Economic Development & Regional Mass Transit

Check out this piece by City Commissioner Paul Webb of Brentwood on the importance of regional mass transit.

Robertson County and the City of Springfield continue to step in the right direction with their involvement with the Metro Planning Organization and the Regional Transit Authority.

In several discussions, I know that the various municipalities throughout Robertson County are considering/taking steps to become more proactive. It is good to see Robertson County, and entities within Robertson County, take positive steps towards such a worthwhile endeavor. With our various economic development projects being vetted, discussed and planned – this vision will be crucial.

RTA: Re-Constituting & Re-Joining

At our last Legislative Committee meeting, the committee voted to re-join Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).  The RCC will consider a resolution on this at our April Regular Meeting.

The RTA is in the process of re-constituting itself at this time. Here is some information on this process from their press release:

1,100 Strong!

I thought pass along an update on the Relax & Ride program.

ROBERTSON COUNTY, Tenn. - The first two weeks of the new bus route between Robertson County and Nashville are proving to be a huge success.

About 25 people have been riding those buses for every one of their four daily routes, and officials at RTA said that is a high enough number to keep this route in operation.

From March 1 through 15, nearly 1,100 passengers have made the 45 minute trip from Robertson County into Nashville and home again.

It's a money and time saver for those who have to make the daily commute.

A round trip ticket only costs $3.50 and with gas prices on the rise, riders are happy to see public transportation options expanding into surrounding counties.

There are two round trips that leave Robertson County every morning beginning at 5:40 and 6:20 a.m. The return trips leave Nashville at 5:10 and 6:15 p.m.

It's not just residents in Robertson county eager to ride the bus. Public transportation use is up 23-percent over last year. Officials said the increase is partly due to the rise in gas prices.

Remember, this was the initiative the County passed back in December. I am glad that there has been such an interest and demand in this initiative. 

Relax and Ride: On the News

Here is "Relax & Ride" in the news. NewsChannel5 reports on what I posted on earlier this week.

Gearing up for “Relax & Ride”

Thanks to Margot Fosnes for continuing to get the word out about this program.

In her weekly column with the RCT, Margot discusses the 'Relax & Ride' program that I have discussed here, here and here.

As you may or may not recall, the R&R program begins on January 31st and runs through February 11^th. Here is a little bit more information regarding the actual busses themselves.

This free bus service is operated by Gray Line of Tennessee and is designed to gauge the interest of commuters in Springfield and Joelton. Buses for this route will make a morning trip to Nashville and an afternoon trip to Springfield. The buses for the route are equipped with restrooms and televisions and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. Cost to ride is free; however, it is on a first-come, first-served basis up to the 56 person capacity.

I am personally excited about the 'R&R' program just simply for what information we can derive from it. What do I mean by that? Well, as I discussed in the previously, for the County to be able to evaluate where it is, and where it needs to be so far as growth will be something that leaders need to consistently.
I could almost say that the 'R&R' program, and Highway 431 widening coincide. I think that Margot says it better than I could, though:

As studies continue to be published highlighting the tremendous need for the middle Tennessee region to find new and more efficient ways for our working population to get to and from work in the region without exacerbating the already congested roadways, services such as these commuter express buses will be an important component in any regional transportation plan. The popularity of programs like Relax and Ride will also highlight the need for more study of light rail and bus rapid transit systems to serve our community.

Here are the logistics:

Buses depart from downtown Springfield at 7th Ave. W. and Locust Street at 6:30 a.m., stop at the Springfield Wal-mart at 6:41 a.m., Joelton Family Dollar at 6:58 a.m. and arrive at Music City Central in downtown Nashville at 7:18 a.m.

The buses will then continue towards the Vanderbilt University campus with stops at 10th Avenue and Broadway at 7:25 a.m., 21st Avenue and West End at 7:30 a.m., 21st Avenue and Edgehill at 7:33 a.m. and arrive at 21st Avenue and Children's Way at 7:37 a.m.

The afternoon bus will depart 21st Avenue and West End at 3:48 p.m., stop at 21st Avenue and Edgehill at 3:51 p.m., 21st Avenue and Children's Way at 3:58 p.m., 10th Avenue and Broadway at 4:08 p.m., Bay 7 at Music City Central at 4:15 p.m.

