2008 Middletown homecoming
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COMMENTARY
Another view: Are trolleys or streetcars Dayton's next 'big thing'?
Our view: Trolley idea not the only good idea
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
While the Dayton region is facing a number of challenges, our community has had some great success stories.
The Schuster Center is a world-class performing arts center in the heart of our region. Community leaders took a desolate area along the river in downtown Dayton and turned it into the beautiful RiverScape park that has become a gathering spot. Regional visionaries also recruited the Dragons and built Fifth Third Field, which has been an unqualified entertainment and economic success.
Extras
For our region to attract jobs and provide a high quality of life for all our residents, we must have a thriving, vibrant and livable central city.
These successes have led to much community discussion around the question, "What is the next community development project that can complement the strategic investments that we've made happen?"
Is it more urban housing? Redevelopment of the Arcade? Ballpark Village?
During the past year, some have proposed that what's needed is not one particular project, but an infrastructure piece of the puzzle that could link together what we already have. The goal would be to encourage private development around our amenities.
Some people have proposed a "light rail/trolley" system that could eventually link the downtown and neighborhoods with our aviation attractions and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Much research has already been done, and more than $2 million has been spent studying the issue. (A complete report of the proposed lines can be found on the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission Web site at www.mvrpc.org/dahc/.)
Many communities that have established trolleys and streetcars have been successful in promoting private development.
After three comprehensive studies looking at the possibility of a heritage trolley system for Dayton, some community leaders asked the Greater Dayton RTA board to evaluate the feasibility of the idea. RTA's preliminary conclusion is that instead of beginning with 16 miles of track linking the entire city, a short starter segment of approximately 3 miles could be built.
A potential starter segment could connect the University of Dayton to downtown, including the Oregon District. If this section is successful, then other areas, such as Wright-Dunbar and Carillon Park, could be added.
There seems to be a growing consensus that this system of modern, convenient travel could be a great thing for Dayton. But to move forward, we believe our community needs to answer two questions:
• Do we agree that this rail system is a regional transportation priority?
• If so, how do we fund both the capital and operating costs?
The RTA has committed to its customers and taxpayers that the days of operating at a deficit cannot continue. Additionally, the RTA board is committed to maintaining as high of service levels as possible within its budget.
RTA can be a great partner in this project, but we must look at how other communities have funded these types of systems. RTA must maintain the transit services that many in our community depend on daily.
Michael Ervin is a former co-chair of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. Bryan J. Bucklew is chairman of the RTA board of trustees.
How to go
What: Discussion of historic trolleys
When: Thursday, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Dayton Convention Center, Room 302
