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Disclosure: I'm an engineer on the Cincinnati Streetcar Project.
. . . who currently feels a little like Jerry McGuire. Remember the scene where he is writing furiously throughout the night, then printing his thoughts, and passing them out . . . then having second thoughts?
Yep, me. Right now.
As an Engineer, I'm have no political aspirations, nor public relations acumen. In my mind, problems require answers and solutions; Opinions require reflection and then possibly inclusion. It is difficult for me to know the facts, then to read press where the information gathered and printed (while possibly entertaining) fuels a fire with ill-obtained gasoline.
Some Points that have recently been reported about a project on which I work (the Cincinnati Streetcar project):
TRAC Process - The Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) objectively scores projects to aid the State in making non-political choices to fund projects that should move forward. Currently, the Cincinnati Streetcar project has received the highest Tier I score (84.0) of all of the proposed projects. See the list here (it is on Page 1, Line 10).
Operating Costs - I've seen individuals quote the cost of operating the Streetcar from $10M to $12M per year. The estimate is $3.0M to $3.4M per year. I don't know where the $10M to $12M came from - it is not accurate.
Basement Encroachment Survey - the design team needs to figure out how many basements are built under the sidewalk and (in a couple of cases) under the roads of Cincinnati. We need to install poles in the sidewalk - we don't want to drill through a basement.
Yes, a letter was sent to Joe DeCourcy (Enquirer article here). It was for this property. As the project was reaching out to do the inspections, we realized that we should over-contact, so letters were sent to the tenants on the property as well as the owners of the property. Currently, it appears that the list received via the US Postal Service lists Mr. DeCourcy as the tenant at 1000 Main St.
Moving Forward
This is not just a good project, it is a Great Project. I didn't understand until I drove through Over-the-Rhine. Over-the-Rhine (wikipedia link here) is Amazing. The architecture, the history, and the proximity to the Central Business District and the University of Cincinnati floors me. The first time drove there . . . I got it - I understood what a gem this place is.
My Ask
Currently, the TRAC board is receiving public comments for and against this project. Whether you live in Cincinnati-proper, work in Cincinnati, live in Ohio or even in another state, would you please support the non-political process and the project. Heck, would you support me? You can easily send an email supporting the project by clicking here (if this link doesn't work on your system, then click here). Why am I asking this - even of people that don't live in Cincinnati?
Because like Mr. McGuire, a couple of times in one's life, one feels the need - even requirement - to try to make things better. To make things right. If not for the facts or for the future, then for my kids -- So I can say, "Yes, I was there and I tried. I made a good-faith effort."