This blog is generally about policies to move Hammond forward, I made a commitment to myself to stay out of politics on this blog as much as possible. Today will be one of the few forays into politics.
On May 6th Hoosiers will have a rare opportunity to have influence on the presidential nominations. Regardless of the candidates you support it is important to get off your butts and vote. The polling places are open for 12 hours! The only excuse to not vote is if you get into an accident or are otherwise hospitalized for emergency treatment!
And after the primary is over, while campaigning for your candidates please be positive. As the saying goes, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Thank you.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
More airport doublespeak
Wow. Two opinion pieces in todays' Times about the "Murder Capital" Airport. The first, by the current airport director is full of doublespeak. Read it for yourself at the Times website.
First he says
So, the $58 million is based on "high passenger numbers?" Wow, every passenger line that has come to Gary in the last ten years has failed, even with "high passenger numbers." Tell us another fairy tale. He is also concerned that they will lose the $58 million if they change focus. Big deal, this boondoggle was predicated on relieving passenger congestion; but guess what? With one airline failure at Midway, and a major merger at O'hare, passenger congestion has just relieved itself without wasting my money.
He then goes on to say:
Umm, lets' see. One East/West runway and one North/South runway. With all the millions that have been wasted over the years why hasn't the advanced equipment allowing inclement weather landings been added to the North/South runway as well?
But wait, there's more, and this is the funniest part:
Lets see, my econimics teachers would disagree, as would the investors in the failed airlines. If the market was there every airline that entered the market would not have failed.
In my mind the runway expansion is a red herring. The current East/West runway compares very favorably to the length of the runways at Midway. The longest runway at Midway is 6522' while the runway at Gary is 7003'.
Mr. Curry has his golden parachute, he should be encouraged to use it and let somebody that actually believes the airport can be successful, without spending millions more of our money, take over.
First he says
The airport is primarily promoting passenger traffic over cargo operations for several reasons. When the Federal Aviation Administration approved the letter of intent which granted $58 million for the airport expansion, it was based on relieving passenger congestion in the Chicago area.
If the airport changed the focus of the original intent of the letter of intent money, there is the potential risk of losing that funding. The information that helped to convince the FAA to provide funding was based on the high passenger numbers supplied by the previous carriers.
So, the $58 million is based on "high passenger numbers?" Wow, every passenger line that has come to Gary in the last ten years has failed, even with "high passenger numbers." Tell us another fairy tale. He is also concerned that they will lose the $58 million if they change focus. Big deal, this boondoggle was predicated on relieving passenger congestion; but guess what? With one airline failure at Midway, and a major merger at O'hare, passenger congestion has just relieved itself without wasting my money.
He then goes on to say:
Another aspect to cargo operations is the ability to access the airport from different directions in inclement weather and strong wind conditions. The airport has only one direction that an aircraft can land in inclement weather
Umm, lets' see. One East/West runway and one North/South runway. With all the millions that have been wasted over the years why hasn't the advanced equipment allowing inclement weather landings been added to the North/South runway as well?
But wait, there's more, and this is the funniest part:
The previous airlines proved a market existed and that passengers would use the airport, although the airlines went out of business
Lets see, my econimics teachers would disagree, as would the investors in the failed airlines. If the market was there every airline that entered the market would not have failed.
In my mind the runway expansion is a red herring. The current East/West runway compares very favorably to the length of the runways at Midway. The longest runway at Midway is 6522' while the runway at Gary is 7003'.
Mr. Curry has his golden parachute, he should be encouraged to use it and let somebody that actually believes the airport can be successful, without spending millions more of our money, take over.
Friday, April 11, 2008
An economic dirty word
When I was in high school, way back in the last century, my football coach (among others) used to tell us that we had potential. Unfortunately for me they considered potential a dirty word because it implies a lack of effort and will.
The same word applies to the Gary airport. It has the potential to be an economic powerhouse for the entire region, not just Gary. But what will it take to make the airport live up to its’ potential?
First we have to stop the insanity. If you repeat the same actions and expect a different result, that is a form of insanity. Now apply it to the airport. They have repeatedly courted under-capitalized start up passenger airlines that don’t go anywhere people want to, given them buckets full of (our) cash, and then are surprised when the airline fails after a couple of months.
