Omaha Streetcar Discussion

[BRoss]

You can contact her and let her know your thoughts - https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senator ... istrict=39

Please do! Emailed her an hour ago. She needs to hear more of everyone's opinions on this forum. Obviously, she is only hearing complaints from the individuals who do not want the streetcar.

I emailed too.

[buildomaha]

Someone should introduce legislation for a permanent Elkhorn wheel tax to make up the the years of freeloading.

Even on a pound for pound basis investments ,like the streetcar in the core, provide a much better ROI than the endless highways on elkhorn and western Douglas county provide. That’s without addressing the unequal number of projects the area continues to get per capita (someone should seriously do a study on per capita investment among communities in Nebraska).

[Doctor Fate]

You can contact her and let her know your thoughts - https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senator ... istrict=39

Please do! Emailed her an hour ago. She needs to hear more of everyone's opinions on this forum. Obviously, she is only hearing complaints from the individuals who do not want the streetcar.

I emailed too.

Same.

[ita]

You can contact her and let her know your thoughts - https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senator ... istrict=39

Please do! Emailed her an hour ago. She needs to hear more of everyone's opinions on this forum. Obviously, she is only hearing complaints from the individuals who do not want the streetcar.

I emailed too.

Thanks for posting that! I just sent a friendly message as well.

[ita]

Someone should introduce legislation for a permanent Elkhorn wheel tax to make up the the years of freeloading.

Even on a pound for pound basis investments ,like the streetcar in the core, provide a much better ROI than the endless highways on elkhorn and western Douglas county provide. That’s without addressing the unequal number of projects the area continues to get per capita (someone should seriously do a study on per capita investment among communities in Nebraska).

Hit the nail on the head. I included this in my email to Senator Linehan:

Some may point out that TIF does not increase the tax base until the 20 year period is over. Let’s consider the alternative. Let’s say a developer chooses to build a sprawling development out west versus in the urban core because the streetcar is stopped. We can take a look at a suburban development like the Tower District in Papillion. 120+ acre tract with a really nice projected investment of $300 million. Anticipated 900 residential units and 300k square feet of office and retail. Build out will take at least 15 years. Now look at the Mutual of Omaha tower. The increased tax revenues will not be fully realized until the 20 year period is over. However, this is a $600 million investment, creating 800k square feet of office space, all on 1.7 acres of land. That does not include potential ancillary retail and residential projects that will cater to the new building. Nor does it include the potential investment Mutual will put into the lot east of the new headquarters site of the potential $400 million redevelopment of the old headquarters property, which is about 10 acres of land. That’s over $1 billion in investment that will increase the property tax base for more buses, more resources for OPS, etc. It may take an additional 20 years to realize the full tax benefits, but that nearly the case for something like the Tower District.

[almighty_tuna]

Well put, Ita. I plan to include something similar.

Don't forget to email your own state senators in addition to Linehan.

[Omaha Cowboy]

What’s the saying?..

“Teamwork makes the dream work”..

Nice job everyone …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[NEDodger]

Ita had an amazing email. I’ve contacted on the subject as well. The key point that Ita’s communications highlighted is unemotional facts. Linehan is obviously going to be hit with (and understandably more responsive to / empathetic) to the concerns of her district. Firebombing/blasting her with emotional pleas isn’t going to work - she can only hopefully be persuaded with data.

[nebport5]

Well put, Ita. I plan to include something similar.

Don't forget to email your own state senators in addition to Linehan.

Yes, this may be the most important as any potential voter may need to be won over.

Ita had an amazing email. I’ve contacted on the subject as well. The key point that Ita’s communications highlighted is unemotional facts. Linehan is obviously going to be hit with (and understandably more responsive to / empathetic) to the concerns of her district. Firebombing/blasting her with emotional pleas isn’t going to work - she can only hopefully be persuaded with data.

Thanks for that. I imagine your perspective could be especially compelling as one who historically hasn't been in favor of the streetcar but none the less sees the value and implications of the streetcar, Mutual, The Mercantile, north downtown, midtown and the magnitude of spin-off growth.

[daveoma]

I read the article in the Examiner, and the TIF critics made criticisms that will need to be addressed at some point for future use of TIF (intended to be used to address blight). The streetcar is not being built in a blighted area, so how does this project help neighborhoods far away from the route that are blighted? If using TIF, shouldn't the streetcar be built in blighted areas of Omaha? No matter that great things have resulted from TIF to spur development, it should be clear to everyone that it's largely being used in neighborhoods that are not blighted.

