No Boise Street Car

A Streetcar to Nowhere in Boise, Idaho

2010-12-31T08:15:00.000-08:00

The streetcar project is not a viable addition to downtown Boise. In addition it will be perpetually and heavily subsidized with tax dollars.

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/noboisetrolley

If you, like so many others, are against putting in a regressive transportation system at a tremendous taxpayer cost, you must take action. Please call, email or write the Boise City Council, Mayors Office and write letters to the editor at the Idaho Statesman and Boise Weekly.

Links to contacts:

email comments to boisestreetcar@cityofboise.org (you will get a canned pro-streetcar reply)

Mayor's Hotline 384-4404

Contact the Boise City Council http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Mayor/CityCouncil/page935.aspx

Idaho Statesman Letter to editor http://forms.idahostatesman.com/lettertoeditor/

Boise Weekly Letter to Editor http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/ContactUs/Page

There is also more analysis at the Boise Guardian http://boiseguardian.com

And another at http://www.idahofreedom.net/blog/streetcar-proposal-comparing-boises-dream-little-rocks-reality-part-i and http://www.idahofreedom.net/blog/streetcar-proposal-comparing-boises-dream-little-rocks-reality-part-2

I realize that this is a lot of information to wade through. Please remember I am trying to give you as much information as possible so that you can be fully informed of the path the city is going to go down, and not just get the one side they are presenting. As for myself, I am a long-time Boise resident (40+ years) and business owner (25+ years) who is strongly opposed to what I see as a grossly inefficient use of public funds.

There are many unanswered issues regarding the streetcar. Here are just a main few points to consider:

How will the streetcar deal with the TWENTY-EIGHT traffic signals on the proposed 2.6 mile route?

The city is running a $9 million deficit. Where will the funds come from to cover the construction and, since the streetcar will be free to ride and cost over $1 million a year to operate, operating cost shortfalls?

Why have no alternatives such as electric buses been looked at? For example, electric buses have been in service in Chattanooga, TN since 1992.

The streetcar will not be able to run during events when the streets are blocked off, such as the July 4th Parade, Holiday Parade, Twilight Criterium, St. Lukes Womens Fitness, Main Street Mile, Boise Curb Cup, and numerous others.

In the cities grant application and streetcar flyer, they claim downtown Boise has 36,000 workers and 11,000 more potential riders within walking distance. Please remember the entire city only has a total population of a little over 205,000. According the Idaho Dept. of Labor, Ada County has a total workforce of just over 174,000 (http://labor.idaho.gov/lmi/pubs/adaprofile.pdf) – so the streetcar proponents are claiming 1/5th of the entire county workforce is employed downtown. They claim a projected ridership of 1200 per day; this is in stark contrast to the Little Rock, AR streetcar Mayor Bieter uses as a model. The Little Rock streetcar has been running for 5 years and generates only around 300-400 riders per day, even though it is part of a planned development and tourist attraction. The Kenosha, WI streetcar, which is also similar, only generates 300 riders per day. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_light_rail_systems_by_ridership)

The Streetcar Task Force is made up of 35 business owners, developers and the CCDC. They have been meeting for almost two years behind closed doors even though taxpayer funds are going to be used for this project. Seven members have expressed serious concerns about the streetcar, which to my knowledge the city has yet to satisfactorily address. These members, as reported int he Idaho Statesman, are:

George Iliff, Colliers International managing partner
Ed Dahlberg, St. Luke's CEO and president
Lamont Keen, Idaho Power CEO and president
Jim Kissler, Norco CEO
John Lamb, senior vice president for U.S. Bank Plaza owner Unico
Doug and Skip Oppenheimer from Oppenheimer Companies
Scott Schoenherr project manager for Boise Plaza owner Rafanelli and Nahas

Because it is on tracks, the streetcar will not be able to service events at Ann Morrison or Julia Davis Parks, BSU, the train depot, or the proposed Jacks Place. It will only have two cars with possibly a third, making its event carrying capacity virtually useless since additional cars CANNOT BE ADDED.. Any further route development will take years and tremendous amounts of additional tax dollars to service relatively small areas; 2 to 3 miles at best. In addition the proposed future Broadway and Capital Blvd routes are already for the most part developed.

Most destinations along the proposed route can be walked or driven to in a few minutes. Why would people wait around for a streetcar to get to their destination more slowly?

During the day, traffic downtown is already congested. A streetcar, despite the city’s claims, will only add to this because it will integrate poorly into existing auto and pedestrian traffic. The streets downtown are almost too narrow already just dealing with cars let alone a streetcar.

The streets downtown will be torn up for about two years installing tracks, which will hurt businesses along the route and stall traffic.

The two ends of the proposed route have little to no potential riders. The east end – nearly one-third of the route - has almost no future development potential.

Two of the proposed future routes - Broadway and Capital - are already mostly developed, nullifying the development claims.

The city is already running a budget deficit of $9 million and this will only add to it.

The city already has SIXTEEN defined transportation needs that are currently unmet. We do not need a streetcar put ahead of other projects that are more important.

The additional tax burden from the proposed LID on the downtown businesses will raise lease rates and this will be passed on to the consumers.

Boise Mayor Bieter and Councilwoman Clegg have both pointed out that the city currently is having trouble funding city departments and programs. Mayor Bieter told the media in September that health insurance costs were straining departmental budgets. It was reported by Clegg that arts funding was in trouble. YET THEY BOTH STILL FAVOR A STREETCAR THAT IS UNFUNDED and which will run at a deficit - only to be offset by taxing downtown businesses.

I have personally spoken to some of the downtown developers about their plans. They are not waiting around for a streetcar. They have already spent millions in existing development and have plans to develop more. The streetcar will not bring development regardless of what claims are made. In fact, it is more likely that the streetcar will follow, not lead, development. One further point to make - the streetcar is in the CCDC's urban renewal district and THEY WILL BENEFIT THE MOST FROM THE TAXES.

Please see COMPASS Board member Sharon Ullmans blog post regarding the streetcar:

http://www.sharonu.com/blog/2009/07/60-million-streetcar-to-nowhere.html

Also she has said this about the taxes:

“The vast majority of the proposed project is within the Capital City Development Corporation’s urban renewal area. Under tax increment financing, should there be new growth along these major portions of the line, the property tax revenues generated will be diverted to CCDC. The cost of services (fire, police, paramedics, roads, etc.) to serve the new growth will be borne by the rest of the county’s taxpayers.”

The Portland system comes up frequently by streetcar proponents. Please get the facts on the Portland system before you use it as a talking point by visiting the following sites:

http://www.newswithviews.com/O'Toole/randal5.htm

http://www.ti.org/FS3.html

The revenue is not offsetting the cost burden and as pointed out in one of the following studies they may have to start shutting off bus services and other transit projects to keep paying for the train. Also check the cost PER RIDER (4 to 6 times as much) compared to buses.

http://www.cascadepolicy.org/pdf/env/I_110.pdf

http://www.cascadepolicy.org/pdf/env/drain.htm

The Portland Mall LID tax was just raised 70% to continue to feed the monster. Look at where they started and where they are NOW.
http://bojack.org/2009/09/portland_transit_mall_tax_hit.html

In addition, according to their own numbers, the Portland MAX ridership is down about 5% this year to date over last year but the operating costs will only continue to rise. EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON AN INFLEXIBLE, INEFFICIENT RAIL SYSTEM REDUCES THE DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR OTHER TRANSIT PROJECTS, such as bus service, bike paths, walking paths, you name it.