Second, we need to change the definition of success. The airport could be a successful general aviation (GA) and cargo airport, but because the majority of people paying the bills (you and I) don’t understand general aviation or cargo operations, the inmates running the asylum won’t try for that success. Why is there more air traffic at Lansing Municipal than at Gary Regional? Because Lansing is very friendly to the general aviation sector, is Gary? Or is Gary more concerned about luring another lowest common denominator passenger outfit? As a cargo terminal the airport, along with the regions rail and highway network, could very well be a vital part of the regions future, but they have to eliminate that dirty word from their lexicon and start doing, instead of making excuses.
Thirdly the attitude of the management needs to be changed. The current head of the airport is on record saying that airports aren’t supposed to make money. That is true, but they aren’t supposed to be money pits either.
Finally, a real marketing strategy is needed. I have a friend who is in marketing and he tells me that “brand image” is very important for any business whether it is “Snuggle” fabric softener or the “Gary” airport. I’ve said it before; the traveling public will not willingly go to anything with the taint of Gary, Indiana. Change the name of the airport already.
The same word applies to the Gary airport. It has the potential to be an economic powerhouse for the entire region, not just Gary. But what will it take to make the airport live up to its’ potential?
First we have to stop the insanity. If you repeat the same actions and expect a different result, that is a form of insanity. Now apply it to the airport. They have repeatedly courted under-capitalized start up passenger airlines that don’t go anywhere people want to, given them buckets full of (our) cash, and then are surprised when the airline fails after a couple of months.
Second, we need to change the definition of success. The airport could be a successful general aviation (GA) and cargo airport, but because the majority of people paying the bills (you and I) don’t understand general aviation or cargo operations, the inmates running the asylum won’t try for that success. Why is there more air traffic at Lansing Municipal than at Gary Regional? Because Lansing is very friendly to the general aviation sector, is Gary? Or is Gary more concerned about luring another lowest common denominator passenger outfit? As a cargo terminal the airport, along with the regions rail and highway network, could very well be a vital part of the regions future, but they have to eliminate that dirty word from their lexicon and start doing, instead of making excuses.
Thirdly the attitude of the management needs to be changed. The current head of the airport is on record saying that airports aren’t supposed to make money. That is true, but they aren’t supposed to be money pits either.
Finally, a real marketing strategy is needed. I have a friend who is in marketing and he tells me that “brand image” is very important for any business whether it is “Snuggle” fabric softener or the “Gary” airport. I’ve said it before; the traveling public will not willingly go to anything with the taint of Gary, Indiana. Change the name of the airport already.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Preventing railroad deaths
I was reading the NWI Times when I came across a story about two people being killed at a rail crossing after trying to beat an Amtrak train. The saddest thing is that every single highway-rail accident is avoidable. All of them. Trains do not chase cars down the street or suddenly change lanes in front of you, it’s very easy to tell where they will be, just look for the tracks.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration there have been 16 highway-rail incidents so far through January in Indiana (compared to 22 for Jan. of 2007) resulting in 2 deaths and 13 injuries (2007 had 4 injuries and 1 death).
We live in an area with many congested railroad crossings. No matter how much we complain it is still a fact of life that to which we need to adjust. I have a friend that told me “I live five minutes from work, but have to leave thirty minutes early.” He plans for the trains so that he is not rushed and tempted to do dumb things.
We need to remember that, according to Operation Lifesaver, a freight train doing 55 mph, and an eight car passenger train doing 80 mph both take over a mile to stop.
We really need to think about what we have to do to stay on time when running errands, please take into account the fact that you will probably be stopped by a train.
There are steps communities can take to make crossings safer. Working with railroads some crossings can be closed, others crossings can have “barrier systems” installed that prevent vehicles from going around the gates. Extreme cases may be able to have overpasses or underpasses built to eliminate the crossing; this is being done in East Chicago and planned for in Munster.
It is up to us to be safe around the tracks and to teach our children to do the same. Although I know budgets are strained, we should speak to our elected officials to encourage them to increase awareness and to improve the crossings.
And please teach your children to stay off the tracks. Don’t play on them; don’t use them as walking trails. A train that is not accelerating or decelerating can be remarkable quiet, and with many people having music players with ear buds, or cell phones glued to the side of their head, they may never hear the train that kills them. Again, education is the key to keeping our kids safe, and enforcement is a tool that local police can use to raise awareness. