On June 24, the San Juan’s Day festival was held on the meeting place out West Congress by the huge eucalyptus tree. Horse shows, dancers and a superb ranchero band, plus tamales and tacos served while people prayed for rain.
I was pleased to see a Rio Nuevo booth, the portender of change for the ancestral heart of Tucson. Surrounded by Spanish costumes and customs from the 1500’s, I could not help but think that the people need this space and more to hold family style events like festivals and games.
So the city of Tucson will receive $1,100,000,000 to revitalize downtown. Revitalize does not mean the creation of a moribund residential district catering to expensive clients who all demand 200 square feet for their two vehicles per unit, thereby reducing the commercial space accordingly. Perhaps downtown is not the place to build high density housing.
Let’s make a park and a recharge lake downtown and set up low rent business units adjacent to official museum and science center units. Variety is truly the spice of life. Our climate allows for outdoor businesses and sports, so why not take advantage of it? Old downtown could furnish saloons and salons while Rio Nuevo could furnish eclectic shopping and eating and pubs.
Public money equals public facilities.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Public Money for Public Purposes
The Rio Nuevo extension passed the legislature and the people of Tucson are now deprived of a vote and obligated by this august body to contribute matching funds to an exclusive tax rebate district for 12 more years. According to the Tucson Citizen, this will be $350,000,000 more in addition to the original $156,000,000, for a total of at least $506,000,000. We are such a rich town, we can afford to pay at least $650,000 from the city to Rio Nuevo every month, which is .7% of the total budget. That’s quite a bite, overall. Other figures state that Rio Nuevo would require even more matching funds.
Now, I’m hoping that social services in Tucson remain funded and maybe
expanded as need arises. It would be bad news if the homeless took to hanging around downtown instead of nimby. It wouldn’t look too good. What about low income housing downtown? Should the maids and gardeners be forced to ride the bus while the elite live in subsidized housing next door to where they work? What about grocery shopping? Shall we see an upsurgence in traffic to existing grocers or are you creating a situation in which people must have cars in order to purchase daily needs or must ride the bus to the store and backpack goods into their abode?
Infrastructure downtown? That needs to be addressed in order to accommodate any high density project. What are the costs of revamping the sewer, water, electric and gas infrastructure? Are high density projects too expensive? The MLK apartments are scaling back on the number of units to 66. What happens to the other residents currently living there?
I suggest a study on downtown properties. What are they charging for rent? If they are keeping people out with unworthy rents, they should be willing to lower their sights a little in order to get a viable deal. This includes hotels.
We need a cultural center, museum and outdoor arena for concerts and a flea market type shopping area. Did you see the crowds associated with the gem and mineral shows? We went to most of them and encountered many people buying and looking and enjoying themselves. Tourists want shopping variety and reasonable food. Tour buses will not stop where there is nothing to do. Leave open spaces where gem show vendors and others could set up and attract customers. Traveling art shows, chili cookoffs, the possibilities are endless. Bring the fair back to town!
I’m talking about public buildings, not subsidized housing or parking garages to benefit law bending developers who don’t want to follow the rules. I’m talking about a reasonable place for locals and tourists to enjoy themselves without having to spend too much money. I’m suggesting eclectic shopping and eating and traveling shows setting up right next door to the permanent booths, keeping the people interested. How about an old time western saloon and dance hall in one of those vacant spaces downtown? A modern Bird Cage Theater.
We need a nice new bus station connecting with the city bus system and convenient to Convento and the new flea market shopping area and adjoining traveling show setup areas. This bus station would be a dandy, with a 24 hour fast food joint inside, seating, telephones and bus connections all over the city and Davis Monthan. Shuttle service to Phoenix, etc. This parking thing is totally out of control. Every driver is now requiring 100 square feet of reserved space wherever they go, whenever they go. Of course parking is a problem but the problem derives from people’s attitudes and the lack of public transportation and proximity of stores.
Let’s put that CAP recharge right over here downtown in the Santa Cruz. Dump it in the ground and let it recharge and mingle with reclaimed water. We could have a park and riparian area near the old Convento and museum setup.
High end condos will not attract more free market money after the initial investment. If the city fathers and mothers want increased property tax revenue, then subsidize high end real estate and lock the poor outside looking in. If they want a free market stimulation, then invest in public buildings and have open air markets with cheap rents for small businesses, shopping and food service and collect your taxes there.
Avoid the subsidy of private projects or spending money that benefits these projects unless public aspects are also heavily enhanced. We need to work together to build projects that provide amusements and cultural activities for the people. I support the UA science center and the Museum Convento complex with the stipulation that the area include a superlative museum gift shop that sells high end arts and crafts, a world class desert botanical garden free for the viewing and a bookstore specializing in western history, ecology and mineral resources.
