Fourth Avenue Merchants Association
Submitted by:
Daniel Matlick, President
Bruce Hungate, Treasurer
Ute Gascho, Vice President
John Sedwick, Executive Director
Jill Vancza, Secretary
Unlike most initiatives the Regional Transportation Plan has been developed through a process of consensus to satisfy County wide transportation needs. In any plan of this size and scope it is important to look at the whole rather than the individual pieces. Beyond the immediate benefit of easier and timelier commutes and reduced traffic congestion, the plan will promote community growth and vitality.
Improved regional transportation will facilitate the establishment of new businesses and the expansion of old businesses, creating more jobs, higher living standards and better quality of life. A healthy and economically viable city center is very important for the prosperity and quality of life in the region. The modern streetcar is one project specifically aimed towards Downtown revitalization and linkage with the U of A, Main Gate and 4th Avenue Business Districts, and the Warehouse District. The streetcar is a circulator designed to move local residents, students, business people and visitors quickly, safely and economically.
The modern streetcar will:
1) maximize use of available parking,
2) serve as a catalyst for infill residential development,
3) promote the opening of new urban businesses to serve local residents, and
4) attract tourist and winter visitors.
Citizens who live outside of the City Center will have it easier when they visit Downtown, experiencing less traffic from students and local residents and reduced demand on available parking. The streetcar is non-polluting and offers more transit options for the disabled. The Federal Government is funding half the cost of the modern streetcar, reducing the need for costly construction of additional parking.
The time has come for Tucsonans to accept our growing transportation problem. We must prepare for our continued growth before any viable solutions really become impractical for us to implement or afford!