Also, Boise isn’t Portland. The population is much lower and the density is far worse here. Portland's population density is 4200 people/square mile. Boise is 2900. A lower population density translates automatically to fewer potential riders in a square mile area - it's just math.

The Little Rock Streetcar is also used as a model. Please consider this:

The Little Rock project is VASTLY different from what is being proposed here. The Little Rock streetcar was an additional added piece of a $300 million planned development called the Little Rock River Market District, which was started in 1996. The Little Rock streetcar is is what is referred to as a “heritage” streetcar, which has no more relevance to true public transportation than the train at Disneyland. And, the Little Rock streetcar wasn’t added to the project UNTIL 2004 – it FOLLOWED the development of the area, it didn’t LEAD it or CAUSE it.
Recently, in order to try to make the Little Rock streetcar more successful, they are now looking for more tax money to try to expand the system, to try to get more riders, to try and make it into viable public transportation. However, it will have the same problems that all streetcars have – namely, high infrastructure costs, high operating costs, high subsidies, inefficient design, and NO FIRM PROOF OF DEVELOPMENT caused by its presence.

Now for the streetcars themselves. Streetcars are a regressive design. Other than cosmetic updates, handicap accessibility, and improved motor efficiency, they have remained basically unchanged since their inception at the turn of the century. Their design constraints make them very difficult to adapt and evolve. A PROGRESSIVE design is favored, such as buses. Buses come in all shapes and sizes, have a multitude of options, and can use any one of many propulsion methods - battery, electric, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, or hybrid technology. Buses are adaptable to different transportation scenarios; for instance you can very easily add more buses to handle a crowded event, and add or modify routes - virtually impossible with any fixed rail streetcar. The city and CCDC want to be REGRESSIVE not PROGRESSIVE.

As of 10/6/09 Even though the city is running a deficit, the city council is set to award a $90,000 marketing contract to promote the streetcar. The contract is to be awarded to Cronin and Associates which is owned by state Representative Brian Cronin, D-Boise - a former campaign staffer for Mayor Bieter. Therefore, a firm owned by a state legislator with ties to the Mayors Office will be promoting the use of tax dollars to build the streetcar.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/boise/story/926285.html

As pointed out by the Boise Guardian, this may be a legal landmine:

http://boiseguardian.com/2009/10/06/city-tries-to-hide-new-pr-expense/comment-page-1/#comment-14979

10/07/09 UPDATE - The marketing contract was temporarily shelved due to protests by streetcar opponents. Please see http://boiseguardian.com/2009/10/06/take-two-sneaky-trolley-resolution/ to see what happened.

City Council Candidate Dave Litster has also spoken out AGAINST the streetcar. Please see his comments at http://www.dave4boise.com (click on NEWS)

City Councilman Jim Tibbs has spoken out NUMEROUS times AGAINST the streetcar. Please see some of his latest concerns here: http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/story.asp?s=11277628&ClientType=Printable

In short, the streetcar is an overly expensive solution to a transportation problem that DOESN’T EVEN EXIST. The vast majority of the people that I have spoken to regarding the Boise streetcar do not think it is a good idea. The best interests of the public should be taken into consideration when a perpetually subsidized project such as this is proposed and taxes will be raised on businesses. Just because it can be built doesn’t mean it should be built.

I am all for a progressive, updated, flexible, innovative transportation system to serve Boise now and in the FUTURE. A streetcar does not fill that need.

MORE IN-DEPTH INFORMATION

According to Mayor Bieter and the Capital City Development Corporation, a streetcar would boost economic development and livability of the downtown core, plus reduce traffic and provide 'green' transportation. Their website promoting the streetcar is at http://boisestreetcar.org/.

This project recently began to receive more traction because of the federal government Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or economic stimulus package as it is more commonly known. Mayor Bieter wants the state of Idaho to divert some of the stimulus funds into this project – somewhere between $25 and $40 million dollars. He is also proposing the creation of a local improvement district, or LID, which would cost all businesses along the proposed route an additional 30 cents per square foot in LID taxes for a period of 20 years.

The project is supported by Congressman Walt Minnick (who co-sponsored the federal bill to divert the funds for the project), Congressman Mike Simpson, Senator Mike Crapo, and Senator Jim Risch. It has also received de facto approval by COMPASS http://www.compassidaho.org/

The proposed Boise streetcar route would basically run from the area of St. Luke’s Hospital down Idaho Street to 16th, over to Main Street and back to the hospital - roughly 2.4 miles. The estimated initial cost is $60 million, over $30 million per mile. Just for comparison, freeway road construction costs are typically $8 to $10 million per mile. Once the system is in place, it can only run along that route since it is on tracks. Any change or expansion of the system (these have already been proposed) will require additional tax expenditures and possibly the creation of other LIDs or local option taxes.

The truth is, streetcars and light rail generally do not live up to the hype that their proponents claim. If we look at the claims, we can see where existing systems fail to perform.

CLAIM: Congestion reduction. On existing systems, statistically the congestion reduction is typically one to three percent - a completely negligible figure. For example, if you had 100 cars on the road and took away 3, you wouldn't notice the reduction. In addition, ridership claims typically do not live up to the hype of proponents. In 2008, a government audit of the TRAX system in Salt Lake City found that they had been overstating their ridership by about 20 percent for years.

CLAIM: Boosting of economic development. This has not proven to be the case on most existing systems. Economic development is not necessarily dependent on, or increased by, the existence of a streetcar or rail system. In Boise, most of the major developments put into place over the last decade, other than BoDo, have not been downtown. The major development areas have been much farther to the west (Towne Square, Fairview/Eagle, Overland/Eagle and others) because that is where the residential development has taken place and also because of land availability. The notion that somehow putting a streetcar downtown will suddenly make developers start building there is patently ridiculous and is not supported by any relevant study. Any further development along the proposed route would require the demolition of existing buildings and rebuilding – an expensive proposition, and few opportunities for such development still exist. Also, on the east end of the route, there are many historical buildings and homes, which makes development along that section prohibitive. Also, ANY FUTURE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT WILL TAKE PLACE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A STREETCAR IS PRESENT OR NOT.

CLAIM: Increases 'Livability'. Livability is tied back into congestion reduction and ridership. Most existing systems do not live up to their claims on either. As has already been pointed out, the congestion reduction is miniscule and existing studies show that the ridership of streetcar/light rail systems is typically less than bus systems.

CLAIM: The Boise streetcar would be a tourist attraction. While some parts of Idaho may be a tourist destination, Boise unfortunately is not, and a streetcar will not make it into one.

Additionally, an examination of the present building infrastructure along the proposed route reveals that the potential ridership density is actually quite low. There is a mix of residential, office and retail buildings with office use being the most prevalent. Most offices are typically open from 7 or 8AM and by 5 or 6PM are nearly vacated. There are a few bars, coffee shops and restaurants that are open later in the evening, but they are concentrated in a relatively small core area between 6th and 10th streets. There is only one hotel (Owyhee) located directly on the entire route.

At the west end of the route from 13th to 16th, and the east end from 5th street to 1st, the population density is extremely low with only one major office building on the route on the west end, and St. Luke’s on the east end.

