Press release:
Wells Disappointed in Cuts to Planned Streetcar Connections
(Washington, DC) Earlier today, a revised fiscal year budget was released that included an almost complete elimination of the planned funds for the H Street and Benning Road NE streetcar line. Councilmember Wells voted against the proposed budget.
“I’m disappointed in the actions taken today and fear it will set streetcars in DC back a generation,” stated Councilmember Wells.
The DC Department of Transportation had planned to use the budget dollars to create a connection from Union Station to the H Street and Benning Road line, create two station stops, and buy additional cars to run the line. This investment was also critical to garner federal dollars to extend the line into Ward 7 on Benning Road. The funding would have also created over 250 construction jobs and jeopardizes the economic development taking place on the streetcar lines.
“The residents and businesses along H Street and Benning Road have been patient during the difficult streetscape construction and installation of tracks, with an anticipated opening of streetcar operations in 2012. These cuts and delays mark a significant blow to those who live and work along the H Street corridor,” added Wells.
Councilmember Wells reported that he will continue to work with city leadership to identify additional resources and funding to get the streetcar system back on track as quickly as possible.
16 comments:
How can this just happen in less than 12 hours?
Can Fenty veto this?
You think that's fast?
Somebody just sent me this...
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bfs/1760480562.html A joke, right?
This happened so fast and defies all logic. I'm no political scientist, but this must be some kind of warning shot at somebody (Fenty?).
I don't think this is over yet
copy and past email addresses:
vgray@dccouncil.us; pmendelson@dccouncil.us; dcatania@dccouncil.us; kbrown@dccouncil.us; mbrown@dccouncil.us; jgraham@dccouncil.us; jackevans@dccouncil.us; mbowser@dccouncil.us; mcheh@dccouncil.us; hthomas@dccouncil.us; twells@dccouncil.us; yalexander@dccouncil.us; mbarry@dccouncil.us
It was nice of them to do this while most people who would be against it are...I don't know...WORKING!
I emailed all of them expressing my dismay, but if they are indeed going to cut the funding them maybe they can rehire the 40-60 Street and Alley cleaning division and Bulk Collection workers they are laying off and actually keep the alley behind my house clean and free from people dumping crap that blocks my garage and promotes cockroaches?
Is it that Gray just thinks he won't get many votes from the neighborhoods around H Street so he decided to pull these funds?
A lot of houses near and businesses on H Street have Gray signs on their lawns and windows. Maybe people should rethink this - Fenty may have his hiccups but at least he did't try to undercut our neighborhood in the middle of the night.
I believe that Fenty has line item veto authority meaning he can reject specific items of the budget but pass the rest. We can email Fenty and encourage him to veto the projects to which the funds were reallocated.
Vince has foolishly allowed comments on his blog. Please comment there and let him know we voters will not forget this:
http://www.vincegrayformayor.com/blog/entry/
BTW - Anyone have any contacts or abilities to print out giant banners?
I think a nice matching pair of banners with #2 below at either end of H St (Hopscotch Bridge and Starburst) would be quite nice.
From the DCist comment thread:
"Gray: Screwing DC out of Streetcars since 2010"
"Next time you drive down H Street NE, Think Vincent Gray!"
"Got Streetcars? No!? F*ck you Gray!"
"Gray: He is the human face of unfinished train tracks which go nowhere."
"Gray: Building illegal fences, and destroying dreams."
"Gray eats kittens."
In addition to houses with lawn signs, there are numerous Ward 6 businesses that have Gray for Mayor signs in their windows. And, I believe, the Chesapeake Room opened up their facility for a Gray fundraiser a week or so ago. I hope everyone will also register their displeasure with these Ward 6 businesses next time they walk by them if the Gray signs are still in the window.
Excellent idea 2:58. People of course are entitled to their own views and political choices, but I, for one, don't think I'll be comfortable frequenting businesses that support Gray at this point.
What about a fund H street protest?
I am not suggesting anything illegal...just an opprtunity to have our voices heard...that we support street cars....What about raising our property taxas .05
over the nest three years to make this street car a realty. I would be in favor....What r your thoughts ?
5th street
I have a feeling this is all a bit of pplitical grandstanding. Just like when the h st shuttle funding disappeared. Or maybe gray owns stock in a shock/car allignment shop on h st. maybe he was down on benning road and was to confused about turning the trolleys around. Well at least dc united have a stadium and my kids have good schools to go to. Otherwise i'ld be disapointed in the state of affairs in dc.
tonyt
the pug
Anon 3:06pm- I too am pissed and disappointed in what has happened but politics aside, it wouldn't make sense not to support a locally owned H St business that is Pro-Gray. They still bring well needed service to the community. Also, its not like the Pro-Gray businesses are shoving Gray down our throats.
OH so it seems like they found the money for the project.
Anon 3:06pm- I too am pissed and disappointed in what has happened but politics aside, it wouldn't make sense not to support a locally owned H St business that is Pro-Gray. They still bring well needed service to the community. Also, its not like the Pro-Gray businesses are shoving Graydown our throats.
Fair enough, though if I'm torn between two businesses: one with a Gray sign, and one without, I know which one I'll be choosing.
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