I support the streetcar and the use of TIF to build it, but at some point we have to accept that 1. TIF is no longer a competent way to address blight, and 2. we will have to find a different means of addressing blight.

[Athomsfere]

I stole some of your guy's words for the Reddit thread on all this. Didn't claim them as my own, but didn't credit anyone either.

50/50 chance I'll get downvoted to heck over there. As so far the comments are all negative.

[skip]

I stole some of your guy's words for the Reddit thread on all this. Didn't claim them as my own, but didn't credit anyone either.

50/50 chance I'll get downvoted to heck over there. As so far the comments are all negative.

The Reddit comments on this article are better than expected. Noticing more people are hopping on the "good side". Even though it stinks that the streetcar has to continuously jump through hoops, its allowing the public to receive better information around the development and the benefits of it. We have to remember people are very selfish when it comes to having opinions - if it doesn't directly affect them, but it affects another part of their city, they are upset the city isn't investing in their area of where they live. And people who live in the suburbs/west Omaha love to comment negatively about urban development because it doesn't pertain to them of course.

If people are pro-development in North/South Omaha, I am hoping they would be supporting the streetcar as it would spur development along the future lines the city will extend down north 24th st and south 13th st. More opportunities for affordable housing as well. All-in-all, a great investment for the city and I'm glad we made it this far. Made it so far that there is a website lol.

[almighty_tuna]

I read the article in the Examiner, and the TIF critics made criticisms that will need to be addressed at some point for future use of TIF (intended to be used to address blight). The streetcar is not being built in a blighted area, so how does this project help neighborhoods far away from the route that are blighted? If using TIF, shouldn't the streetcar be built in blighted areas of Omaha? No matter that great things have resulted from TIF to spur development, it should be clear to everyone that it's largely being used in neighborhoods that are not blighted.

I support the streetcar and the use of TIF to build it, but at some point we have to accept that 1. TIF is no longer a competent way to address blight, and 2. we will have to find a different means of addressing blight.

I do see your point. TIF as a financial engine works very well, but the definitions of blight it's often invoked for are certainly...broad interpretations, let's say. In the end though, TIF is a viable and arguably necessary tool for these developments so let's redefine it and call black black; TIF supports costly development pretty much anywhere in the city, regardless of status. Want a tool that addresses blight specifically? Then it's time to break out the lawyers and come up with a legal, measurable qualification for that status.

That said, let's not muddy the waters. Sen Linehan's agenda with this bill has nothing to do with the definition of blight, nor is it presented in good faith.

[thenewguy]

(Trying to get up to speed...)

Does this mean there's a chance the street car won't happen because of said senator? Or is this just a futile, last ditch effort to grab some votes on the way down? I worry mutual won't actually develop if they fear the street car won't happen.

[Omaha Cowboy]

(Trying to get up to speed...)

Does this mean there's a chance the street car won't happen because of said senator? Or is this just a futile, last ditch effort to grab some votes on the way down? I worry mutual won't actually develop if they fear the street car won't happen.

You have it correct with a futile attempt. The bill is a farce. It probably won’t even get to a vote. The streetcar will be fine and this silliness definitely won’t stop construction of Mutual’s HQ tower…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

https://omaha.com/opinion/columnists/mi ... e7000.html

PJ Morgan, Hall Daub, Mike Fahey, Jim Suttle & Jean Stothert

Collectively, the five of us signing this editorial have been fortunate to serve as mayors of the City of Omaha since 1989.

Consider for a moment some of the major projects propelling our community forward during those 34 years: A transformative downtown arena and convention center. A world-class performing arts center. Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Werner Park. A revitalized Gene Leahy Mall and soon-to-be-unveiled Heartland of America Park, Lewis and Clark Landing and Kiewit Luminarium, all at The RiverFront. Thriving neighborhoods and business districts. Growing universities. A world-renowned zoo that gets better each and every year. We could — and should — continue adding to that list.

Though each of us brought a different viewpoint and a different focus to the Office of Mayor, we unite today because all five of us agree: Omaha’s streetcar plan is a critical investment that will take us into the next 34 years and well beyond.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I read their Op Ed piece in the W-H this morning..

