TRANSIT ON THE MOVE LIAISON GROUP MEETING #2

January 13, 2005, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
University of Arizona University Services Annex Building, 220 West 6th Street

Meeting Summary

1. Introductions.

Shellie Ginn, Project Manager, City of Tucson Department of Transportation, welcomed everyone to the meeting. Freda Johnson, Rillito Consulting Group, and moderator for the meeting, invited everyone to introduce themselves.

2. Ground Rules for Meetings.

She reviewed the meeting ground rules established by the group at its first meeting in November 2004. She announced that Observer Comment Forms were available for guests. She asked the Liaison Group if the summary of the November meeting was acceptable and there was agreement that it was.

3. RTA/PAG Update.

Tim Ahrens, Regional Transportation Authority Manager, described the entity and provided background on the process to develop a 20-year RTA Plan. Members of the RTA are governing body officials from local, regional, state and tribal governments. He distributed copies of a December 2004 Fact Sheet about the Regional Transportation Authority. He invited Liaison Group Member, Steve Farley, Blenman Elm Neighborhood Association, to talk about the Citizen Committee recently formed.

4. Progress Report.

Coordination with UA Facilities Group. Susan Bartlett, UA Campus Land Use Planner, described efforts to coordinate with the Transit Investment Study. She said that there has been focus on the north end of the Arizona Health Sciences Center. Representatives of S.R. Beard (SRBA) made a presentation to the UA Facilities Group about the project in general and will do so again about mitigation of vibration or noise impacts on research at the University. Ross Bryant, Campbell-Grant Neighborhood Association, asked if the transit system would go up Campbell. Susan responded that it ends at Campbell.

On Board Survey. Joan Beckim, Kaneen Advertising and Public Relations, presented a brief overview of the survey of riders. The data collection goal was to get 4200 responses but this was exceeded with a total of 6200 surveys received. She said that in March, information would be presented to the Liaison Group about how data will be used in modeling.

Environmental Issues Related to AZ Health Science Center and Study Accomplishments and Schedule. Marc Soronson, SRBA, Consultant Project Manager, reviewed the project goals, alignment alternatives and described ways to make project blend with the environment around the University of Arizona and the Arizona Health Science Center. He said that a "Notice of Intent" has been published in the Federal Register. Liaison Group members raised questions about the project. Steve Farley said that he would like to see discussion about the route length and scope when a decision gets made about the route. Marc responded that the goal is to identify a minimum operating segment that can be successful based on ridership, terminal locations and cost effectiveness. Marc said a transit envelope can be left open with regard to going into Rio Nuevo west of downtown. Fiore Iannacone, Downtown Independent Merchants asked if the Liaison Group is here to come up with an alternative and to convince the FTA of public support. Marc said yes to this and to make sure that there is a public process to provide input to the project team. Ellen Adelstein, Catalina Vista Neighborhood Association, observed that the transit route should go through the campus if we want students to use it and she said that lots of Pima College and UA students could use it to connect to those campuses. Marc said that through discussion with the UA an alignment through the mall was eliminated based on several criteria; however, an alignment on 2nd Street provides an excellent option. Marc commented on the value of the partnership with the UA in this project. Richard Franz, Pima Community College, said that there is very good bus service to the campus and as this service is increased, access will be improved. He said he thinks that the transit project cannot serve everything.

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5. Transit Oriented Development Presentation.

Michael James, SRBA, gave a presentation, copies of which were provided to the Liaison Group. Comments and questions from Liaison Group members followed. Robin Steinberg, Feldman's Neighborhood Association, said that she supports educating people about cars, the number of parking space and that she supports the philosophy behind transit. But, she said she feels it will be very hard to convince people. Terry, Downtown Independent Merchants, commented about the need for information about alternatives, access to parks, how deliveries will be made and conflicts with pedestrians. She said that limited or decreased parking may need to be addressed and that employees should be encouraged to use transit. Michael responded that the delivery issue may require new access. He said that shared parking has been successful elsewhere. Pat Dunford, Old Pueblo Trolley, said that other places have done this successfully and that people who want to use transit will move into the area. Joseph LaMantia, Grant Road Neighborhood Association, made comments about the need for increased housing downtown to motivate people to go downtown. Michael responded by saying that Tacoma is similar to Tucson and redevelopment has brought in more housing. Donovan Durband, Tucson Downtown Alliance, reported that the City of Tucson has announced a goal of up to 2000 new housing units downtown by 2007. Dyer Lytle, Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association, said that transit often drives development and here development needs to justify transit. So, it goes both ways. Jane McCollum, Main Gate Square Businesses/Marshall Foundation, observed that rail creates more permanent development. An observer from the audience asked how this transit project will be marketed to local or outside developers. Michael suggested that local developers will be educated. He said that there are developers looking for opportunities. Marc added that locally, the City of Tucson is responsive to the Tucson market and can set an example.

