DENVER | Transportation Thread

[Istanbul5280]

Originally Posted by Octavian

To answer your question:

http://www.iwantmyrocky.com/2009/03/...ap-gets-wider/

Thanks for the link Octavian. They use a 12 year average of cost which explains the inflated figures. Hopefully they can frontload as much of the costs as possible before the inflation from the stimulus packages kick in over the next 5 years.

[SnyderBock]

That's what also angers me about the metro area mayors reaction. They have no sense of a greater good. Their attitude is a selfish, self centered, self service, "me, me, me, or nobody at all" type attitude. They have to realize that if another tax increase fails, delaying the Gold and East line (as they want) would actually loose up to $1 billion in Federal funding and jeopardize an additional $1 billion in private funding out of the $4.7 Billion FasTracks total budget.

That would effectively risk cutting the total FasTracks budget down to $2.7 billion and none of the lines other than the West Corridor would be built to designed length or on time. And when more funding could be found 20 years from now, the East line would be built first anyway, before their precious North, Northwest and I-225 lines.

This really demonstrates the inability of these mayors to think logically. I'm sorry, but Americans continue to elect morons into office and then expect great things from them. It's not our fault though, the system is set up so that only rich aristocrats can run for major office. Is there a correlation between wealth, self serving thinking and politics?

[SnyderBock]

Originally Posted by Istanbul5280

Thanks for the link Octavian. They use a 12 year average of cost which explains the inflated figures. Hopefully they can frontload as much of the costs as possible before the inflation from the stimulus packages kick in over the next 5 years.

If the US debt is purchased (such as by China) to fund the recovery package, it will not actually result in inflation--so long as the government pays off the debt over the next 20-30 years from within it's operating budget.

[wong21fr]

Unless the government (the Fed) decides to print increased amounts of money to decrease the impact of the debt.

[SnyderBock]

Exactly and that would not be wise -- as hyperinflation proceeds economic collapse. So long as they can pay for their own debt, without printing more money, the US dollar will remain fairly strong. If investors shy away from US debt, the feds will have no choice, but to print more money and we all know money don't grow on trees (it grows on cotton farms).

[PlanIt]

SBG goes off!

Denver Post Opinion
Barnes-Gelt: RTD hijacked by ship of fools

By Susan Barnes-Gelt
Posted: 03/29/2009 12:30:00 AM MDT

The president of France is launching a bold initiative, inviting 10 internationally known planners and architects to transform metropolitan Paris into the first sustainable city.

By 2025, the Japanese will have a 310-mph bullet train, running on magnetically levitated lines, connecting major cities.

In the U.S., three of this country's smartest local political leaders — Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg — formed Building America's Future. This bipartisan coalition of public officials and agencies, non-profits and citizens is committed to rebuilding America's infrastructure.

And what is metro Denver doing? Waiting.

Waiting for the ship of fools running our regional transit authority to build the comprehensive, multi-modal transportation system voters approved nearly five years ago — FasTracks.

Not so fast. Huge budget overruns, mismanagement and thorough opacity from the agency define the initiative:

• RTD sought legislative approval for a tax increase to complete the $4.6 billion — now nearly $7 billion — project prior to getting buy-in from the metro mayors.

• In an insult to taxpayers and a further attack on public credulity, Cal Marsella, the highest-paid public official in Colorado, is offering to return a piddly $1,500 of his more than $50,000 automatic pay raise/bonus.

• Recently and without much data, the agency claims to have stripped $1 billion from the cost overruns.

And, further insulting the good sense of metro voters, RTD may go to the ballot this November to ask for another sales tax increase — up to 4 cents on $10 — to complete the system.

The trains have been hijacked by a ship of fools.

Before asking for a tax increase during the toughest economic meltdown in recent history, leaders ought to try a different tack. Completion of a comprehensive transportation system must begin with a vision about connections, job creation, economic development, sustainability and great urban design.

Why aren't 50 or 100 of the region's leaders locked in a room, scrubbing RTD's numbers, doing the metrics? How many jobs will full build-out create? How much steel, concrete, lumber and material will the project use?

Why aren't these leaders setting off to Washington, amidst a parade of enthusiastic citizens insisting the feds fund the gap?