The mere fact that there is not nearly enough ridership density to make this project feasible speaks volumes as to why it is not needed. After 5pm there is not enough potential passenger activity along the route to justify even running the streetcar, so it would either have to run nearly empty at a great expense or sit idle generating no money.

If we look at the existing mass transit system in Boise, Valleyride, they reported in their 1st quarter 2008 (http://www.cityofboise.org/Budget/FinancialReports/2008/QR1/13_Intgv_VR.pdf) that their total ridership in October 2007 was 93,581 passengers for the month. If we are generous and say that they are now carrying 100,000 passengers per month, this equates to about 3300 passengers per day on the Boise bus system, or 1.5% of the total population of Boise. This would indicate that the interest in mass transit here is actually quite low since 69% of the residential units in Boise are within 1/4th mile of a Valleyride stop. It also proves that the congestion reduction argument for a streetcar in Boise is completely invalid, since a 1.5% bus ridership provides virtually no true reduction in congestion whatsoever, and a streetcar will not outperform the bus system. One could argue that the percentage should be higher since not everyone in Boise commutes or drives a car, but the 1.5% is only counting the Boise population and not commuters coming in from outside the city limits, of which there are many (approximately 300,000 additional residents in Ada and Canyon counties alone according to 2008 census.gov estimates).

10/02/09 ADDENDUM - the latest January through August 2009 Valleyride ridership numbers show that they have NOT INCREASED ridership levels since 2007. They are still at slightly less than 3300 per day average.

The newest claim by the streetcar proponents is that approximately 1200 passengers per day will ride it. This would represent over one-third of the daily ridership of the entire Boise Valleyride system, and therefore on the surface it would appear to be a fairly unrealistic projection.

As far as spending $60 million of taxpayer dollars, one would have to ask if there might be better ways that it could be spent than on a streetcar that serves little function and will serve very few. From a purely return on investment standpoint, a streetcar in downtown Boise would be a poor choice for the following reasons:

· It will be perpetually and heavily subsidized; more so than other mass transit options.
· It will have almost no impact on congestion.
· It will necessitate the creation of new, expandable taxes in the form of LIDs or local option taxes.
· It will provide relatively few jobs for the dollar spent.
· Since it is track-bound, it will be tremendously difficult and expensive to expand - hundreds of millions of dollars for the 3 future proposals alone.
· It will be a disruptive force not only while it is being constructed but during its operation as well.
· It has a tremendously long build time before any (and that is a big IF) benefit is realized.

The Boise Transportation Service Coordination Plan at http://www.nelsonnygaard.com/Documents/Articles/BOISE-VRT-tscp.pdf defines no less than sixteen EXISTING areas for recommended improvements in valley transit that could be funded. We do not need a streetcar when we already have other unmet transportation needs. In addition, the City of Boise reported a $9 million budget shortfall for FY 2009-10. The streetcar, if built, will only add to this.

My final concern is that there appears to have been little or no consideration given to alternatives, such as CNG (compressed natural gas), hybrid buses, or electric rubber-wheeled trolleys. These alternatives are far less expensive, much faster to deploy, do not require tracks, and can be instantly adapted to different routes and locations based on rider needs. Studies also show that rider acceptance is much higher for buses than streetcars.

New Haven, CT is using 4 electric rubber-wheeled trolleys, which cost the city $1,066,900. http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/TrafficParking/pdfs/TrolleyF.pdf. They were manufactured by Ebus, who makes several alternative-energy buses and trolley replicas. http://www.ebus.com.

Battery-powered buses were also used during the Beijing Olympics. Do the Chinese know something we don't?
http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214461075.shtml

The best example in the country of a PROGRESSIVE transportation system is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They operate nine zero-fare electric buses, which have been in operation since 1992 and have carried 11.3 million passengers and covered a distance of 1.9 million miles. They were made by Advanced Vehicle Systems.
http://www.carta-bus.org/routes/elec_shuttle.asp

Please take the time to contact the Boise City Council regarding the Streetcar Project. Silence gives consent.

City Spends $63,543 to study alternate route proposal

2010-07-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

As reported in the Idaho Statesman, the city wasted another $63,543 to study the feasibility of putting the Boise streetcar on an alternate route. The study basically confirmed that the bridges on 9th and on Capitol Blvd. would have to be modified to carry the extra load at a cost that may be as much as $635,000.

The story is here:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/07/03/1254770/streetcar-river-crossing-not-as.html

Mayor Bieters other proposal, since the city did not get the federal grant, is to push through a local option tax to raise the sales tax in Boise to 6.5%. This will impact consumers and businesses, and provide very little in the way of a solution to the tranportation needs of Boise.

Everyone also needs to remember that the streetcar requires overhead wires to operate. These wires will have to be strung from poles and buildings, and will uglify any route that the streetcar runs on. These wires are NOT pretty as anyone who has seen actual streetcar routes can attest to.

Why not a more progressive, modern approach such as electric shuttle buses? The city has not even looked at them although they are in wide use in cities worldwide. Instead of spending

Please continue to protest this waste of money. Contact the mayors office and city council today.

More Streetcar Task Force Members come out in Opposition

2010-02-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

As reported today in the Idaho Statesman, several more Streetcar Task Force members have joined in opposition to the Boise Streetcar in a letter to Boise Mayor Dave Bieter.

"The letter writers support public transportation and the mayor’s efforts to enhance the downtown area and but suggest the city “refocus the task force’s efforts to develop more appropriate projects and ideas to enhance transportation in Boise’s downtown and beyond.”

The letter is signed by Ed Dahlberg, St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center; Liz Fitzgerald, Unico Properties (US Bank building); Mike Gwartney, State of Idaho; George Iliff, Collier International; James Kissler, Norco; Doug and Skip Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer Companies; Mark Rivers, Brix & Co. (BoDo); Scott Schoenherr, Rafanelli and Nahas (Boise Plaza) and Maggie Soderberg, J.R. Simplot Co."

The entire story is here:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/1076824.html

City of Boise has another round of Budget Shortfalls but still wants Streetcar

2009-12-29T03:53:00.000-08:00

As reported in the Idaho Statesman, the City of Boise is running yet another round of budget shortfalls.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/1023484.html

The city has stated that they have $5 million that they can put into building the Boise streetcar. Plus, the streetcars estimated operating and maintenance costs are around $1.4 million per year (it generates no income).

Where is the city coming up with all of this money all of a sudden, when they have been running deficits ands shortfalls for quite a long time now? Not nearly enough tough questions have been asked about the streetcar project and if the grant is approved, the city will ram it through and commit itself to long-term debt and operating costs that it simply cannot afford. This will require them to keep diverting money into the streetcar from other areas, and they will have to also go back to the downtown property owners for more money. Wrong project, wrong place, wrong time.

State Parks may have to close from Lack of Federal Dollars, but Streetcar Still On Track

2009-12-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

As reported in todays Idaho Statesman at http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/1012382.html, several Idaho state parks are under threat of closure due to lack of funding. Many of the dollars they receive each year are from the federal government.

It's ironic that the federal government, including all four Idaho members of Congress, are falling all over themselves trying to put in streetcars all over the country, but lack the foresight to protect existing parks that are of utmost importance. In Idaho, the parks are not only used by residents, but thousands of out of state travelers come to them every year, spending millions of tourist dollars. The possibly now exists that when they show up to visit, the "CLOSED DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING" signs at some of the parks will be in their faces.