6. Notice of Intent.

Marc Soronson said that a copy of this document is in each member's packet. He said that this publication is a major milestone in the process because it puts the FTA in a position to be involved. He said that next steps include a scoping meeting, an open house and the subsequent schedule.

7. February 23, 2005 Scoping Meeting/Open House.

8. Draft of Information Brochure.

Joan Beckim said that the scoping meeting is actually the public open house and that extensive publicity will precede the event. She said that a draft notice (circulated at that point to the group) will be mailed to all in the study area and to adjacent residents and businesses. Comments was made by Steve Farley that more pictures be added to make it more appealing and he asked that illustrations of all three modes of transit being considered be pictured. Joan said that the brochure will also be translated into Spanish. She asked for comment on both the brochure and the open house postcard notice. She also asked each Liaison Group member to identify the number needed to distribute to neighbors and colleagues.

9. Website.

Joan asked the group to review the project website and report back on how it works.

10. Other Discussion.

Ellen Adelstein asked what purpose this group really has. Marc said that opportunities for input into the process are presented. Joan said that there is not a Federal requirement to have this advisory body.

Ross Bryant commented that in the Campbell project alternatives were presented at meetings. Marc said that that was a design project but that an evaluation process in this project will need input in the future. He said this would be especially important with regard to design and location of stations.

Steve Farley asked if it's appropriate for this group to express a desire to extend the project. Marc responded that if it made sense and stayed within the project area.

Donovan Durband asked about modern streetcar tolerance regarding routing or if there could be deviation from a perfectly linear route. He said that there is a big issue associated with Congress and two-way traffic. He said how can everyone dedicate the right amount of space for all the uses? He said he likes the idea of two-way traffic on Congress. Marc said that there is flexibility up to a point.

Dyer Lytle asked about comparisons of one-way vs. two-way with regard to the transit system. Marc said that the system can operate in either situation. Dyer also asked about whether transit can operate against traffic (contra flow). Marc said one-way streets don't allow much choice.

Donovan Durband asked when the group would get into the routes and if the timeline dovetails with development at Rio Nuevo. Marc said that the project needs to be integrated with development at the Tucson Convention Center as well as Rio Nuevo and that they are pretty much on track now.

Robin Steinberg commented that for those who live and work in the area now, the project won't do much for them. She said she had asked for other things from the City in the past but haven't been satisfied. She wondered if this would take City dollars away from other needs because a City match will be needed for Federal dollars. Marc responded that the team will look at what kinds of amenities (streetscape, for example) can be included in the project.

Dyer Lytle asked if the modern streetcar has already been chosen for the project. Marc said that all three types are still under consideration.

Ellen Adelstein commented that the route ends at Campbell, not in front of the Arizona Health Science Center. Steve Farley said it could go up to Grant and that he advocates that. Marc asked if there is ridership there and this needs to be examined. Doug Crockett, Tucson Unified School District, said that choices need to be put in perspective. The most we'll get from FTA is $75 million so with a match, what is the commitment? He asked if the contract with SRBA includes fund raising. Shellie Ginn said that the City is working hand in hand with SRBA and that Phase 1 of the work consists of identifying a local alternative plus the DEIS. SRBA's contract includes the development of the locally preferred alternative (LPA) and the DEIS; however, only development of the LPA is funded.

Joseph LaMantia commented that he thinks we are not asking enough from the Federal sources and he added that sometimes projects get so big and they don't get done.

Donovan Durband asked if merchants in the Campbell/Grant area are involved. Joan Beckim responded that they are.

11. Comments from Observers.

David Bachman Williams, Tucson Pima Bicycle Advisory Committee, said that he is excited about the project and asked that consideration be given to Tucson High Magnet School, its athletic facilities and the Ronstadt Transit Center.