ‘hood!) to Mill Ave and 3rd St (dinner with Katie!) on a random weekday afternoon. As seen from my POV and from my iPhone. Apologies in advance for the quality of images, I’m blaming that completely on me. Quite impressed with the iPhone 4′s camera quality, I am. Here we go:

My humble abode, as seen from my entryway. Yes, that’s Austin Powers.

Always good to lock your door. I do live in the CITY, you know. They’re all crime-ridden.

It’s like a fixie, but it has gears. Does that make it a cruiser? Notice Katie’s bike behind, still missing a seat. Jerks!

That there is a good-lookin’ car, no? Almost paid off. No interest. Only 23 mpg though, and I don’t think they’re making a hybrid model.

The downstairs security door where I always catch a whiff of dog feces.

Because pet owners don’t toss their poop out by the dog park, they throw it in here, and this garbage can isn’t emptied very often. The joys of city livin’, folks!

I didn’t know Lola’s had donuts! They must, because there are always cop cars around my place. This did not deter my old bike from being stolen, however.

Can you see the light rail in the distance? Just two streets and I’m there! Told you I lived close.

Now I bet you can see. It’s a short walk and I bet in this heat, most people aren’t willing to walk more than that. I think most people said up to a half mile would be acceptable. My commute is about 1/5 mile.

There’s my train! Think I’ll make it in time? I still haven’t bought my ticket.

Nope, it left. Damnit. Well, I’ll wait. Only 10-12 minutes, right? No big deal.

The ruffians you barely see behind the pole offered to sell me a bus pass. You know you’ve reached big-city status when bus passes are sold like drugs.

Ticket bought. 6:21pm and my wait begins. No one else on the platform, the DBacks must be out of town.

Air! Seriously, air vents out of here. It’s hot, but it’s better than standing on the platform in 100+ degrees with no wind, though it might be just as hot.

A comfy chair! Nice that it’s preheated from 5ish hours in the AZ sun. Hmmm…warm seat, warm air or just stand there?

Fair Trade is packed after dark, but slow during rush hour. Shoulda grabbed myself a coffee.

6:24 and STILL NO TRAIN. The sunbeams from the afternoon AZ sun are great for suntanning, bad for standing on a platform.

My lucky hat. Katie likes it. Still, even the straw doesn’t alleviate the heat. Now I’m sweating, but that’s nothing new.

Did I mention it’s 105 degrees?

Oh sure, a northbound train. Always there when you don’t need it.

6:27 and I’ve taken off my hat, contemplating going shirtless. Funny story, I’ve actually ridden the light rail sans pants and sans shirt, but not at the same time.

The nice voice in the loudspeaker says I have five more minutes until a train arrives. I’m unsure as to why exactly they announce both two and five minutes, but hey, it’s on the way.

FINALLY. Another train at 6:32. That’s almost exactly 12 minutes.

Oh god, where should I sit? So many options. Being used to AZ by now, I shall try to sit as far away from people as possible. Wow, that AC feels GOOD. Metro definitely got that part right.

Nice, upholstered seats are cool to sit on. In fact, the entire car’s temperature is very comfortable.

Visitors! From the sound of it, they’re from the east coast and have been in New York extensively. Their conversations seem…very east coast. They talk about issues and experiences, not people.

First stop on my journey to Tempe. Van Buren, maybe? Lots of students getting on and off. Wait, maybe this is the second stop. First stop after the bus station.

The east coasters are STILL ON THE TRAIN. They keep talking about trains (heavy ones) on the east coast. Makes me want to go.

Hey, biker dude. I see far more bikers use the train during the not as sweltering hot months.

Biker dude made it on. Now we’re on our way out of downtown Phoenix.

Hello, Chase Field sign! This marks the end of our downtown Phoenix tour. Anyone still call it the BOB?

What kind of shoes does someone like me wear on the light rail on my way to a date? Vibram KSOs. In black. These are my “dressy” barefoot shoes. Yes, Katie allows this.