Just another example of how the priorities of our elected officials are a complete disconnect from reality. All four of the Idaho Congressional members - Walt Minnick, Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, and Mike Simpson - are pro-streetcar. Apparently they do not care about the lack of funds for Idaho state parks. As I have stated numerous times, every tax dollar spent on a streetcar system is a tax dollar that is taken away from something else.

Another Week - Another 100% Streetcar Opposition on Mayor Hotline

2009-12-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

Once again 100% opposition to Boise streetcar by callers on the Mayor Hotline.

http://boiseguardian.com/2009/12/08/mayor-hotline-november-28-to-december-5/

If you would like to call the Mayor's Hotline number is 384-4404

Thanks again to the Boise Guardian for posting the transcript.

NEW Testimony Regarding Portland Streetcar Expansion Shows Massive Waste

2009-12-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

As reported in recent Portland council testimony, the Portland streetcar is massively expensive to build, operate and maintain. Please take the time to read through this as it shows exactly where Boise will be headed if we build one here:

http://www.cascadepolicy.org/pdf/Streetcar%20concept%20plan%20testimony%20Sept%2009.pdf

Just the summary alone states it perfectly:

"The Portland Streetcar is 73 times more expensive to build per-mile than the Rapid Bus alternative; in what ways is it 73 times better? In fact, it is not superior by even a single metric. The Rapid Bus system is cheaper, more flexible, twice as fast, arrives more often, is easier to implement, and its users are willing to pay 23 times more for service.
Portland is a city whose leaders pride themselves on promoting “sustainability,” yet the streetcar requires subsidies for 100% of capital costs and 98% of operating costs. Exponential debt is not a sustainable development concept."

As reported in my other posts in this blog, Portland is facing reduced mass transit ridership but increasing operation and maintenance costs. They have also REDUCED bus service on many routes because there is not enough money to go around - see http://trimet.org/news/novemberproposal.htm - and see what is conspicuously ABSENT from the cuts - their STREETCAR. They have reduced the MAX (their light rail) and bus services, but not the streetcar, which they are talking about expanding.

This proves what I have said many times - every dollar spent on a streetcar will be a dollar that will not be available for other transit or city projects. If it is happening in Portland with its bigger population, and its 25% higher population density, what will happen to Boise if we get a streetcar here? Most likely, the future problems we will face budgetwise will be WORSE.

Creation of a Local Improvement District for Streetcar is an Unfair Distribution of Tax Burden

2009-12-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

In order to pay for the approximately $20 to $25 million of the Boise city share of the streetcar project, the city would have to create a local improvement district, or LID, on approximately 660 downtown properties. The LID cost per property would be based on a per square foot charge over 20 years.

LID's are usually created for infrastructure improvements for the general good of the district, such as sewers and sidewalks. The creation of a LID for public transportation in Boise is unprecedented.

This LID proposal is what I would call a 'lopsided LID' because it has a much bigger impact on some property owners than others. Owners of large properties will pay more than owners of smaller ones. The property owners that are the farthest away from the proposed route will see the least benefit from the streetcar (which in my opinion has little to none), but they still have to pay the same tax per square foot.

The largest property owners downtown will pay the most in LID taxes, but will see the least benefit from a streetcar. Companies like Idaho Power, St. Luke's, the former Boise Cascade building, and the larger office and bank buildings all have their own parking lots or garages. Very few people would take a streetcar to or from those destinations, because if a person is driving downtown, they would simply use one of the existing parking areas to go to their destination.

For example, if you were going to the hospital, you wouldn't drive downtown and park at 13th and Main and then wait for a streetcar to take you to St. Luke's; you would simply drive all the way there and park in their parking lot or garage. Yet, St. Luke's will be one of the, if not the, highest taxed properties in the district.

Residential properties in the district will also be taxed, even though they could not possibly be considered as a streetcar origin or destination.

In short, the proposed LID is a punitive way to raise taxes on property owners to pay for a project that has almost no real benefit to the district as a whole. It's unfortunate that under state law, no vote of the property owners is required to create the LID; only 3 people on the city council are needed.

Idaho legislators investigating LID tax laws because of Boise Streetcar Project

2009-11-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

In Idaho, it is legal for a city to pass a tax assessment on property owners. This is called a local improvement district, or LID, and can be done one time. The original intent of LIDs was for improvements within a district for things like streets, sewers and sidewalks.

But now, the city of Boise is trying to use that existing law to create a LID for the streetcar project. This would affect downtown businesses to the tune of $20 million dollars or more. Because of this, Idaho House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, and House Representative Raul Labrador, want to change the existing law to make any LID over $1 million to be put to a vote by property owners.

As quoted in the Idaho Statesman regarding the streeetcar:

"The way the process works today, the people who are paying the taxes don't have a say, and that needs to be fixed," House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, said.

"That's the kind of project I don't think an LID is appropriate for," Labrador said. "We have gotten away from the initial purpose of an LID, which was to help on small projects - very local, small projects."

Read the complete story at:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/990246.html

Boise Streetcar Open House to be Held Thursday Dec 3rd - Please Attend and Protest

2009-11-29T05:11:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Adam Park
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009 384-4402 /apark@cityofboise.org
CITY OF BOISE TO HOST SECOND OPEN HOUSE
ON PROPOSED BOISE STREETCAR SYSTEM

The City of Boise will host a second open house to give the public an opportunity to learn more
about the proposed phase one of the Boise Streetcar System and provide their views on the
project. The open house will be held as part of the December “First Thursday” event on
Thursday, December 3, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the storefront at 821 W. Idaho St.
(near 9th St.).

The public will be able to learn more about the history of the project, potential benefits of streetcar
systems, how a streetcar could function in Boise, possible funding sources and possible next steps.
Those attending the open house will be given an opportunity to provide their feedback via written
comment cards. Any residents unable to attend the open house can send their comments or
questions to boisestreetcar@cityofboise.org.

My note on the open houses- the 'open' houses are 100% pro-streetcar marketing events. At the last one, a streetcar opponent was told he had to go outside and stay on the sidewalk to hand out flyers. These open houses are tightly controlled and no public commentary is allowed other than on comment sheets. You cannot speak publicly. One thing that was found out at the last one - opponents are not welcome at these. It is important that, if you are against the streetcar, that you show up and at least fill out one of the comment sheets.

Once again 100% opposition to Streetcar on this weeks Mayor Hotline

2009-11-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Once again, as reported by the Boise Guardian, the Boise Mayor Hotline transcripts show 100% opposition to the planned streetcar.

http://boiseguardian.com/2009/11/23/mayor-hotline-november-14-to-20/

The Mayor's Office still hasn't got the hint.

Second Statesman Survey Shows even More People Against Streetcar

2009-11-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

"Boiseans - by a factor of three to one - would prefer spending more money on buses than on a Downtown streetcar, which most don't think will boost the economy or jump-start a regional transit system, according to a Mason-Dixon poll commissioned by the Idaho Statesman."

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/982615.html

-----------------------------------------------

This is the second survey commissioned by the Idaho Statesman regarding the streetcar. The results show basically the same thing that the first one did; PEOPLE DO NOT WANT THE STREETCAR. Unfortunately, no one at City Hall is listening.