From downtown, it will continue towards Joelton, stop at the Joelton Family Dollar at 4:40 p.m., Springfield Wal-mart at 4:56 p.m. and arrive at the downtown Springfield at 5:12 p.m.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Check out the website: http://www.rtarelaxandride.com/ or 615.862.5950

My Minutes: Regular Robertson County Commission Meeting – 2010.12.20

My re-cap (and commentary) from the Regular Meeting from Monday, December 20, 2010.

"My" Agenda –
Earlier this past week I shared with you the agenda, our Commissioners Packet. Immediately below were the matters I had my eye on for the meeting.

I was particularly interested to see the direction the RCC would take with Mass Transit project / Relax-and-Ride Program. In discussions with Commissioners before the vote, it appeared that there would be some moderate, if not significant opposition to the vote based upon the sectarian nature that still permeates the mindsets of many leaders throughout the County.

I was enthused to see to the results for, and the approval of the logo for the Robertson County-Springfield Learning Center.

I was pleased with the direction taken on the issue of the proposed part-time Maintenance Department employee. Though, I was that much more pleased by the arguments and discussion had during the consideration of this resolution.

Senator Ferrell Haille –
Senator Ferrell Haille introduced himself to Robertson County, and the RCC. He was gracious for the opportunity to serve through March, and pledged his commitment to fulfill the same standard set by Senator Black. He will retain her office number in Nashville throughout his term, and will be happy to field inquiries from Robertson County.

Election(s) Funding –
On that note, the RCC took up a resolution for funding the special elections both for the primary as well as the general election for this very seat. Interestingly enough, the elections will cost Robertson County approximately $70,000.00. Though, the State of Tennessee will be reimbursing the County for ALL these expenditures since it is a special election.

RESOLUTIONS:

Planning Commission –
Alright, if you perused the December Commission Packet, you may have even trudged through the resolutions proffered by the Planning Commission.
These resolutions passed.

The one I would like to center in on for discussion was the "small animal boarding resolution."
From what I have learned, it is my understanding that this was derivative of an issue that first arose a few years back over a project for an animal shelter. It is further my understanding that this was a very heated topic in its day, and this was confirmed by a fellow commissioner who pointed out that several of her constituents were present at the meeting in order to see firsthand the direction of the discussion, and the vote. Obviously, this was an issue of special interest.

With that said, the specifics of what we were considering had to do with an effort to prevent this from being a reality faced by citizens of the County should a neighbor decide to erect such a structure or if some third-party entity decide to relocate. What I mean by this is that the regulations would now thwart the ability of a property owner to move forward with such a project without first complying with the specifics set forth by this resolution. Owners of residential and agricultural zones are now limited in their ability to construct such "small animal boarding shelters" on their property. As it stood before Monday's meeting, owners virtually had unfettered ability to just that.
Now, this resolution would do much to thwart such an effort from occurring, and assures fellow property owners and neighbors any neighboring property owners that this would not be allowed.

Part-Time Employee in Maintenance Department -
The creation of this part-time position was sought in last year's budget. It was turned down by the previous Commission.

This position was requested shortly after the new Commission was sworn-in.

After being withdrawn last month, it was back on the agenda.

Monday, it was voted down.

I was pleased that it was voted down. And, I will quickly state that this should by no means be construed as disparaging anyone in the Maintenance Department, Joe Fort or any one person having to do with the Maintenance Department.

For me, it comes down to what means we have as a County, and adding employees is not how I would prefer to begin such a discussion. Commissioner Gregory articulated this point well in her argument (which I will paraphrase) in which she set out that hiring is not appropriate when the County cannot even adequately consider raises for County employees.

As we move into a crucial time for considering our finances, I am very encouraged that the Commission is considering matters in this way. Fiscal Responsibility was and is the most prevalent issue on the minds of the citizens of Robertson County. Going into the January 13, 2011 meeting in which we will consider the direction of our budget, this is the type of analysis that the citizens asked for back in August.

Logo –
If you had a chance to look through the December Commission packet, I am sure that you have come across the logo for the Highland Crest College

All voted YEA for the logo, and I personally like it.

Some folks that were in on the decision making process that narrowed the search down to a few for our consideration expressed that they had other logos that they preferred, but I have not heard a one say that they just do not flat out like it, they just prefer other designs.

Regardless, many, many thanks to Tom Trapp for the hours and scores of designs put forth for consideration.

Relax-and-Ride / Mass Transit –
I have probably discussed this to a greater extent over the past few weeks, so I want take up too much of your time regarding he merits.

My thoughts are fairly well-developed on this issue.