I could envision a terminal for the passenger railroad from Mexico if one existed! We should explore this possibility in contact with local representatives in Nogales and Hermosillo. This would vastly benefit downtown businesses and put Tucson on the map as a true international city, with air and rail transportation to Mexico. Mexican rail could make money if they transported tourists to the interesting places, particularly the new international port in Guaymas.
This money should not be wasted on bureaucracy or private projects. The people are paying for this and they deserve a return on their money.
Now, I’m hoping that social services in Tucson remain funded and maybe
expanded as need arises. It would be bad news if the homeless took to hanging around downtown instead of nimby. It wouldn’t look too good. What about low income housing downtown? Should the maids and gardeners be forced to ride the bus while the elite live in subsidized housing next door to where they work? What about grocery shopping? Shall we see an upsurgence in traffic to existing grocers or are you creating a situation in which people must have cars in order to purchase daily needs or must ride the bus to the store and backpack goods into their abode?
Infrastructure downtown? That needs to be addressed in order to accommodate any high density project. What are the costs of revamping the sewer, water, electric and gas infrastructure? Are high density projects too expensive? The MLK apartments are scaling back on the number of units to 66. What happens to the other residents currently living there?
I suggest a study on downtown properties. What are they charging for rent? If they are keeping people out with unworthy rents, they should be willing to lower their sights a little in order to get a viable deal. This includes hotels.
We need a cultural center, museum and outdoor arena for concerts and a flea market type shopping area. Did you see the crowds associated with the gem and mineral shows? We went to most of them and encountered many people buying and looking and enjoying themselves. Tourists want shopping variety and reasonable food. Tour buses will not stop where there is nothing to do. Leave open spaces where gem show vendors and others could set up and attract customers. Traveling art shows, chili cookoffs, the possibilities are endless. Bring the fair back to town!
I’m talking about public buildings, not subsidized housing or parking garages to benefit law bending developers who don’t want to follow the rules. I’m talking about a reasonable place for locals and tourists to enjoy themselves without having to spend too much money. I’m suggesting eclectic shopping and eating and traveling shows setting up right next door to the permanent booths, keeping the people interested. How about an old time western saloon and dance hall in one of those vacant spaces downtown? A modern Bird Cage Theater.
We need a nice new bus station connecting with the city bus system and convenient to Convento and the new flea market shopping area and adjoining traveling show setup areas. This bus station would be a dandy, with a 24 hour fast food joint inside, seating, telephones and bus connections all over the city and Davis Monthan. Shuttle service to Phoenix, etc. This parking thing is totally out of control. Every driver is now requiring 100 square feet of reserved space wherever they go, whenever they go. Of course parking is a problem but the problem derives from people’s attitudes and the lack of public transportation and proximity of stores.
Let’s put that CAP recharge right over here downtown in the Santa Cruz. Dump it in the ground and let it recharge and mingle with reclaimed water. We could have a park and riparian area near the old Convento and museum setup.
High end condos will not attract more free market money after the initial investment. If the city fathers and mothers want increased property tax revenue, then subsidize high end real estate and lock the poor outside looking in. If they want a free market stimulation, then invest in public buildings and have open air markets with cheap rents for small businesses, shopping and food service and collect your taxes there.
Avoid the subsidy of private projects or spending money that benefits these projects unless public aspects are also heavily enhanced. We need to work together to build projects that provide amusements and cultural activities for the people. I support the UA science center and the Museum Convento complex with the stipulation that the area include a superlative museum gift shop that sells high end arts and crafts, a world class desert botanical garden free for the viewing and a bookstore specializing in western history, ecology and mineral resources.
I could envision a terminal for the passenger railroad from Mexico if one existed! We should explore this possibility in contact with local representatives in Nogales and Hermosillo. This would vastly benefit downtown businesses and put Tucson on the map as a true international city, with air and rail transportation to Mexico. Mexican rail could make money if they transported tourists to the interesting places, particularly the new international port in Guaymas.
This money should not be wasted on bureaucracy or private projects. The people are paying for this and they deserve a return on their money.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Rio Nuevo Money
The Arizona Daily Star reports that a heavily amended Rio Nuevo bill passed and Tucson will receive $600,000,000 more money to revitalize old downtown on top of the original $125,000,000. An additional 12 years was added to the duration of the Rio Nuevo deal, which obligates and earmarks $600,000,000 more MATCHING FUNDS out of the budget until 2025, for a total of $725,000,000 that could balloon to $925,000,000 out of the Tucson budget. Them that has, gets, I’m guessing.
Now, I’m hoping that social services in Tucson remain funded and maybe expanded as need arises. It would be bad news if the homeless took to hanging around downtown instead of nimby. What about low income housing downtown? Should the maids and gardeners be forced to ride the bus while the elite live next door to where they work? What about grocery shopping? Shall we see an upsurgence in traffic to existing grocers or are you creating a situation in which people must have cars in order to purchase daily needs or must ride the bus to the store and backpack goods into their abode?
Infrastructure downtown? That needs to be addressed in order to accommodate any high density project. What are the costs of revamping the sewer, water, electric and gas infrastructure? Are high density projects too expensive? The MLK apartments are scaling back on the number of units to 66. What happens to the other residents currently living there?
It is interesting that this legislative Rio Nuevo extension of a 10 year voter approved measure did not require further voter approval even though the matching funds required out of the city budget are a form of taxation, public money diverted to an earmarked project. So now the legislature made sure the people of Tucson are obligated to contribute $725,000,000 to augment the $725,000,000 tax rebate earmarked to be spent on old downtown. This is $1,450,000,000 to be spent on revitalizing downtown. I suggest a study on downtown properties. What are they charging for rent? If they are keeping people out with unworthy rents, they should be willing to lower their sights a little in order to get a viable deal.
Interesting businesses attract tourists. Tour buses circulate tourists. Tourists want shopping and local history and reasonable accommodations. We need a cultural center, museum and outdoor arena for concerts and an outdoor flea market type shopping area featuring goods from around the world but Latin America, local artists and UA student art featured. Did you see the crowds associated with the gem and mineral shows? We went to most of them and encountered many people buying and looking and enjoying themselves. Leave open spaces where gem show vendors and others could set up and attract customers. Traveling art shows, chili cookoffs, the possibilities are endless. Bring the fair back to town!
I’m talking about public buildings, not subsidized housing or parking garages to benefit law bending developers who don’t want to follow the rules. I’m talking about a reasonable place for people to enjoy themselves without having to spend too much money. I’m talking about eclectic shopping and eating and traveling shows setting up right next door, keeping the people interested.
How about a nice new bus station connecting with the city bus system and convenient to Convento and the new flea market shopping area and adjoining traveling show setup areas. This bus station would be a dandy, with a 24 hour fast food joint inside, seating, telephones and bus connections all over the city and Davis Monthan. Shuttle service to Phoenix, etc. This parking thing is totally out of control. Every driver is now requiring 100 square feet of reserved space wherever they go, whenever they go. Of course parking is a problem but the problem derives from people’s attitudes and the lack of public transportation and proximity of necessary stores.
Let’s put that CAP recharge right over here downtown in the Santa Cruz. Dump it in the ground and let it recharge and mingle with reclaimed water. We could have a park and riparian area near the old Convento and museum setup. People are interested in food, shopping, events, displays, competitive prices and a variety of goods. High end condos will not attract more free market money after the initial investment. If the city fathers and mothers want increased tax revenue, then subsidize high end real estate. If they want a free market stimulation, then invest in public buildings and have open air markets with cheap rents for small businesses, shopping and food service and collect your taxes there. Open air markets are cheap to build and maintain and have a charm lacking in the defunct mall.
Avoid the subsidy of private projects or spending money that benefits these projects unless public aspects are enhanced also. We need to work together to build projects that provide amusements and cultural activities for the people. I support the UA science center and the Museum Convento complex with the stipulation that the museum gift shop be superlative in high end arts and crafts, a world class desert botanical garden free for the viewing and a bookstore specializing in western history, ecology and mineral resources will be included.
I could envision a terminal for the passenger railroad from Mexico if one existed! We should explore this possibility in contact with local representatives in Nogales and Hermosillo. This would vastly benefit downtown businesses and put Tucson on the map as a true international city, with air and rail transportation to Mexico. Mexican rail could make money if they transported tourists to the interesting places, particularly the new international port in Guaymas.
This money should not be wasted on bureaucracy or private projects. The people are paying for this and they deserve a return on their money.
Now, I’m hoping that social services in Tucson remain funded and maybe expanded as need arises. It would be bad news if the homeless took to hanging around downtown instead of nimby. What about low income housing downtown? Should the maids and gardeners be forced to ride the bus while the elite live next door to where they work? What about grocery shopping? Shall we see an upsurgence in traffic to existing grocers or are you creating a situation in which people must have cars in order to purchase daily needs or must ride the bus to the store and backpack goods into their abode?
Infrastructure downtown? That needs to be addressed in order to accommodate any high density project. What are the costs of revamping the sewer, water, electric and gas infrastructure? Are high density projects too expensive? The MLK apartments are scaling back on the number of units to 66. What happens to the other residents currently living there?