Denver has the opportunity to raise the bar and be a model for other regions addressing growth, sprawl, inadequate resources and failing infrastructure. A comprehensive plan is about connecting a region, celebrating the unique character of each place and the common spirit linking them together.

Today's leaders must follow the steps of the Coloradans who, in the 1860s, built a rail spur connecting Denver to Cheyenne. This spur eventually brought nearly every transcontinental rail line through Denver.

Bold action was taken in the 1980s and '90s when leaders persuaded us to build a new airport, the biggest and most efficient in the nation. It is time for leaders to articulate an empowered regional vision that inspires the people who fuel the engine of a strong economy.

Susan Barnes-Gelt (sbg13@ comcast.net) served on the Denver City Council and is a consultant to local architectural and development companies.

[Strange Meat]

Have they STILL not done a re-estimate on costs?

[SnyderBock]

The re-estimate came in at $6.8 billion, down more than $1 billion from the previous estimate of $7.9 billion, but they also noted sales tax collections are down so much, that they will only have a projected budget of $4.7 billion, down from the previous estimated budget of $5.8 billion.

So even though costs are way down, the gap is actually larger now (according to the private firm hired to do this cost estimate for RTD). The previous cost estimated were done by RTD, this one was done by an independent, third party.

[blm3034L!fe]

I say get some ass in gear and get going already the $$$ will come sooner or later one way or another, enough funding should already be in place to get the ball rolling. Start at the Station get the lines going, if need be the line that would be most irrelevant leave out for future planning/funding. Or like stated in the Denver Post Opinion hit up the Fed's for the difference.

All I know is if this doesn't get going and starts to show some promise soon? The Denver Metro Voters will be more hesitant to approve anything else in the future. Especially at this magnatute, we're not talking about a simple development, this IMHO is larger than DIA was or is, because it is vital to Denver propelling into a Center piece for the West. Denver would be on a more major level in the US and Worldwide with Fast Tracks complete.

I could see Denver becoming to the West what Chicago is to the Midwest, Fast Tracks being completed of course, we already are to some degree but not on the same level. This Development is Vital to Denver's future...

[SnyderBock]

They're pretty much on schedule blm...
The first corridor to be constructed has been under-constriction for a year now and is entering into full construction this year (the West LRT line). Union Station is next to begin construction and it starts by the end of this year and won't be completed until 2012 (which is on schedule as well).

The next two corridors to begin construction are the East and Gold lines and they are still wrapping up EIS final drafts on them. They aren't (and never were supposed to be) under construction yet. In about two years, they should both be underway (early construction phases).

[blm3034L!fe]

Okay I guess I stand corrected on the construction moving forward. The west line, is that the one going 14-16 Miles out west to Golden/Fed Center Lakewood?

[Fritzdude]

Originally Posted by blm3034L!fe

Okay I guess I stand corrected on the construction moving forward. The west line, is that the one going 14-16 Miles out west to Golden/Fed Center Lakewood?

For an updated map; this is a nice site to bookmark:
http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/media/maps/index.html

[Octavian]

Some metro mayors have expressed support for "the doomsday scenario" if voters don't approve a tax increase.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12042437

[Eliyah78]

Friends,

Last night I complied a list of events that are taking place within the next several weeks that are related to urban planning, sustainable living, and developing a more multi-modal (pedestrian/transit friendly) city. Let me know if any of you plan to attend and would like to meet up.

Transit Social
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 6PM thru 7:30PM
Brasserie Felix, 3901 Tennyson Street, Denver
Sponsored by Transit Alliance Citizen’s Academy Graduate Jennifer Grant
Meet and network other urban infill and sustainable transportation advocates.
Must RSVP to [email protected]

Public Workshop- Denver’s New Zoning Code
Thursday, May 14, 2009 6:30 p.m.
Lake Middle School Auditorium, 1820 Lowell Blvd Denver CO 80204
City staff will report on the purpose and progress of The New Code, introduce
the context and form-based approach, demonstrate how these approaches
better support Denver’s adopted plans and describe how The New Code will be
easier to use and understand.
http://www.newcodedenver.org/

Free Screening: Blueprint America: Road to the Future
Friday, May 15, 2009 2PM
Starz Film Center, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver
A free showing of a film that focuses on a multi-platform initiative on America’s aging infrastructure, examines the growth and development of the American city, and discusses how the country will continue to grow and develop in the future.

