Cincinnati Streetcar: The Land Use Connection Tim Reynolds, AICP Senior Principal Technical Specialist Parsons Brinckerhoff Cincinnati, Ohio American Planning Association Indiana Chapter 2011 Fall Conference October 21,2011 The Project Project Vision • Connect major employment centers and iconic assets • Lay a foundation for urban development • Spur job creation • Catalyst for a multimodal transportation system Stimulates development 3,700 passengers daily Expands tax base Benefits all neighborhoods MetroMoves Plan, 2002 From Regional Rail Plan to Streetcar Project • SORTA and OKI put light rail in the freezer • But the streetcar stays on the burner • Transit coalition keeps the flame burning– and turns it up City of Cincinnati Takes the Lead • Feasibility Study- 2007 •Economic Analysis-2008 • Local funds committed- 2009 Cincinnati Streetcar: Overview Riverfront to the Zoo Downtown, Over-the- Rhine- Uptown 6-mile corridor 140,000 jobs in downtown and Uptown First segment: Downtown to Findlay Market 3,700 trips/weekday $99.5 million Cincinnati Streetcar: Vehicles Starting Criteria: - Readily available for mid-2013 opening - Buy America compliant - Proven technology Vehicles Land Use Connections • Downtown Cincinnati: 70,000 jobs • Uptown Cincinnati: 50,000 jobs •Residents: 20,000 Southern Segment: Downtown New Riverfront Development: Stadiums, Freedom Center, Park, “The Banks” • Downtown: Fountain Square & Government Square Government Offices Performing Arts Center & Contemporary Arts Center Central Segment: Over-the-Rhine Over-the-Rhine: neighborhood transformation 2001 2011 New and renovated housing, new businesses, new life Major Arts Venues Findlay Market Brewery District Northern Segment: Uptown Vine Street: Steep Grade University of Cincinnati Medical Centers: “Pill Hill” Cincinnati Zoo Economic Development Potential -Vacant buildings available for redevelopment: 500 -Benefit-cost ratio: 2.7 -Average net benefits: $316 m -Property value increase: 22% Sources: -Cincinnati Streetcar Economic Impact Analysis, HDR Decision Economics, 2008 -An Assessment of the Cincinnati Streetcar Study, University of Cincinnati Economics Center for Education & Research, 2010 Property Values Returns on Investment Private returns on public investment (Source: Reconnecting America, 2009) Little Rock 920% Portland 1794% (1st line) 7501% (extension line) Tampa 1970% 3:1 Benefit to cost ratio (travel cost and mobility) 14:1 Economic impact to cost return (redevelopment) • Streetcars are quieter. • Streetcars accommodate more people. • Streetcars are 100% accessible. • • Streetcar tracks are permanent and encourage investment. • Streetcar routes are easily understood by visitors – just follow the tracks! • Streetcars generate transit oriented development. • Streetcars generate more riders. • Streetcars are coordinated with bus service “There’s a new sheriff in town.” Cincinnati Streetcar: More Bumps in the Road • Dealing with utility companies • Opposition to the project • Ballot issues • FTA $$ = FTA strings attached FTA Urban Circulator Grant: A Mixed Blessing? • No lead federal agency until mid-2010 • City did not follow FTA procurement procedures • City required to re-bid CM/GE portion of the Design-Build contract • No construction or property acquisition allowed until FONSI • Environmental process slowed • Historic preservation issues ….but it’s still a blessing Where the project stands: - $99.5 million still available - Mayor and City Manager authorize shorter “starter segment” - FONSI expected this month - MOU with SORTA - Property acquisition to commence - Construction by Fall 2011 - Vehicles to be procured by Fall 2011 - Late 2013 opening still achievable Cincinnati Streetcar Thank you. Tim Reynolds, Parsons Brinckerhoff [email protected].