Questions raised over streetcar outreach bid

2009-11-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Idaho Statesman is reporting that there were come transparency concerns over the streetcar public outreach contract bid that was approved by the Boise City Council.

The story is available here:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/976031.html?commentSort=TimeStampDescending&pageNum=1

DAVE LITSTER DETAILS PLANS TO ADVANCE PETITION TO PROHIBIT STREETCAR CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL‏

2009-11-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

LITSTER HAS EARLY MORNING TALK CONGRATULATING TJ THOMSON;

HE DETAILS PLANS TO “PUT THE TROLLEY ISSUE TO A VOTE”

Dave Litster today thanked his supporters and volunteers “for putting their best efforts into making a difference at the local level. Though the outcome was disappointing, we had a great effort for a campaign that began in earnest barely a month ago and raised a third of the money of my opponent.”

Litster said he called TJ Thomson after midnight Tuesday. “We had a good visit about focusing on the important issues facing Boise, and I congratulated him on the enthusiasm he generated with his supporters.”

LITSTER DETAILS PLANS TO “PUT THE TROLLEY ISSUE TO A VOTE”

As to his initiative petition to prohibit construction of the streetcar without approval from the voters, Litster reported that the signature push at the recent BSU-San Jose game generated hundreds of signatures.

He said about 1,500 signatures have been collected so far and he asked everyone who has a petition to return it to the campaign P.O. Box (found at dave4boise.com) for tabulation.

Litster said within two weeks he will create a political action committee “to advance this effort and other important issues facing Boise.” He said by December he hoped to have the 5,000 additional signatures needed to complete the petition.

“Once that is completed, the voters will have the final say, not just the vote of three city council members plus the mayor,” concluded Litster.

Incumbent re-election not a Mandate for Streetcar

2009-11-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Now that the city elections are over and the incumbents have been put back in office, it is time for a renewed effort to make them understand that their re-election is not a message from the public that the streetcar is supported.

From what they have said in the past, it is pretty much a given at this point that all council members are either pro-streetcar or could easily be swayed in that direction. The majority of the public is against the streetcar. Should the cities grant application be approved, it is the duty of the city council to take the public input into consideration when considering their vote.

Mayors Hotline Goes Up in Flames with Streetcar Complaints

2009-11-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to people in the media for keeping the streetcar issue at the forefront, and to the Boise Guardian website for publishing the transcripts, last weeks Boise Mayor Hotline was the subject of some pretty heated comments about the Boise streetcar.

Only one pro-streetcar caller was reported.

To see the transcript, please reference:

http://boiseguardian.com/2009/11/03/mayor-hotline-october-24-to-30/

If you haven't called yet, the number is 384-4404

POPULUS Survey shows only 1/3rd of Respondents Support Boise Streetcar

2009-10-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

As reported in the Idaho Statesman, a survey by POPULUS, a local, non-partisan survey company, showed only 1/3rd of 670 respondents supported a streetcar in downtown Boise.

Mayor Dave Bieter responded to the survey by telling the Statesman that the respondents poor support for the project was because of their lack of access to information.

I would submit that the respondents to the survey are a lot smarter than Mayor Biter gives them credit for.

Council Candidate Dave Litster Announces Streetcar Petition Drive at BSU Game

2009-10-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

LITSTER ANNOUNCES SATURDAY MORNING PETITION SIGNING DRIVE BEFORE BSU GAME; SAYS IT “COULD EFFECTIVELY SHUT DOWN THE TROLLEY FOLLY ONCE AND FOR ALL”

INVITES PUBLIC TO JOIN HIM FROM OCTOBER 31st 10 AM TO 1 PM IN FRONT OF BSU STADIUM BRONCO STATUE

LITSTER RELEASES LINK TO TV INTERVIEW ON HIS BACKGROUND, POSITIONS

Boise City Council candidate Dave Litster announced a massive Petition signing drive prior to the BSU game Saturday morning (October 31st) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM that he says “could effectively shut down the trolley folly concept once and for all.”

If Litster collects the 6,500 signatures needed, he will file it with the Boise City Clerk on Monday morning. Litster’s Petition, launched last week, will change Boise City law and prohibit the construction of a streetcar system without approval by a majority vote of the people.

Current law allows the mayor and a minimum of three city council members to authorize construction of the trolley along with the $20,000,000 local tax increase to fund it.

Litster said he hopes at least one hundred people will join together to collect signatures of those headed to the BSU game.

Those interested in helping are asked to show up in front of the bucking bronco at the south end of the stadium. The first group will meet at 10:00 AM but Litster invited all to come when they could, clear up to the 1:00 PM game time. Litster invited anyone with questions to call the campaign phone, 724-3338.

The language of Litster’s Intiative Petition says:

“Before the Boise City Council can enact any ordinance, measure or resolution for the purpose of spending City funds to construct, in the downtown section of the City, a streetcar or trolley system, with railroad tracks in the streets and electrified cables overhead, the Council must first obtain approval for said expenditure by the vote of over 50% of the legal voters of the City.”

Litster also released a link to a recent KTVB Channel 7 interview. It’s about three minutes long, covering his background, why he jumped into the race, and the issues that he’s concerned about.

[see http://www.ktvb.com/home/related/Boise-City-Council-candidate-David-Litster-67070722.html ]

Analysis: How the Boise CIty Council Members Voted on the $90,000 streetcar marketing campaign

2009-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

In previous posts it was noted that a $90,000 marketing campaign for the Boise streetcar was put on hold while city council members could consider it further. After that consideration, it was decided to put it to a council vote. It passed yesterday, and here is an analysis of part of that contract and how they voted.

There were a couple of parts of the contract that caught my attention. My remarks are in red. Part of the contract states:

“Question: Define winning for this project.
Answer: The City will consider the project successful if the citizens actively participate in this process and if they have been provided with facts and data that can support an informed decision.”

If that is the case, and it is decided by the council to move forward with this contract, in my opinion it will be necessary under this contract for Cronin and Associates to provide the citizens with the necessary facts and data that show how streetcars can both positively AND negatively affect a community; not just one side.

If this contract is to be approved solely for the purposes of promoting, marketing, and informing the public of only the positive aspects of streetcars, then the public will not have been properly briefed on streetcars, and therefore the contract will not serve its intended purpose of public outreach.

The Cronin and Associates attachment to the contract states:

“Similarly, we see the streetcar outreach effort not only as an opportunity to educate residents about why the time is right for a downtown streetcar but also to make the broader case that our region’s quality of life hinges on our ability to plan for the future by investing in public transit. Traffic, air quality, and the vibrancy of downtown not only impact our quality of life, but also directly correlate to our economic strength. A downtown streetcar can serve as the first phase of a longer-term expansion of our transit system that will eventually tie into other routes and corridors and provide residents with more options for moving about the valley.”

This statement specifically speaks only to the positive aspects of a streetcar and therefore it appears fairly obvious that the outreach program will only present that side.

In addition, active participation by the citizens will be overwhelmed by the fact that the city will be spending $90,000 (or some other amount as yet to be determined) on their campaign while the citizens do not have any tax money to spend to present their side, whether pro or con.

On to the voting.