I believe this is the New Times building, as seen through the window at the first stop outside of downtown.

Had never heard of Eastlake Park until I saw it written on this stop, but hey, we have an Eastlake Park!

One of the many businesses you’ll see while riding the light rail between Tempe and Phoenix.

Another establishment. Not sure what these businesses do, but at least they’re not real estate agents. We have enough of those!

Classy! I’m waiting for the four-sided billboard with lights. Wait, are these really called billboards at this point?

We’re almost to 24th street. Do YOU know what’s on 24th street and the light rail track? Seriously, because I don’t.

It’s that fish place! I’ve always wanted to go there, but I forget it exists until I pass it on the way somewhere. I have it on good authority it’s a tasty place. Wonder if their business has increased due to the light rail.

The former greyhound track and flea market, now I think it’s just a flea market. Pretty big one, too. Packed on weekends, empty during the week.

It’s the people mover for the airport! No more shuttles to deal with, though they work quite well.

About to catch a plane, I bet. Or staying at Aloft, which is a fantastic traveler’s hotel. This intersection is pretty nice.

We’re at the airport stop! Even with the shuttle transfer, the light rail to the airport is super convenient. Usually takes me 45 minutes from my door to the ticket counter, no matter the time of day.

I have never been to this business, but they seem to like girls!

Starbucks! Pretty sure this is one of only two that are visible from the light rail. So un-city like.

The views in Tempe by Rio Salado apartments and APS (or is it SRP?).

Hey, I used to live there! One of two apartment complexes I lived in during light rail construction. BOTH apartments completed light rail construction just after I left.

If you lived here, this would be your stop. Or if you worked for SRP (or maybe it’s APS).

It’s the bridge over Tempe Town…puddle?

Note the crane in the distance, hard at work fixing the ruptured dam bladder.

And the Tempe Center for the Arts, as well. Nice sunset.

The lake actually looks really pretty here, though it’s probably about three feet deep at this point, though I swear it was never much more than that.

I MADE IT! Felt like it took forever, but a mere 45 minutes after I leave my home, I’m in Tempe ready for my date.

Goodbye, light rail car. We had some good times.

The east coasters! WHY ARE THEY FOLLOWING ME?

Ahhh….A mountain, where the A stands for Arizona? ASU? AZ?

East coasters getting into a cab. See, just like a real, big city!

Who cares about the food, prices or when they’re actually in business, these guys open at 6am! Perfect time to get a drink after the night shift or keep your buzz after a loooong night.

Quality tshirts at reasonable prices. I’m a frequent customer.

Independent theater that I’ve never been to. I’ve heard it’s lovely.

If you have never been to CookieZ, go and order an ice cream sandwich. You will thank me. Lots.

I’m a huge fan of their ads, which I look at for the pictures.

Did we have a problem with antique tequila bars?

I’ve arrived. Time for nice dinner with a hottie.

Taking off my hat might have been a mistake. Perhaps I should put it back on.

And there she is! Dinner time.

Simplot and Jones retain METRO board positions is a post from: Rail Life

It looks like Simplot and Jones are sticking around for a while longer to help out as chairman and vice chairman of METRO’s board of directors. In my opinion, both have done some great work in the past and I am glad to have had an opportunity to “talk light rail” with each of them in the past.

The photo below is from a fun “clean up day” where Kyle Jones got to talk trash with Tom Simplot and have some fun at the Mesa light rail station.

Following is from a recent METRO news release:

Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot and Mesa Vice Mayor Kyle Jones will remain as METRO light rail’s Board of Directors Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, for fiscal year 2010 – 2011.

“We are extremely pleased to have these two innovative leaders on board to continue to guide METRO on a path of growth and quality service for our current and future riders,” said Stephen R. Banta, METRO CEO.