Public Presentation: Denver’s 16th Street Mall Plan
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 5:30 to 7PM
Colorado History Museum, 13th Avenue and Broadway St, Denver
A presentation on the city’s plan to rehabilitate the 16th Street Transit Mall. Public input requested.
http://www.downtowndenver.com/Econom...StreetPlan.htm

Hay Bale Workshop
Saturday, May 30, 2009, 9AM until 5PM
Namaste Hospice Art and Event Center, 3945Tennyson Street, Denver
Learn about sustainable building and green housing using hay bales and other organic materials.
Contact Scott at [email protected] for more information.

41st Avenue and Fox Street Commuter Rail Station Public Meeting
Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 5:30PM until 8PM
1311 West 46th Avenue, Denver
The City and County of Denver invites you to participate in a public meeting for the 41st and Fox Station Area Plan. At the meeting, we will present the draft land use and mobility concept plan for the area surrounding RTD’s future 41st and Fox Street Station that will serve the Northwest and Goldline Commuter Rail corridors.
http://www.denvergov.org/TOD/Station...3/Default.aspx

Best regards,
Eliyah

[wong21fr]

The Colorado Rail Passenger Association has decided to sue to stop the redevelopment of Union Station:

A letter from ColoRail President, Ira Schreiber, on the Litigation to Alter the Course of Denver Union Station Redevelopment

May 15, 2009

Dear ColoRail Members and Friends,

I’d like to share with you some background about the Colorado Rail Passenger Association and how the Board has come to the decision to take legal action against the proposed redevelopment plans for Denver Union Station. Some of you may recall that the history of ColoRail is rooted in the station, having grown out of the Save Our Station (SOS) organization founded during the Peña administration by, among others, then local brewer and current Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. For those of you who are unfamiliar with SOS, the organization was successful in preventing the proposed removal of all track from the station.

ColoRail was established to provide continued support for Denver Union Station and to serve as an advocate for comprehensive commuter and passenger rail service. ColoRail is a volunteer, member organization with nearly 700 subscribers. Members have a long history of service at the station as host volunteers, welcoming and assisting rail passengers. In addition, the board and general membership have volunteered countless hours to stay informed of the issues and to advocate far and wide for passenger rail and other transportation services.
For the past seven years, ColoRail board members and others have duly participated in the public planning processes for redevelopment of Denver Union Station. We are not anti-development, as some may peg us, we, in fact, enthusiastically endorse and advocate for transit-oriented mixed use development. Our members actively supported the successful implementation of FasTracks, having spent countless hours gathering thousands of signatures and campaigning for passage. The revitalization that has occurred in the communities served reinforces our belief that good transportation services promote successful sustainable development.

ColoRail concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of Denver Union Station are solely related to missed transportation services opportunities, including a lack of focus on passenger service, limited capacity expansion for both rail and bus services, and what we believe are excessive construction and maintenance costs for a poorly planned project the details of which are available for your review here.

In brief, successful and effective multi-modal transit hubs are designed with the passenger in mind. Keeping the distance required for accessing different transit modes to an absolute minimum ensures maximum use.

The current plan, however, calls for relocating the light rail tracks nearly a quarter mile west of the station along the Consolidated Main Line, adding significant time and inconvenience for the commuter and long-distance traveler. In addition, rail companies generally oppose locating passenger service near freight tracks because of the known potential for accidents and unpleasantness of the surroundings.

The proposal also features buried bus bays at considerable cost, creating much neighborhood disturbance and forever limiting capacity. Planned to be located 36 feet below the 14 foot water table, these bays will require round-the-clock lighting and ventilation systems, along with pumps to keep water out and extra mitigation to contain pollutants. Also, the underground bus bays do not include enough space to host private bus services, leaving Greyhound, for example, nearly a mile away and requiring passengers to make up the difference.

Finally and most importantly, by selling the land purchased by tax payers for the purpose of ensuring the status of Denver Union Station as a multi-modal transit hub the present plan will leave no room for future planned commuter and passenger rail services along the Front Range and I-70 corridors.

The proposal before us now has strayed from the envisioned “multi-modal transit hub of international significance,” to a 20th Century hodge-podge that will only promote an “it’d-be-easier-to-drive” frame of mind. We believe that there are alternatives that have not been evaluated closely enough.