I applaud all five of them, showing unity and support in backing our streetcar plan. It also makes Lou Ann Linehan and her silly bill, look even more out of touch and uninformed..

Her bill needs to be withdrawn to avoid further embarrassment…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[omahahawk]

Great read. To have come this far in the past 20 years I cannot imagine taking a step backwards now.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Great read. To have come this far in the past 20 years I cannot imagine taking a step backwards now.

That’s the thing. At this point, there will be no step backwards. The current streetcar plan was announced over 1 year ago- and throughout the course of the past 13 months, financing updates, city council hearings/votes were taking place- moving the city into the position we stand today- basically with an approved and financed streetcar plan. My question is- Where were the Lou Ann Linehan’s of the world 6, 9, he!l 12 months ago raising questions about the plan/financing? How about the Oracle of Omaha for that matter? Not a peep in opposition from any of this crowd..until when? A few weeks ago when Buffet piped up the week between Christmas and New year, then a week or so ago with Linehan’s silly bill..

It’s all a fraud, ill will and political posturing. And as I said earlier this morning, Lou Ann should withdraw her bill as soon as she can in order to avoid further embarrassment and loss of credibility…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[daveoma]

I'm glad they showed their support for the streetcar.

[ita]

February Agenda

I guess some engineering will be available to the public sometime this month and March 7:

HDR has organized office hours in February and an open house March 7 for the purpose of reviewing the stop locations included in the 15% Engineering Drawings.

There is also a section about vehicle specs. Pretty vague still, but one interesting point is since the project isn't using federal funds, OSA doesn't have to purchase American made stuff. They could look to the global market to get the best price on vehicle procurement. I am not sure if Portland is in the same position, so it may negate the MOU.

[buildomaha]

It would be smart on OSA’s part to seek an international manufacturer. American public transit infrastructure manufacturers lag far behind international standards and quality.

[Coyote]

Omaha streetcar design, planning continues

[Coyote]

MUD 'will not approve' $16 million streetcar dispute with City of Omaha
MUD also tells NCN of "hypothetical" rate hike calculation, as public hearing in Lincoln awaits.

With plenty of numbers thrown around in the streetcar fight between the City of Omaha and one of the state’s largest utility companies, one number you haven’t seen is what all this might cost the average homeowner, well now we know—but keep in mind a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Utilities District insists, “We are working to ensure that no rate increase will be necessary due to the streetcar.”

According to figures supplied to News Channel Nebraska by MUD, it appears that the worst-case scenario would find MUD residential customers paying an additional $40 a year, or $4.80 per month, for both gas and water—a one-time increase.

As we’ve reported, MUD and the city continue to spar over who’s paying to rip up the Omaha streets where the streetcar will run. In early December, Stothert's office said, "Many of MUD's lines in the urban core are 100-plus years old and will need to be replaced with or without the streetcar." Just a few days ago MUD reported a water main “down for repairs” along Farnam St. between Turner Blvd and 33rd St., part of the streetcar’s western route.

[Louie]

Great...

[skinzfan23]

MUD is just as crooked as any politician.

[almighty_tuna]

MUD is just as crooked as any politician.

Absolutely. This whole spat is a red herring b/c they see an opportunity to weasel out of paying for their aging infrastructure.

[skinzfan23]

They have no problem raising rates though.

[ita]

MUD is just as crooked as any politician.

Absolutely. This whole spat is a red herring b/c they see an opportunity to weasel out of paying for their aging infrastructure.

That's what it sounds like. Also, worse case scenario is residential customers pay $5 more a month. That's system wide? We've had much bigger rate hikes, in the multiples, due to MUD not having a sufficient plan in the past to replace aging infrastructure.

[Brad]

Resolved:

[Coyote]

City of Omaha, MUD reach agreement preventing rate increase due to streetcar construction

The city of Omaha and the Metropolitan Utilities District announced an agreement Tuesday that prevents a rate increase for customers because of streetcar construction. The agreement resolves the utility relocation costs, estimated at approximately $20 million. MUD agreed to contribute $7.6 million toward utility replacement and relocation costs. The city of Omaha will pay for the remaining utility costs, which will become part of the streetcar construction budget — managed by the Omaha Streetcar Authority. The agreement, which was negotiated by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, MUD President Mark Doyle and MUD Board Chair Tanya Cook, means no gas or water rate increase for customers due to the construction of the streetcar.