Councilman Simplot has served as METRO Board Chairman for the past four years; Vice Mayor Jones as Vice Chairman for the past year.

“I am proud to continue to serve as Chair of the METRO Board of Directors,” said Councilman Simplot.  “In less than two years, we have seen consistent increases in ridership, expanded late night service and provided a METRO experience that continues to exceed riders’ expectations.  I look forward to building on this foundation in the coming year.”

The City of Mesa’s Board involvement will be critical as METRO moves forward with the Central Mesa light rail extension from the current end-of-line at Sycamore, through downtown Mesa, to Mesa Drive by 2016.

“It’s been an honor to represent Mesa on the METRO Board of Directors and I look forward to continuing my service as Vice Chair during what will continue to be an exciting and challenging time, especially with the light rail extension,” said Vice Mayor Jones

Could Mesa Join a National Trend? is a post from: Rail Life

There has been a lot of talk recently about the Mesa light rail extension and the effects it could have on the neighborhoods along Main Street. According to a recent press release, the proposed light rail station locations are as follows:

Recommended station locations on Main Street:

East of Alma School Road

East of Country Club Drive

East of Center Street

East of Mesa Drive

These locations were identified for their proximity to activity centers and bus connections, least impact to adjacent property and curbs, economic development potential and convenient pedestrian access.

This past week, people were talking about the possibility of the Chicago Cubs coming to a location near the Mesa light rail line. The East Valley Tribune quoted Mesa City Manager Chris Brady as saying “If there were property available, we’d like to see the stadium as close to light rail as possible.” According to Mayor Smith in the same article, there are several downtown scenarios possible.

While something like moving the Cubbies close to the light rail might be a little more than this baseball fan thinks he could really hope for, the scenario does play into a trend that has been occurring around the nation.

Stadiums new and old from around the country have allowed people to easily get to games. In Phoenix, we have seen huge ridership numbers in relation to the Diamondbacks, Suns, Mercury, Sun Devils etc.  While many stadiums are built far from public transportation, there is talk of new demand concerning the development of stadiums near light rail lines. Cities like Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, New York, Houston, Chicago and Philadelphia among others are said to see transit as a big part of their appeal.

So, could Mesa become “trendy” in following suit with a somewhat smaller scale project than a major stadium? Where would they put it? Will it help or hurt the area?

It will be interesting to see what happens and where the Cubs end up. You never know, they just might end up rockin’ the Rail life with us…

Mesa Light Rail – Moving Forward is a post from: Rail Life

For quite some time, I have talked about how impressed I have been with the Mesa light rail extension talks. Light rail will be a big move forward for downtown Mesa. More details to come soon but here is a video I shot of Mayor Smith prior to the light rail grand opening in 2008 along with today’s press release from METRO concerning plans for light rail stations in Mesa.

Mesa Council takes action on light rail extension’s station locations and traffic design

PHOENIX — After several months of public participation and community discussion, the Mesa City Council helped to further define the Central Mesa light rail extension with approval of four station locations and a Main Street traffic configuration plan at their City Council meeting last night, June 7.

Recommended station locations on Main Street:

East of Alma School Road

East of Country Club Drive

East of Center Street

East of Mesa Drive

These locations were identified for their proximity to activity centers and bus connections, least impact to adjacent property and curbs, economic development potential and convenient pedestrian access.

Recommended Main Street traffic configuration, Sycamore to Mesa Drive:

Sycamore to Country Club – Remains as two lanes of traffic in each direction.  On-street parking will be removed to reduce impacts to adjacent property and sidewalks.

Country Club to Mesa Drive (Downtown Mesa) – Transitions into one lane of traffic in each direction.  On-street parking and existing signalized pedestrian crossings will be maintained where possible. 

All intersections along the line will have separate left turn lanes with dedicated left turn arrows.

The above recommendations will be forwarded to the METRO Board of Directors for their review this summer.

In addition, the Council committed to City funding for operations of the light rail extension.