News 12-9-08 Main Street Stimulus Package
Post your commentsPosted by: Anakin-Marc - 12/9/2008 10:48:13 PM
Looking at the listing, I was surprised at several of the projects mentioned. First, the light rail along Virginia Street. I knew about the plans for a BRT, and that it was a possible interim project until the funding came in to upgrade it to light-rail. Seeing this project on the list was truly a shock to my system. Nice to see they're looking ahead towards the future. The other project that was interesting was phase 4 of ReTRAC, covering another 2 additional blocks of the trench. At this rate, the train track (which could be almost like a divide separating two halves of the city, will no longer impose such an impasse, and in the process will give the city much needed real-estate in a premium location. Finally, the alley rehab project, anyone know if there's any plans to perform infill in the alleys of downtown, bringing the life back to them they had so many decades ago?
Posted by: Crystal - 12/10/2008 7:59:23 AM
I am all about the light rail. I agree with anakin, looks like they suddenly fast tracked the bus rapid transit to a full on light rail project. I think this should be a top priority.
Posted by: Devin Sommerton - 12/10/2008 10:45:29 AM
Light rail for sure. It would create the most jobs out of any of these projects. Oh and yes, demo or renovate the Kings Inn.
Posted by: Teresa - 12/10/2008 12:06:30 PM
I'd like to see residential neighborhoods receive help but that might be included in the real-estate bail out package that was released. Anybody know?
Posted by: Melissa Mack - 12/10/2008 12:11:22 PM
I think revitalizing downtown's alleys is an excellent idea. What would we put in the alleyways though?
Posted by: Marc - 12/10/2008 12:55:18 PM
Alleyways filled with little vendor booths/carts selling handmade arts, souvenirs, food, etc. like a old world bazaar would be cool.
Posted by: RRBmike - 12/10/2008 5:34:54 PM
Interesting list of projects, but many aren't in the spirit of the Main Street program - more like long term wish items like light rail, Verdi sewer extension, UNV gateway, solar projects, more train trench covers. I'm all for projects that can start immediately, are very visible, have an instant impact on Reno quality of life, and hopefully have positive financial impacts. Sewers, infrastructure improvements, service yard, and park improvements just don't fit the bill for me. Some of the proposals I really like include the S. Virginia facade program, neighborhood street reconstruction and improvements, upgrade reclaimed water systems, Post office plaza but not post office retail, flood control, maybe St. Vincent's housing, definitely train trench retail, whitewater park expansion. And who could ever be against anything that would improve the King's Inn situation, even if it doesn't meet the program's short term goals?
Posted by: joe - 12/11/2008 9:40:35 AM
I would like to see the downtown bridges replaced. 1st of all they are ugly and secondly they need to go away due to floods. If money would come from the fed to help I would hope Reno builds bridges that can serve as transportation functions as well as a landmark function. Build bridges that add to the character and beautification of the town. Reno's key to downtown critical mass is making downtown a beautiful place to go and there are several step that need to be taken to make that Happen. 1) demo blighted areas - if the buildings cant be renovated bring em down. 2) build bridges that make you say WOW http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecatoncheires/1834296376/sizes/o/ 3) cover more of the tracks. Reno has made great strides over the last decade in impoving downtown but it still has a way to go and if a Main street stimulus were given it needs to go toward projects that employ people. The key to economic recovery in this nation right now is JOBS!!!!