Streetcars verses Busses, making sense of it...

Some ask: Why not just run a bus line to connect the Central Business District?

Streetcar advocates say:  Because bus lines do not generate economic activity.

Many studies have shown that streetcars generate economic benefits for the districts they serve.  The reason apparently is that developers and businesses know that a fixed transportation line is going to be in place for many ,many years and  so their investment in buildings or businesses have a chance to grow and succeed with a flow of people past their door.  A bus line can be changed fairly easily, leaving a business without a "delivered"customer base.

Here's more information about the "Why's and Wherefore's" of Streetcars verses the bus;  2012 Urban Review study

People Movers - behind the scenes Streetcar financing efforts go on...

"Once bitten, twice shy!" says City Councilman Steve Hansen, referring to ongoing efforts to find a way to finance the construction of a Streetcar system to serve the business districts of Sacramento's Downtown, (eventually) Midtown and the city of West Sacramento.

City leaders are working on a community facilities district financing plan (akin to a PBID (What's a PBID?) that would ask affected property owners to assess themselves to pay the city's portion of the cost to build the service.

Click here for more story details...

Image and additional content from SacBee 

An MLS stadium at the Railyards: Can it be Built?

Can Sacramento support an MLS team and new stadium, financed with no public money?

That's the question being addressed in a feasibility study - the "Critical Mass Report".  The first of five steps being taken this year to move us toward an MLS stadium.  It's all part of the city's desire to build an attractive entertainment, retail and business venue in Downtown/Midtown.  Also known as CBD - Central Business District.

During Downtown Sacramento Partnership's recent exclusive unveiling of the "Indomitable Downtown Report" (AKA the Critical Mass Report) - a privately paid study conducted and presented by Captal PFG of Folsom - guests were given financial projections of the economic impact of a new soccer stadium located at the railyards: And it shows significant potential...

Future MLS stadium site (to right of water tower)

Projections include:
Direct construction spending $112,500,000
Indirect construction spending $86,658,863
Total Potential Gross Spending $199,158,863

Direct construction jobs  1,020
Indirect constructions jobs 735
Total Potential construction Jobs  1,755

In total, the report estimates that construction of a stadium will generate $200 million of gross economic activity during the construction phase.

Local agencies will also benefit from the generation of property taxes directly and indirectly from the new stadium.  More about that in a future Sactown Urban Update...

Sacramento's Farm to Fork was another great success with 50,000 people attending the FREE festival on Capitol Mall.  There were well over 100 vendor booths plus cooking demonstrations, live music and more packed the Mall from 3rd to 7th streets.  Check out this  video of the event.

And what about next year?
The lines were long in some cases so as organizers start planning for next year, they're mindful that they don't want to be killed by their own success.  Downtown and Midtown will again be involve - read more...


Images and videos from Sac Bee and SBJ

FOOD! Multiple courses are coming to a plate near you!

This weekend kicks off our city's 3rd annual Farm to Fork event but there's a lot more courses coming after the dishes are done!

UCD and Rice Growers are sponsoring a speaker's series. Sac State's has planned a farm to fork academy for high students...

Then there's the Food Bloger's convention coming to town, and food will be the talk of the town, here and hopefully around the globe...

Next up... A Food Conference - The Food Tank - looking at the entire food system...

 Click here for more food courses...


Content and images from the SBJ

Downtown Plaza? So yesterday! Meet Downtown Commons

The Sacramento Kings and JMA Ventures LLC Are re-branding the former staid and uninspired Downtown Plaza as they build a new entertainment and retail center.  The brand projects a new vitality and energy and gives us a glimpse of great new experiences soon to be found in Downtown.

[ And while the current focus of "the Commons" is a 6 block Downtown district, local leaders expect the brand to eventually come to include Midtown too.]

Designed as a destination for locals and travelers alike, it will be where friends and families will hang out and visitors from around the world experience Sacramento at its best.  They aim to make Sacramento the next Great American City and the common ground will be Downtown Commons or "DoCo".

 

Check out their press release...Downtown Commons and the DOCO website!.  You will not be disappointed!

Erector set...Big Time!

The downtown arena, aka the Entertainment and Sports Complex... aka Kings Arena that's anchoring and activating the re-birth of our civic center is taking shape!

Exterior framework is up - you're starting to get that "crushed aluminum can" feel ...

 ...and they're constructing the framework for the roof...

From the bowels and the bowl: A look from down at the level where the Kings and the concerts will play shows how the supporting roof trusses, the framework that will support the roof shell, are being put in place...

When I visited the site, the first major cross member was 2/3 built and was being tied to the south east side arena wall at L street.

Where's my seat?

...the future?

Future Grand Entrance!

..Future visitors locker room, kitchen operations etc

And finally, the current "no-where bridge" to the past: the future connector to a renovated Downtown Plaza which will soon be built (and Midtown will be welcome too!)

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