ColoRail has engaged expert legal counsel who have determined that there are grounds for successful legal action that should provide a new window of opportunity for project review and redesign. The Board has decided to file a law suit in Federal Court. This decision was by no means made lightly and the costs to pursue it are not inconsequential in time or treasure. The proposed redevelopment plan, however, simply fails to satisfy the most significant aspect of the original vision statement, which recognized the primary project purpose to be to improve existing, and provide for future, connections between all local, regional, statewide, and national transit modes and transportation systems. We consider the transit components of the plan to be significantly flawed, and unlike Denver International Airport, so limited in expansion possibilities that such action is necessary.

The efficacy of the law suit is enhanced by your support and involvement. There are many ways to get involved. First, we ask that you share this information with your friends and family, particularly those who will be adversely affected by implementation of the proposed plan. Second, contact your local, state, and Federal representatives. We encourage you to write a letter to your local newspapers to let them know the adverse affects to your community and to let us know when it is published. To let us know of your volunteer interests, please write to [email protected] and someone will get back to you right away.

Last, but not least, the cost of a Federal lawsuit is not insignificant, and we welcome your financial contribution today. Contributions can be mailed to ColoRail at 1550 Larimer St., Suite 271 Denver, CO 80202.

Of course, if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

On behalf of the ColoRail board, please know we look forward to your involvement and support.

Thank you.

[SnyderBock]

ColoRailcar are just conservative agenda pushing saboteurs in disguise. Their position is illogical and wont survive the judge past the initial phases.

The proposed redevelopment plan, however, simply fails to satisfy the most significant aspect of the original vision statement, which recognized the primary project purpose to be to improve existing, and provide for future, connections between all local, regional, statewide, and national transit modes and transportation systems. We consider the transit components of the plan to be significantly flawed, and unlike Denver International Airport, so limited in expansion possibilities that such action is necessary.

Well, there will be two extra platforms for future service in the main train room, plus at-grade reservation for a future threw platform between the LRT and CML. Any expansion beyond this would be well into the distant future, in which such options as subway would likely be pursued for further expansion. So their very argument is highly flawed.

[glowrock]

ColoRail needs to go away, especially with respect to this issue. I hope this lawsuit is thrown out almost immediately, otherwise, I can only imagine how many more years it will be before we have a redeveloped Union Station!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[TwasBrillig]

Was ColoRail making any noise about these issues when the Union Station developers were being chosen? This lawsuit just seems very late.

[SnyderBock]

^Exactly, they are a group that would like Union Station to be a historical building followed by open land and fields behind it for freight and passenger rail and probably surface parking lots and bus bays as well. They know good and well hat there aren't enough funds to pursue the original concepts of all subway light and commuter rail platforms. That would likely cost somewhere close to $1 billion more than they have for the project. ColoRailcar isn't offering an extra $1 billion, or even half billion last I hear. They know there isn't money for what they are pushing. The reason they are pushing it, is because they know it can't be built, thus by forcing it, they might effectively kill the entire project and possibly all of FasTracks. This is a propaganda campaign in disguise.

There was a time to bring up such issues and they only mentioned them lightly and never insisted. Overall, they supported the Union Station plan up until recently. Their main argument is that threw access for future HSR regional rail (which may or may not get built) will be easy as north-south, but not an option as east-west.

Well, since RTD will already provide service east to DIA, a future HSR may not even go east at all, to DIA. It might be left out to cut project costs. If it's not, access from the east is a non-issue, it's the west which is. That being said, there is a plan in place to create an elevated flyover to make this possible. Yes it would be costly, probably a $250 million for a ~1 mile flyover to make a HSR line from the west, into Union Station. But it's a project that will have a total cost of ~$21 billion. So if it actually ever gets built, an extra ~$250 million to bring it into Union Station properly should not be an issue. They act as if this isn't even a possibility, they say a west line into Union Station isn't possible with the current plan. It is possible, it will make the roral Colorado HSR system cost $21,250,000 instead of only $21,000,000.

[sashyenka]

So, related, what are the chances of this lawsuit being a major hold-up or potential canceling factor for the Union Station development? It seems like it's pretty much too little, too late, which at this point imo is a good thing. What do you guys think?