What Business Would Benefit From New Convention Center and Amtrak Back Downtown?

[Charles Hunter]

The only way the JTA can grow is through future sales taxes.

No. Actually, all that has to happen is that the funds being stockpiled to build yet another 'outer beltway' that will be totally negative in it's impact, instead be spent on alternative infrastructure (rail) that will counteract sprawl rather than create more of it.   

See Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Phoenix, New Mexico etc. for examples.

From what I've heard at their public meetings, with the exception of "a few million" for environmental and engineering studies, there is no money "stockpiled to build yet another outer beltway".  If that road is built, it will be built by a private company that will charge tolls to get their money back.

But I like the idea of using BJP funds for a starter streetcar system as described above.

[vicupstate]

The only way the JTA can grow is through future sales taxes.

No. Actually, all that has to happen is that the funds being stockpiled to build yet another 'outer beltway' that will be totally negative in it's impact, instead be spent on alternative infrastructure (rail) that will counteract sprawl rather than create more of it.   

See Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Phoenix, New Mexico etc. for examples.

From what I've heard at their public meetings, with the exception of "a few million" for environmental and engineering studies, there is no money "stockpiled to build yet another outer beltway".  If that road is built, it will be built by a private company that will charge tolls to get their money back.

But I like the idea of using BJP funds for a starter streetcar system as described above.

Anyone that thinks a 'private company' is going to build a tollway is a crack addict.  I don't doubt that there isn't a pile of cash in a bank for that project, but I bet it will get funding in the future long before any rail project. 

[tufsu1]

Anyone that thinks a 'private company' is going to build a tollway is a crack addict.  I don't doubt that there isn't a pile of cash in a bank for that project, but I bet it will get funding in the future long before any rail project. 

wrong....there are several international finance firms that do build toll roads...Macquarie (Australia) is one and there are several with HQ in Spain....

In the case of our Outer Beltway, the RFP from last year asked for firms interested in designing, constructing, and operating the road....they got responses from several of these international firms which formed consortiums with local companies.

The process hit a snag when it was realized that if FDOT provided the land, than the selected firm would be responsible for property taxes....whcih would make the total long-term cost outrageous and not feasible....the Legislature is attempting to fix the problem in this year's session

[Ocklawaha]

You are so right TUFSU1, there are several in South Florida either in construction, finished or on the drawing boards right now. The old BEE LINE turnpike from Orlando to the Cape was originally "MARTIN-ANDERSON (as in Aero Space) BEE LINE", then became the Martin-Marietta BEE LINE, now called the "BEACH LINE". Are you telling me THEY didn't have a hand in this??

BTW, I hate the new name almost as bad as I hate the rest of Orlando and the surrounding area. The new name sold out one of the best known highway logos in the history of the state. A series of signs with a bright yellow BEE on it - looking like he just flew out of the BEE MOVIE! Idiots, now what are we going to get a surf board? Duh? Oh how original.

OCKLAWAHA

[Jason]

I liked the "Bee Line" name as well.  Although, I have grown fond of the city of Orlando.  Its the remainder of the sprawling metro that I don't care for.