You can’t get there from here - Bloomberg’s vision vs Brooks’ vision
I spent the weekend in New York City. All over the news was the story of this massive boring instrument which has been lowered down into the ground on the far west side of Manhattan. This is the next step in extending the #7 line to 34th St and 11th Ave. From the NYT:
City and transit officials gathered on Thursday morning as a giant piece of equipment known as a cutter head — 22 feet in diameter and having 44 rotating discs — was lowered into the ground on the Far West Side of Manhattan. The cutter head will be mounted at the front of a 100-ton tunnel-boring machine that will drill a tunnel to Times Square as part of the $2.1 billion extension of the No. 7 subway line.
“By extending the No. 7 line to 34th Street and 11th Avenue, we are introducing a vital lifeline to one of our city’s least developed areas,” Gov. David A. Paterson said in a statement.
The cutter head was lowered near the intersection of West 25th Street and 11th Avenue. It will be mounted on one of two tunnel-boring machines that together will excavate two 7,100-foot-long tunnels.
The project is being largely financed by the city, even though one impetus for extending the subway line — the proposed West Side football stadium that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg had called for as part of the city’s bid for the 2012 Olympics — is off the table, a result of the refusal of state lawmakers to support the project.
“We are deeply grateful for Mayor Bloomberg’s steadfast commitment to this project, and we appreciate and share his understanding of the important role that transportation will play in catalyzing the development of the Far West Side,” said Elliot G. Sander, chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Compare this forward thinking project with our own County Supervisor’s pet project, the illustrious, Renaissance Square. Transportation really is the key here. If we’re going to spend the taxpayer’s money on a project of this magnitude, shouldn’t we be focusing on green infrastructure which also encourages the growth of business? Isn’t Louise actually spot on with some sort of Metro station which combines the Rail and the bus lines? Vision. Regional planning. Btp had it right with this post, when he wrote:
…. Where’s our long-term vision? Where’s our unified sense of purpose and shared responsibility (I’m looking at you, COMIDA, political cronies, and pay-to-players).Where’s our regional plan? And if our electeds aren’t able to come up with one, how do we, the people, propose one that has a chance of standing up against the entrenched local powers?
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Btp is spot on…but sadly his last five words say it all.
Here is a project that would work (and keep the construction group happy at the same time):
Cover most of the Inner Loop over and make it pedestrian only cobbled and bricked streets. This would solve the problem of separation of city and downtown. Then line those with shops, residences, bed & breakfasts, small theaters, pubs, restaurants…allow vendors and street performers. Can’t you just see it?
Run the buses under that in what, is now the inner loop, with stops along the way. This connects to the train station too and Frontier Field and GEVA and the Strong Museum…heck there can even be a combined bus station/train station metro center…Call it Renaissance Square and make it the focal point of the cobbled streets, truly a Square with benches and landscaping and a gazebo for musicians. We would be ready for high speed rail and folks could get anywhere from it. We could even eventually connect it with Rail to Charlotte and the Port. MCC can still build in the Sibley area. Downtown Rochester would be a destination!
Buses should also make an “Outer Loop” with some of them only running through the suburbs so folks in Penfield, for instance, can get to Henrietta say, without going downtown first and changing buses…more people would then take the bus and save the environment! People will come downtown, by bus or car…just to visit, savor and experience those new areas. To live in or near this would be hugely coveted!
We could connect all this with the old subway bed too and the river…a project of this magnitude would fulfill many agendas, provide a multitude of jobs for city residents and teens, allow easy access to education and entertainment and bring folks Downtown. I bet there is money for a project like this in the Stimulus Package…bringing a true renaissance to the entire downtown area rather than just a smelly underground square. The funding Maggie already has been promised would apply to this!
Oh…one more thing…the first floors of most downtown buildings should be retail..large, small, movie theaters and a grocery store…continuing the theme from the “Inner Loop” area…so folks will go there too…you know they will…if there is something to invite them. The skyways and walkways could all connect. Get innovative Maggie…this would be a much better legacy for you. You would have more support. Not many people are behind your bus barn.
We need to forget your plan Maggie..it will NOT revive downtown Rochester. We need to address the whole area and people will build these shops and apartments, etc.; they will have jobs and money to spend, places to go and things to do! They will come.
Wow, That sounds perfect. I was thinking of the subway, too. I love the idea of making the Inner loop pedestrian friendly and encouraging Rochester as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and just fun. That is what we need. Thanks Jazzbaby.