It is interesting that this legislative Rio Nuevo extension of a 10 year voter approved measure did not require further voter approval even though the matching funds required out of the city budget are a form of taxation, public money diverted to an earmarked project. So now the legislature made sure the people of Tucson are obligated to contribute $725,000,000 to augment the $725,000,000 tax rebate earmarked to be spent on old downtown. This is $1,450,000,000 to be spent on revitalizing downtown. I suggest a study on downtown properties. What are they charging for rent? If they are keeping people out with unworthy rents, they should be willing to lower their sights a little in order to get a viable deal.
Interesting businesses attract tourists. Tour buses circulate tourists. Tourists want shopping and local history and reasonable accommodations. We need a cultural center, museum and outdoor arena for concerts and an outdoor flea market type shopping area featuring goods from around the world but Latin America, local artists and UA student art featured. Did you see the crowds associated with the gem and mineral shows? We went to most of them and encountered many people buying and looking and enjoying themselves. Leave open spaces where gem show vendors and others could set up and attract customers. Traveling art shows, chili cookoffs, the possibilities are endless. Bring the fair back to town!
I’m talking about public buildings, not subsidized housing or parking garages to benefit law bending developers who don’t want to follow the rules. I’m talking about a reasonable place for people to enjoy themselves without having to spend too much money. I’m talking about eclectic shopping and eating and traveling shows setting up right next door, keeping the people interested.
How about a nice new bus station connecting with the city bus system and convenient to Convento and the new flea market shopping area and adjoining traveling show setup areas. This bus station would be a dandy, with a 24 hour fast food joint inside, seating, telephones and bus connections all over the city and Davis Monthan. Shuttle service to Phoenix, etc. This parking thing is totally out of control. Every driver is now requiring 100 square feet of reserved space wherever they go, whenever they go. Of course parking is a problem but the problem derives from people’s attitudes and the lack of public transportation and proximity of necessary stores.
Let’s put that CAP recharge right over here downtown in the Santa Cruz. Dump it in the ground and let it recharge and mingle with reclaimed water. We could have a park and riparian area near the old Convento and museum setup. People are interested in food, shopping, events, displays, competitive prices and a variety of goods. High end condos will not attract more free market money after the initial investment. If the city fathers and mothers want increased tax revenue, then subsidize high end real estate. If they want a free market stimulation, then invest in public buildings and have open air markets with cheap rents for small businesses, shopping and food service and collect your taxes there. Open air markets are cheap to build and maintain and have a charm lacking in the defunct mall.
Avoid the subsidy of private projects or spending money that benefits these projects unless public aspects are enhanced also. We need to work together to build projects that provide amusements and cultural activities for the people. I support the UA science center and the Museum Convento complex with the stipulation that the museum gift shop be superlative in high end arts and crafts, a world class desert botanical garden free for the viewing and a bookstore specializing in western history, ecology and mineral resources will be included.
I could envision a terminal for the passenger railroad from Mexico if one existed! We should explore this possibility in contact with local representatives in Nogales and Hermosillo. This would vastly benefit downtown businesses and put Tucson on the map as a true international city, with air and rail transportation to Mexico. Mexican rail could make money if they transported tourists to the interesting places, particularly the new international port in Guaymas.
This money should not be wasted on bureaucracy or private projects. The people are paying for this and they deserve a return on their money.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Downtown Building
It is obvious that the large scale projects dreamed up by entrepreneurs are not scaled to the environment in which they wish to fit them. The reason the city requires parking with developments is to forestall disputes rising from congested parking and businesses choked out because somebody else is using all the parking space for their enterprises.
Subsidized parking is not warranted anywhere. Let free enterprise take care of it. What we really need is more profitable bus and shuttle services and less government favoritism and meddling in free enterprise. The zoning codes appear to be a bit restrictive, and could do with a good going over.
It does appear that one parking space per rental or condo unit would be allowable, but it did occur to me that perhaps the space is being partitioned too many times. A smaller number of units on the property would fulfill the city’s requirements and allow for more open space. Crime rate and density are directly related. I suppose that density and profits are also related. The public good should be a consideration.
Subsidized parking is not warranted anywhere. Let free enterprise take care of it. What we really need is more profitable bus and shuttle services and less government favoritism and meddling in free enterprise. The zoning codes appear to be a bit restrictive, and could do with a good going over.
It does appear that one parking space per rental or condo unit would be allowable, but it did occur to me that perhaps the space is being partitioned too many times. A smaller number of units on the property would fulfill the city’s requirements and allow for more open space. Crime rate and density are directly related. I suppose that density and profits are also related. The public good should be a consideration.
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