I will say that this, though, and it speaks on a higher level than just this project. In the discussions with other commissioners on this issue, it became a concern with me that this issue may end up falling on the wayside due to sectionalism of the County leadership. Meaning, that many of the Commissioners I spoke with were looking at it that "this project does not come through my district" or "why aren't the routes rolling through our area?" I am not going to be a half-full-glass on this, since the vote overwhelmingly came through for this project, but the mindset of sectionalism is still an ever-present concern.

OVERALL –
Overall, I thought this was a very productive way to end the year. There were several other issues discussed, and if I have not covered those, and you have questions, concerns or comments on those then please let me know.

Mass Transit: HENDERSONVILLE

I came across this article from the Hendersonville Star-News. It looks like our Sumner County neighbors are considering and implementing the same/similar type of project we are considering here in Robertson County on Monday night (at the RCC Regular Meeting of December 20, 2010).

I have discussed mass transit as relates to Robertson County here, here and here.

The Week of December 20, 2010

Here are the meetings, events and happenings for the second-to-the-last week of 2010.

As you will see below, this week will prove to be a busy week for the County.

Just in case you have not had the oppurtunity to see the agenda/Commission Packet for Monday's Regular Meeting, here is my post from earlier this week.

This notice has been posted for some time, but I thought I would pass along to the each of you:

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Robertson County Board of Education will hold a Special Called Meeting on Monday, December 20, 200 at 5:30p.m. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss and possibly act on the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the construction/remodeling of a potion of the Water Bonnet building for the required Alternative School. And, to discuss and possibly act on the selection of an architect for the planning and design of a Central Office facility also located in the Water Bonnet property. The meeting will be held in the Board room of the Central Office located at 2121 Woodland St.

The RCC Education Committee will meet following this Special Called Meeting.

RCC SCHEDULE–

Date & Committee/Board Time Location

Monday - December 20
Special Meeting: School Board                                     5:30 P.M. Central Office

Nominating                                                                   6:30 P.M. Juvenile Courtroom

County Commission                                                      7:00 P.M. Juvenile Courtroom

Tuesday - December 21

911 Board                                                                    9:00 A.M. 911 Office

Health and Safety                                                         5:30 P.M. Finance Office

Wednesday - December 22

Safety                                                                          8:30 A.M. County Mayor's Office

Highway Commission                                                  10:00 A.M. Highway Offices

Thursday - December 23

HOLIDAY - Offices Closed

Friday - December 24

HOLIDAY - Offices Closed

The Week of December 13, 2010

Here are some of the Committees and/or Events that I will be apart of this week. Below, I attach the schedule for the Robertson County Commission.

Relax and Ride -
On Monday, December 13, 2010 at 10am a "Relax and Ride" bus will be on display at 104 7^th Avenue West (Springfield, Tennessee – right next to the current Alternative School) to generate interest and prpvide an example of the buses to be used in the program I have discussed in previous posts (here, here & here).

Alternative School Project -
On Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 2pm, the "Bid Opening" for the Alternative School project will happen at Bell & Associates Construction, L.P. at their offices in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Recall that this project is the one in which the "Water Bonnet Property"/Acme Boot Plant will be re-modeled and re-furbished. As described:

…[t]he project consists of the demolition and build-out of a new Alternative School located in an existing building at 800 Water Bonnet Blvd. The scope of work includes a complete interior build-out including drywall, interior finishes, flooring, mechanical/electrical, millwork, plumbing and fire protection.

Education Committee / School Board –
The RCC Education Committee meets on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 6pm, and the RC School Board will meet at 7pm.

RCC Schedule –

MEETINGS SCHEDULED WEEK OF:

December 13 - 17, 2010

Date & Committee/Board Time Location

Monday - December 13

EMS 5:00 P.M. EMS Building

Education Committee 6:00 P.M. Central Office

School Board 7:00 P.M. Central Office

Tuesday - December 14

Joint Meeting:

Law Enforcement & 5:00 P.M. Sheriff's Office

Workhouse Board

Solid Waste 6:00 P.M. County Office Building

Wednesday - December 15

Open

Thursday - December 16

Finance 1:30 P.M. Finance Office

Friday - December 17

Open

Transportation Alliance of Middle Tennessee: Revisited & Discussed

The other day I shared with you a RC Commission topic for discussion at our last Monthly Meeting regarding the Transportation Alliance of Middle Tennessee.

Jim Bellis with The Robertson County Times has since published an article regarding the same topic. Recall that I opined that this is a topic that likely will be brought back to discussion before the RC Commission ("RCC") sometime in January. The topic will be whether to allocate funds for support of the effort.