[skinzfan23]

Well that is great news!!!!

[Louie]

Quite the rollercoaster today lol

[almighty_tuna]

Shouldn't have been an issue in the first place.

[Uffda]

Sounds like a good compromise

[djc311]

Just wait - there will be a rate hike that's "completely unrelated" to the streetcar.

The comments about the infrastructure are spot-on. Any time they can get out of being held accountable for anything old and failing, they'll jump at the opportunity.

My fall back for MUD always goes to the M's Pub situation where they tried to wash their hands of any responsibility with that explosion and fire. I get it, insurance companies are going to want to contest things to try and mitigate losses. But they give me the greasy used car salesman feel anytime I think of how they treat people.

[Coyote]

Conflict resolved over who pays for utility work needed to build Omaha’s streetcar
Compromise comes an hour before a legislative hearing to air the debate involving City of Omaha and Metropolitan Utilities District

LINCOLN — A compromise was reached Tuesday on a kerfuffle over how two Nebraska public entities should share the cost of water and gas infrastructure work related to Omaha’s planned streetcar project. Officials said the agreement won’t require a utility rate increase, a possibility that was cited earlier. The previous impasse between the City of Omaha and the Metropolitan Utilities District centered on who should foot the bill for an estimated $20.5 million of utility line relocation and reinforcement needed to create a safe downtown-to-midtown route for the streetcar.

[Athomsfere]

Just wait - there will be a rate hike that's "completely unrelated" to the streetcar.

But only by about $9.59 every 2 months instead of the original $4.80 per month.

[Dusty]

I'm not opposed to a streetcar if it's part of a comprehensive plan to build a network and create options to live car-free.
But the plan does not support that. As much as I love trains, I'm against building one on this corridor. I have joked and called this a novelty train to nowhere. One of the key requirements for solid transit is connectability. You can't expand past the Med Center because Saddle Creek floods so bad. This is most developed corridor, which brings minimal Return on Investment.

This goes to show you the city is focused on giving young professionals a train so they can be hip and cool and not GOOD Transit as we asked for. What's that...Mutal of Omaha wants to bulild a tower with train passing their front door. City officials diving to be part of the big windfalls they get to make it happen. Huge mistake! This is Jobbers Canyon/ ConAgra all over again. We are letting a corporation decide our transportation future instead of the community. We as a community can be doing a better job raising our standards on what we expect out of transit. We can spend our money more wisely on projects that help the community grow and still get the same results.

If all we are looking for is a hip ride for young professionals to ride along Farnam Street, then we can do this with a double decker bus. This is how Las Vegas moves a ton of people down the strip. It moves 1-2 miles in a linear path, just like the plan for Farnam Street. We can create fun transit for a fraction of the cost.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I don't fully understand why those who are against the streetcar project false constraints on it. Why can't it go past Saddle Creek due to flooding? We invented bridges long ago. How does it not support connectivity? It will be built along one of the densest corridors in the city that has yet to remotely reach its maximum potential. So its perfect for a starter route, which is something I think some also lose sight of. The initial route will start with a solid level of connectivity to both origins and destinations as compared to other corridors and can later be expanded as much as it is feasible to.

It's weird to me to say this project is like Jobbers Canyon. With Jobbers Canyon we lost both urban fabric and urban assets. With this project we stand to gain both (I do not agree our main library was a strong asset for modern Omaha, quite the contrary, we needed a new main branch library). The only similarity is that a corporate citizen is involved. Keep in mind that corporate citizen happiness also counts for something as they provide high paying jobs and this project doesn't solely benefit Mutual of Omaha. Even if Mutual of Omaha up and leaves for Chicago, future tenants of the building still stand to benefit from the streetcar.

The community needs to buy into a project for it to work, but the community is composed of both citizens and businesses. So, the most productive way is to approach the community to say "hey, what are your overall transit vision and goals" and then task planners to produce alternatives fulfilling a balance from the feedback from which to choose from. My understanding is that is what has happened here. I don't know if that's what you had in mind, but if you just straight up ask people to define better transit that is a wise use of money, you'll get as many answers as you have participants. Enhanced buses seem to be a common theme, but you'll also get those who want a comprehensive monorail system, and Tesla-fanatics who think we should be the next city to try out those Tesla tunnels.