Reported in the Idaho Statesman:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/951824.htm l

KTVB:

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-oct2709-street_car_public_relations.25b73d492.html

FOX12:

http://www.fox12idaho.com/Global/story.asp?S=11396057&nav=menu439_4_6

Here is how each member voted and my analysis is in red:

Alan Shealy voted yes, claiming that the public has been misinformed about the streetcar and that it had been hijacked for political purposes. He said, “There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there, disinformation that I think rivals the war department, regarding such issues as why don't you spend the money on commuter rail, why don't you buy buses.” I do not know what the public has been misinformed about other than the fact that the city and CCDC are only presenting one side of the streetcar debate. Based on his comment and vote it would be fairly safe to assume he is pro-streetcar.

Dave Eberle also voted yes and expressed concerns over the media calling it a trolley instead of a streetcar. Apparently he along with Shealy also must feel that the public isn't getting the correct information.

Maryanne Jordan voted yes. This should have come as no surprise as she has already pretty much confirmed that she is pro-streetcar when she told the media that we didn't want to miss the chance of getting the $40 million of federal grant money - despite her claim on her website that she is for the efficient use of tax dollars http://www.maryannejordan.com/issues.htm

Jim Tibbs voted no. Again this was no surprise - he has been an outspoken critic of the streetcar from the beginning.

Vern Bisterfeldt voted no. This was a bit of a surprise vote, but his reasoning hinged on the fact that the grant money was not yet approved.

Elaine Clegg voted yes. She is pro-streetcar so no surprise there.

Council Candidate Dave Litster speaks out again on Streetcar Spending

2009-10-27T20:55:00.001-07:00

Boise City Council candidate Dave Litster blasted the quarter-million dollars in past and planned spending by the CCDC and Boise City on public relations for Mayor Bieter’s downtown streetcar.

“Spending nearly a quarter million scarce tax dollars on streetcar public relations is nothing short of obscene,” declared Litster.

“I’m dumbfounded and the taxpayers are fed up. Apparently neither the Mayor nor the CCDC have gotten the message,” he added.

BLASTS $90,000 IN P.R. SPENDING FOR MAYOR BIETER’S “PET PROJECT”

The $90,000 public relations contract is again on the Boise Council’s Tuesday agenda with a recommendation to award it to the Mayor’s former campaign aide, Mr. Cronin. Three weeks ago Litster asked the City Clerk to pull it off the routine voice-vote “Consent Agenda” and it was tabled by the City Council.

The meeting this week will begin at noon, and the public relations contract discussion is scheduled between 1:00 and 2:00 pm, and public testimony will be allowed. [See link with City of Boise agenda and attachments, http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/City_Clerk/PDF/Agendas/2009/102709ca.pdf].

“With one firefighter and 12 police positions unfunded and unfilled, how can the Boise City Council justify spending $90,000 in P.R. on Mayor Bieter’s pet project?” asked Litster.

STREETCAR SIESTA

Litster called on downtown employers to declare a “Streetcar Siesta” from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Tuesday so interested employees could attend and testify. Litster said he will speak in opposition and asked the public to join him.

CCDC LETTER TO LITSTER ON $135,00 IN P.R. SPENDING

Litster also released a letter he received from CCDC Director Phillip Kushlan that attempts to justify $135,000 in spending on public relations and “communications” for the downtown streetcar system.

“Unfortunately the CCDC already flushed $65,000 in tax dollars down the drain on trolley folly P.R., but if the public speaks out maybe we can salvage the other $75,000,” said Litster.

Litster said he hopes taxpayers will contact the CCDC and voice their concerns.

“This is just one more example of why we need a law prohibiting construction on the trolley without a vote of the people,” concluded Litster, referring to the initiative petition drive he has begun to enact such an ordinance. Current law allows a vote of as few as three Boise City Council members along with the Mayor to authorize construction of the trolley.

Litster sent a letter last week asking the CCDC to give him an accounting of how much was and would be spent on public relations/communications in fiscal year 2009 and 2010.

In Kushlan’s October 19, 2009 letter he said in part:

“You have asked for a detailing of what has been spent to date on streetcar-related communications. Here are those items:

1) $43,023 to Drake Cooper for outreach strategy, website development, and targeted communications.

2) $17,200 to Ritter Consulting for assistance to the Streetcar Taskforce and focused outreach/communications with nearby property and business owners.

“The CCDC Board of Commissioners has allocated an additional $75,000 for the FY 2010 budget. How much of this amount will be spent, and what specific activities will be supported has not yet been determined. Expenditures will be made based upon developing needs of the project as advised by the Streetcar Task Force and directed by the CCDC Board.”

The CCDC is the Capitol City Development Corporation that takes a portion of property tax revenue to build infrastructure and enhance downtown.

Boise streetcar PR contract back on Council agenda

2009-10-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

As reported in the Idaho Statesman, once again the City Council agenda includes the $90,000 streetcar public relations contract to Cronin and Associates.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/946822.html

Cronin and Associates is owned by a former Mayor Bieter campaign staffer.

It should also be noted that the city claimed it did not have the $93,000 necessary to fix the Greenbelt by the new Parkcenter bridge. How is it, then, do they have $90,000 to promote a streetcar that they haven't even gotten grant approval for?

A copy of the contract is here:
http://www.cityofboise.org/city_clerk/100609/r-291-09.pdf

The council meeting is at noon Tuesday, October 27th.

It will only take THREE Council votes to spend $60 million tax dollars.

2009-10-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

That's right - THREE yes votes is all it will take to spend $60 million of your tax dollars for the Boise streetcar project. There are six people on the council plus Mayor Bieter to be the tiebreaker if needed. He will automatically vote YES. Therefore, only three other council members have to vote yes also.

Wouldn't YOU like to have a say in it?

IDAHO FREEDOM FOUNDATION HOSTS CATO SPEAKER ON BOISE STREETCAR PROPOSAL

2009-10-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

October 22, 2009

Contact: Steve Owen

steve@idahofreedom.net

899-6460

The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) has announced a luncheon presentation on the proposed streetcar project for downtown Boise, according to Wayne Hoffman, IFF Executive Director.

Randal O’Toole, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, will make a presentation at a Wednesday, November 11 luncheon at noon at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 610 W Idaho St. O’Toole lives in Portland, OR and has firsthand experience with transportation and streetcar issues in that city.

Randal O'Toole works on urban growth, public land, and transportation issues at the Cato Institute. O'Toole's research and analysis of urban land-use and transportation issues, brought together in his 2001 book, The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths, has influenced decisions in cities across the country. In his most recent book, The Best-Laid Plans, O'Toole calls for repealing federal, state, and local planning laws and proposes reforms that can help solve social and environmental problems without heavy-handed government regulation. O'Toole has also written for Regulation magazine as well as op-eds and articles for numerous national journals and newspapers. O'Toole travels extensively and has spoken about free-market environmental issues dozens of cities. An Oregon native, O'Toole was educated in forestry at Oregon State University and in economics at the University of Oregon.

The Idaho Freedom Foundation is Idaho’s only think tank dedicated to finding free market solutions to challenges facing the state.

Reservations for the lunch presentation can be made at www.idahofreedom.net. There is a $10 charge for the lunch and program. Tickets will be available at the door for $12.

