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Columbus Metropolitan Club - Streetcars for Columbus? A Perspective From Portland
Rick Gustafson, CEO, Portland Streetcar Company
Admiral Denny McGinn, Chair, Downtown Streetcar Working Group
With a special historical perspective by:
Jeff Darbee of Benjamin D. Rickey & Co.
and welcome remarks by the Honorable Mayor Michael B. Coleman
"Once upon a time streetcars livened the streets of downtown Columbus . . . "
While streetcars for downtown Columbus today might sound like a fairy tale for some, it's the object of tremendous passion, enthusiasm and serious study for Mayor Coleman's Downtown Streetcar Working Group. The group of 42 civic leaders is studying the overall feasibility of streetcars, their economic development potential, ridership, construction, operating costs and funding.
At CMC's forum historic preservationist Jeff Darbee from Benjamin D. Rickey & Co. will recall the days of street cars on Columbus city streets to put the subject in a historic perspective, while the Honorable Michael B. Coleman sets the stage for a future for street cars in Columbus.
Rick Gustafson, CEO of the Portland Streetcar Company, and Admiral Denny McGinn of Battelle and Chair of the Downtown Streetcar Working Group, will discuss the issues pertaining to the addition of streetcars in Columbus. A very successful model for comparison, Portland Streetcar Company was the first to install a modern streetcar system in the U.S. in 2001. Portland has seen $1 billion in economic development along the streetcar line.
With approximately 1,700 acres, Downtown Columbus has a large area to traverse. Transportation has been a dilemma for years; some people believe that our current bus system is lack-luster and many people prefer to drive to and from Downtown areas or simply avoid Downtown completely. Can streetcars alleviate the lack-of-parking issues in areas like the Short North and German Village? With the price of gas rising and the environmental debates fueling, would Downtown Columbus residents and visitors want to drive if there was an easily accessible alternative?
Downtown attraction are numerous, but widely dispersed; a method of connectivity could continue to fan the flame of current downtown sights and spark an interest in creating new, inviting areas. Could a successful system of public transit be just the catalyst Downtown Columbus needs to increase Downtown growth and development? Or, would the costs outweigh the benefits? The debate continues as Columbus contemplates yet another option for mass transit. Join The Columbus Metropolitan Club, Rick Gustafson, and Admiral Denny McGinn for a riveting and informative discussion on the pros and cons of streetcars in Columbus!
Admiral Denny McGinn, Chair, Downtown Streetcar Working Group
With a special historical perspective by:
Jeff Darbee of Benjamin D. Rickey & Co.
and welcome remarks by the Honorable Mayor Michael B. Coleman
"Once upon a time streetcars livened the streets of downtown Columbus . . . "
While streetcars for downtown Columbus today might sound like a fairy tale for some, it's the object of tremendous passion, enthusiasm and serious study for Mayor Coleman's Downtown Streetcar Working Group. The group of 42 civic leaders is studying the overall feasibility of streetcars, their economic development potential, ridership, construction, operating costs and funding.
At CMC's forum historic preservationist Jeff Darbee from Benjamin D. Rickey & Co. will recall the days of street cars on Columbus city streets to put the subject in a historic perspective, while the Honorable Michael B. Coleman sets the stage for a future for street cars in Columbus.
Rick Gustafson, CEO of the Portland Streetcar Company, and Admiral Denny McGinn of Battelle and Chair of the Downtown Streetcar Working Group, will discuss the issues pertaining to the addition of streetcars in Columbus. A very successful model for comparison, Portland Streetcar Company was the first to install a modern streetcar system in the U.S. in 2001. Portland has seen $1 billion in economic development along the streetcar line.
With approximately 1,700 acres, Downtown Columbus has a large area to traverse. Transportation has been a dilemma for years; some people believe that our current bus system is lack-luster and many people prefer to drive to and from Downtown areas or simply avoid Downtown completely. Can streetcars alleviate the lack-of-parking issues in areas like the Short North and German Village? With the price of gas rising and the environmental debates fueling, would Downtown Columbus residents and visitors want to drive if there was an easily accessible alternative?
Downtown attraction are numerous, but widely dispersed; a method of connectivity could continue to fan the flame of current downtown sights and spark an interest in creating new, inviting areas. Could a successful system of public transit be just the catalyst Downtown Columbus needs to increase Downtown growth and development? Or, would the costs outweigh the benefits? The debate continues as Columbus contemplates yet another option for mass transit. Join The Columbus Metropolitan Club, Rick Gustafson, and Admiral Denny McGinn for a riveting and informative discussion on the pros and cons of streetcars in Columbus!
July 26, 2006