Roanoke Streetcars

[weill]

So Roanoke has been thinking about putting Streetcars on Jefferson Street and other parts of downtown all the way to the 20 story Carilion in South Roanoke at the base of Mill Mountain...do you think it will happen? Also what are they building on south jefferson, right now it is 5 story frame, i dont know when they gon stop....biomedical park?

[monsoon]

I was quite fascinated by my last trip to Roanoke and was surprised at how pedestrian friendly the city is. It made me think that a street car system (trolley) would do very well there. I hope they manage to put together a plan that would install one there.

[weill]

yeah, but parking is horrible...but it will make the new art musuem look even better!

[monsoon]

A decent trolley system would help to improve the parking situation as people love to ride on them and it would take come vehicles off the road.

[weill]

yeah true, the roanoke city police got those "boots" now to put on cars when they park in a spot they aint supposed to.

[BGW]

yeah, but parking is horrible...

Call me crazy, but I think changing the traffic patterns in the Market area really messed up the parking. When I was in over Christmas, it took me forever to find a spot one evening, yet hardly anyone was actually out!

[weill]

nah your not messed up cause i think that same thing too!

[StevenRocks]

The streetcars would be nice, but they'r largely a dream in the mind of City Councilman Bev Fitzpatrick. There's not much grassroots community support for it. Sadly, a lot of city residents don't go downtown much.

[weill]

well the City of Roanoke paid a agency to do a survey and make up renderings. So it might come true...did you see the trolley car renderings in The Roanoke Times awhile back? They talked about there is a good chance that these will be built, if city council votes and agrees on it.

[StevenRocks]

That epuld mean that City Council would actually have to make a descision. Oh well, our grandkids will get to enjoy the streetcars if they get approved. LOL

Seriously, despite my initial doubts I think the project has legs, but the funding would be a challenge. I would like to see it. The renderings in the paper were very cool.

[weill]

yeah, i hope it happens....what about the other renderings (Market Square Buidling turned outside, Farmers Market in middle of street), what did you think of those?

[StevenRocks]

I think both proposals would work, though I like the idea of an interior food court in the Market Building better. It just needs a renovation. that interior hasn't beeen touched in decades and it shows.

There's already a lot of storefront retail in that area, and the Market Building has several outward facing shops. Why mess up what works?

[weill]

well i guess that helps, brings jobs too

[StevenRocks]

The Market Building is a local treasure, and a great place to grab lunch

[weill]

yeah the market building is a great place but a pain in the *ss if your a tenant