###

MY NOTE - O'Toole is the author of The Streetcar Hoax, and Debunking Portland - which can be viewed at:

http://www.newswithviews.com/O'Toole/randal5.htm

and

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8643

Council Candidate Dave Litsters Remarks About Streetcar Petition

2009-10-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

REMARKS OF DAVE LITSTER AT THE MEDIA CONFERENCE LAUNCHING THE STREETCAR INITITATIVE PETITION (attended by several TV stations in front of Boise City Hall, 12:30 Thursday, October 22, 2009)

One of the central themes of my campaign is: Keeping a careful eye on city taxes and spending.

This proposed trolley system is wrong on both counts.

Another central theme is: Listening to the voters.

This proposed ordinance not only makes the city council and Mayor listen to the voters, but it REQUIRES them to take instructions from the voters on this issue.

The only reason I’m proposing this Ordinance is because the Mayor has made it clear that he has the power to impose on the people this streetcar system and the $20 million tax increase that goes with it.

And finally, let me say that I hope that the voters will join me in this exercise in democracy and quickly gather the required 6,500 signatures as the first step in this process.”

The language of the Petition follows:

Starting Friday, October 23, voters can download copies of the Petition to sign and circulate. Locations to pick up copies of the Petition will be announced later.

www.dave4boise.com

What do these things really look like anyway?

2009-10-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, let's take a closer look at the Portland streetcar. See the overhead wires? That's what downtown Boise will look like. Just so you know. Click on the picture for a larger view.

Once again 100% Opposition to Streetcar on Mayors Hotline for the week

2009-10-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Once again, as reported at the Boise Guardian, there is 100% opposition to the streetcar from callers to the Boise Mayor's hotline.

http://boiseguardian.com/2009/10/19/mayor-hotline-october-10-to-16/

I hope these aren't falling on deaf ears. If you wish to call, it's 384-4044

The Portland Streetcar's Staggering Costs for a 4 mile route - in Black and White

2009-10-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is - direct from their own website - the cost breakdown of the Portland Streetcar - a mere $103+ million for a 4-mile loop plus $4.9 million operating costs:

http://www.portlandstreetcar.org/pdf/capital_and_operations_summary_20080213.pdf

Where to Boise City Council Members Stand on the Streetcar?

2009-10-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

There were some interesting comments regarding the streetcar by Boise CIty Council members as reported in the October 18th Idaho Statesman:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/940080.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=7752420#Comments_Container

The most disturbing came from Council President Maryanne Jordan, who basically summed up her position by saying "We couldn't pass up the opportunity for a $40 million grant". She is perfectly willing to commit the city to hundreds of millions ($60 million for the first streetcar phase plus subsidies plus over $200+ million for the next 3 phases) of taxpayer supported perpetual debt for an outdated, outmoded, useless mode of transportation while the city is already running a $9 million and growing deficit and doesn't even have a working bus system. They can't even fix the Greenbelt, fund arts programs, or control their health insurance costs, among a whole litany of other shortfalls, but she still wants a streetcar.

This is simply short-term irresponsible thinking that displays a lack of financial acumen. The $60 million initial spending spree is just the beginning of going down a very long dark road of perpetual spending, plus tax and fee increases over time to support the streetcar. There is no free money and no free streetcar.

It has already happened. The city has spent money on the streetcar that they don't have as reported in a previous post.

http://noboisestreetcar.blogspot.com/2009/10/boise-city-ccdc-have-already-spent-over.html

Boise City, CCDC have already spent over a million dollars on Boise streetcar expenses

2009-10-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

As reported in the Idaho Business Review at:

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/10/12/City-CCDC-ring-up-a-million-in-expenses-for-streetcar-system

The CCDC and City of Boise have ALREADY spent over ONE MILLION dollars in expenses on the Boise streetcar project in the last two years.

The city has already admitted they are broke, running a 9+ million deficit, and cannot complete needed projects because of lack of funding. This is exactly what I talk about in almost every other article I post - other projects will go unfunded in order to continue on with the tax boondoggle called the Boise streetcar.

Council Candidate Litster Issues Statement on Streetcar; asks CCDC for more info on Money Spent

2009-10-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Council Candidate Dave Litster has issued the following media release, and letter to the CCDC, regarding the money that has either been or is proposed to be spent on the Boise streetcar. Click on the images for a larger view.

Boise Streetcar - Transportation Project or Development Attractor?

2009-10-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have to say, watching some of the posts on other websites have been interesting to say the least. There seems to be no consensus on what the Boise streetcar is supposed to be. Is it supposed to be a transportation project, or is it something to enhance development?

It reminds of an old skit that was on Saturday Night Live back in the 70's. It was about a product called Shimmer and it went like this:

Wife.....Gilda Radner
Husband.....Dan Aykroyd
Spokesman.....Chevy Chase

[ open on suburban kitchen, Wife and Husband arguing ]

Wife: New Shimmer is a floor wax!

Husband: No, new Shimmer is a dessert topping!

Wife: It's a floor wax!

Husband: It's a dessert topping!

Wife: It's a floor wax, I'm telling you!

Husband: It's a dessert topping, you cow!

Spokesman: [ enters quickly ] Hey, hey, hey, calm down, you two. New Shimmer is both a floor wax and a dessert topping! Here, I'll spray some on your mop.. [ sprays Shimmer onto mop ] ..and some on your butterscotch pudding. [ sprays Shimmer onto pudding ]

[ Husband eats while Wife mops ]

Husband: Mmmmm, tastes terrific!

Wife: And just look at that shine! But will it last?

Spokesman: Hey, outlasts every other leading floor wax, 2 to 1. It's durable, and it's scuff-resistant.

Husband: And it's delicious!

Spokesman: Sure is! Perks up anything from an ice cream sundae to a pumpkin pie!

Wife: Made from an exclusive non-yellowing formula.

Husband: I haven't even touched my pudding and I'm ready for more!

Wife: But what about black heel marks?

Spokesman: Dirt, grime, even black heel marks, wipe clean with a damp mop.

[ Husband accidentally sprays Shimmer onto the floor ]

Husband: Oh, sorry, honey, I'll clean that up!

Wife: Oh, no problem, sweetheart, not with new Shimmer!

[ Spokesman laughs continuously as he approaches the camera ]

Spokesman: New Shimmer, for the greatest shine you ever tasted!

Ok, now back to the streetcar. Which is it, exactly? According to their website, it's BOTH a transportation project AND an attraction to developers.

This is what their site says:

"A downtown streetcar is expected to enhance and transform the transportation system and serve as a catalyst for downtown development and revitalization."

And in fact they make an even bolder claim:

"a regional transportation system could fit together that would include a downtown circulator, multimodal center and a high priority corridor connecting Treasure Valley communities." (The downtown circulator to them means a STREETCAR.)

And, to top that off, Mayor Bieter has also said it will be a TOURIST ATTRACTION.

So, like Shimmer being a multi-use product, the Boise streetcar with it's teensy 1.2 mile coverage will be the answer (according to the proponents) not only to transportation needs but also development potential, AND bring in tourists to boot. There are just a few catches. There's that pesky $60 million up front cost, the 20-year LID tax on downtown businesses, the fact that downtown is already for the most part developed, and the ongoing maintenance and expansion costs that have the potential of taking money away from other projects.

Portland raises Parking Rates to offset Streetcar Maintenance Costs.

