Aaron Klemz wrote:
On a related note, the one thing that was lost in the
debate over the stadium was that the proposed transit
hub that was to be a component of that plan was, IMO,
the most valuable piece of the proposal.
Hey, I shouted at the top of my lungs about this right when
the proposal first came up. Check the list archives.
But you're right that no one seemed particularly interested
at the time.
If an acceptable stadium financing plan can be crafted,
transit needs to be a centerpiece.
Definitely. I think it would be worthwhile exploring whether
Carl Pohlad would contribute something to get transit going,
as it would be the engine pumping people into the stadium.
There are many things he could do: direct funding (unlikely),
lobbying for a dedicated state budget, leading the business
community to demand quality public transport, etc.
According to the plans, the hub would link a proposed
Northstar commuter rail with existing LRT and the proposed
Central Corridor RT.
And the SW LRT, the Bottineau busway, Dan Patch (if and when
it gets resurrected) existing 394 bus service and possibly
others. This is the Minneapolis equivalent to St. Paul's
Union Depot: a project that, when finished, will be a driver
for creating new public transport in the region.
And to get back to the original point - transit is a
public good, the transit hub would be a significant
advance toward better public transit, and I would love
to see the Twins, Minneapolis and the county of
Hennepin craft a financing plan that has the public
pay for the portions of the project that generate the
most public good.
Amen to that.
David Greene
The Wedge
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