Here are several items that stuck out in the article, and some of the key factors the RCC must consider in January:

#1 – The Need

"We've got at least 14,600 people commuting to Nashville every day from Robertson County," said Bradley. "We need to address transportation needs both current and future. Mass transit is part of the answer."

Though I do not know exactly where those numbers come from, they would not come as surprise to you, me or any of our neighbors. It seems in my walk that amongst those that I go to church with, sit on boards with or socialize with outside of my professional responsibilities…folks commute to and from Nashville. With the growth that is coming (whether we like it or not! - And, I know that this comment is initially harsh sounding, but the conversation has to be moving towards managing the growth that is coming. The conversation has to center around what we will do, and not if…) to our County, we must keep it in mind, and we must plan for the best way to ensure that Springfield and Robertson County stay in front of ideas and means to manage this growth.

This is an effort that does just that. Whether it is successful or not should not be the focus, it is forward thinking and a way in which we may gauge the needs of our County, and what direction those needs may take the County.

#2 – The Route

Beginning in January, the Regional Transport Authority will initiate a two-month sample of services from the Relaxing Ride program. Consisting of two 55 passenger busses, the service will offer transportation to and from Nashville, originating in Springfield.

….

Bradley went on to explain that the route will leave Springfield on Highway 49 W. and make a stop in the Coopertown/Pleasant View area before continuing on to Nashville. He said there are options to increase the number of busses serving the county if the need exists.

This should give those a sample size of just what is involved with the project. Something that I did not entirely know was that the route would pass through the Coopertown and Pleasant View areas.

I can immediately hear those in the White House area clamoring for their own or wondering why they are left out of the effort. Yet, this is just what I would like to hear, a discussion about what need may be out there for what and whom. This effort could be just a start, and a sign of what we could put together.

#3 – The Costs

"People who work for Vandy or the state ride free. The rest of us, it's $3.50 each way."

    ….

If implemented on a permanent basis, the cost to the county and the city of Springfield would be about $24,000 annually. The state and federal governments would pick up the remainder expenses.

The bottom lines saved for the bottom point.

I would almost say that they speak for themselves, BUT…

…I could not leave it at that for in the community in which we live, mass transit may not be seen as a "need" or a fruitful endeavor.

I probably would have fallen in the category several years ago, but the more I have thought about this topic, the more I have liked the idea. During law school (in Birmingham, AL), Jillian and I lived in a community 20-25 miles (Alabaster, AL) outside of where we both worked and went to school. Traffic was terrible, and the commute was horrible, but we were absolutely happy with where we worked and went to school while simultaneously being happy with the community in which we lived. What was terrible: the means to get to and from both places. We tried each and every way to avoid the troubles with that commute, from waking up and timing, to alternative routes, etc. Nothing worked, and it effected decisions for where we would reside and what we would do if given the chance to stay in Birmingham. Now, I do not want to paint a picture that I think that the commute into Nashville is anywhere near that of what it was for Jillian and I in Birmingham. Anecdotally, my law practice takes me into Nashville several times a month.

Look at what is cited in the article:

Davidson County and the surrounding counties are expected to expand by one-million people within the next 15 years, according to the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) projections. MPO also says that now is the time to be planning in order to avoid a crippling gridlock then.

This could be something that folks consider when they consider where they would reside, and that "could be" is why exploring these options, and opening up to new ideas is imperative.

In moving forward, I would be curious to hear your thoughts on the issue, and where we must go, and what we should consider for this topic. (Routes? Needs? Costs?) I know that we are in the initial stages of discussing this, but what do you not know that you need to know?




 

Transportation Alliance of Middle Tennessee

At the November 15, 2010 County Commissioners Monthly Meeting, the Gorham-McBane Library Expansion Project took center stage, and in the days following, it was/is the most heavily discussed topic taken from the meeting.

Yet, there was a video presentation (video found here) made by the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee.

What a bold vision!

All in all, Nashville has always benefited from bold vision and good leadership in thinking 5, 10 and 20 years ahead. This project seems to be just the latest example of leadership and ensuring that Nashville/Middle Tennessee remains one of the best places to live.

It is a must that Robertson County aggressively participate in these projects encompassing our region. Middle Tennessee and Nashville are on the move, and we need to position ourselves as leaders in this move.

Mayor Bradley shared with the Commission that the County Commission will be asked to join the City of Springfield in funding a trial project involving mass transit to and fro Nashville.