2009-10-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of excerpts from Portland transit reports. Please take note:

"The transportation maintenance liability continued to increase faster than revenues. The primary source of PDOT’s discretionary operating revenue, the State Highway Trust Fund, is not indexed to inflation and has not been increased by the Oregon Legislature since 1993. The result is a continuing loss of general transportation revenue purchasing power from 1993, which is projected to continue over the next five years. Additional parking revenues while increasing have been dedicated to streetcar operations (33% City share), aerial tram operations (15% City share) and transit mall match debt service. While funds are identified to build projects, ongoing operating and maintenance costs become the long-term obligation of the City’s Office of Transportation."

http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?a=233289&c=49854

That was in 2007 - AFTER they had raised the parking rates in 2004 to $1.25 per hour to get more revenue for the streetcar maintenance backlog as discussed here:

http://sustainableportland.org/auditor/index.cfm?a=94581&c=38633

Also in 2007 a new gas tax was proposed to offset the $422 million dollar road maintenance backlog:

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=118246339050432900

Again - every dollar that is spent on a streetcar is a dollar that cannot be used elsewhere. If they need more money for maintenance or operations costs they will simply raise fees and taxes to get it.

When the transportation needs of Boise are being discussed, it is important that taxpayers dollars are spent in ways that provide the best benefit to the taxpayers.

Latest Mayor Hotline report shows 100% opposition to Streetcar

2009-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Boise Guardian, the last Mayor Hotline transcript showed that 100% of the people calling in about the streetcar were opposed to it.

http://boiseguardian.com/2009/10/12/mayor-hotline-october-3-to-9/

More people need to call and write in to let the Mayor and City Council know their opinion.

Email comments to boisestreetcar@cityofboise.org (you will get a canned pro-streetcar reply)

Mayor's Hotline 384-4404

Contact the Boise City Councilhttp://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Mayor/CityCouncil/page935.aspx

Idaho Statesman Letter to editorhttp://forms.idahostatesman.com/lettertoeditor/

Boise Weekly Letter to Editorhttp://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/ContactUs/Page

Portland Streetcar costs contribute to Road Paving Backlogs

2009-10-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

The city of Boise and the CCDC proudly point to the Portland streetcar as a model of success. As I have already pointed out in previous posts, many transit analysts disagree with that assessment. In a new study last September in the Oregon Business Report, the following was found:

"Since the streetcar began construction, Portland’s streets have suffered. During that time, Portland has added 500 lane miles to its backlog of unpaved streets. Portland’s current backlog could pave a two-lane road from Portland to San Francisco, California. Since streetcar construction began, each additional mile of streetcar has been associated with an additional 114 miles of unpaved roads in the City of Portland."

You can read the entire report here:

http://oregonbusinessreport.com/2009/09/portland-gives-up-streets-for-streetcars/

If you look at the graphs provided, you can see that the road paving backlog has steadily increased since the streetcar was put in - not surprising given the huge tax subsidies required to keep their streetcar running.

There is only so much money to go around. Every dollar spent on propping up a streetcar that is not generating revenue (and the Boise one will be 'free' to ride) is a dollar that cannot be spent elsewhere.

Please contact your friends and relatives and tell them to tell the Boise CIty Council NO.

City can't pay for Parks and Greenbelt Development but still wants Streetcar

2009-10-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

As I have pointed out numerous times, the city of Boise is running mounting deficits and is facing a $9 million budget shortfall. This was just reported again in the Idaho Statesman in an article talking about - guess what - lack of funding for parks and the Greenbelt.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/933205.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=1437896#Comments_Container

Let this serve as a warning. If the streetcar project is put in, any cost overruns will mean that money for other city projects WILL BE REDUCED. This is the same thing that is happening in other cities. Streetcars have fairly fixed overhead and in the case of budget shortfalls, money will be diverted from other projects to pay for their continued inefficient operation.

This is the THIRD article in less than a month that has been in the news regarding departmental budget shortfalls in the city. In September, Mayor Bieter told the media that the cities health care costs were straining budgets, and shortly afterwards Councilwomand Clegg reported that the arts programs were in funding trouble - but both of these people think the streetcar is something that the city should put in.

Please contact the City Council today and tell them we do not need a streetcar when the city has more urgent needs to attend to.

http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Mayor/CityCouncil/page935.aspx

Flawed Future Routes make Streetcar even Less Desirable

2009-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest issues with the proposal is not just the initial route, but the three proposed future expansions that have received very little attention by the media. If we put in the initial phase at $60+ million plus the 20-year downtown LID tax, then the city has gone down a path of no retreat. They must expand the system or admit it was a failure.

The future expansions will have to be paid for in tomorrows dollars – meaning more expensive – and both the Broadway and Capital phases have the same problem the downtown phase has – no development of the kind they are claiming will take place because they are either already developed or development is already planned for those areas. However, they WILL put in more LID taxes in those areas which will drive up lease rates and discourage the existing property tenants.

This is a massive flaw in the Boise plan compared to other streetcar cities like Little Rock, which added their streetcar as part of an overall $300 million district marketplace – and even then their streetcar was not added until 2004 even though the market district development started in 1996.

BSU Annouces renovation of old East Jr. High - no streetcar required

2009-10-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

Boise State University has announced a $2.5 million dollar gift towards the projected $5.5 million dollar renovation of the former East Jr. High near the intersection of Broadway and Warm Springs. This would come as a complete shock to streetcar proponents who would find it hard to believe that development could take place without a streetcar being present. The project is expected to be completed by 2011 - probably before any streetcar (if approved) turns a wheel in Boise.

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/10/10/ccripe/boise_state_announces_25_million_gift_former_east_junior_high_si#comment-304300

Boise City Council Candidate Dave Litster says Citizens should Vote on Trolley

2009-10-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

LITSTER INTENDS TO LAUNCH PETITION DRIVE TO REQUIRE VOTER
APPROVAL ON CITY TROLLEY PLAN

Boise City Council candidate Dave Litster said today that he intends to launch a
petition drive by the end of next week to require voter approval for before Boise City
builds the proposed trolley.

Said Litster, “I am opposed to the Mayor’s proposed $60 million trolley and the
$20 million property tax increase that comes with it. But regardless of my view, I believe
the taxpayers should have the final say on a trolley that will cost $2 million per city block
and $2 million per year to operate.”

Said Litster, “My campaign is about filling this vacancy with someone who will
listen to the voters. I say to the city: “Before you saddle the voters with a ridiculous
trolley, get our permission.”

Litster said he would file the initiative petition by the end of next week. He said
he would be working with his advisors and contacting the Boise City legal department to
craft acceptable language.

Litster invited anyone who is interested in helping in this effort to contact him
through his web site at www.dave4boise.com.

He said he was advised by the Boise City clerk that the signatures of about 6,500
registered city voters would have to be collected.

“With enough citizen support, I am confident the required number of signatures
could be collected before the November 3rd election. This would send a powerful
message that the voters want some more “common sense at city hall,” said Litster,
referring to his campaign theme.

If Litster collects the signatures, the City Council would then have to vote to
accept or reject Litster’s proposed ordinance to require voter approval before moving
ahead on a trolley.

If they reject Litster’s initiative petition, a city election would be required to
decide the issue.

(http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/City_Clerk/PDF/CityCode/Title1/0122.pdf)

Litster is running against TJ Thomson for an open city council seat for an election
scheduled on November 3rd.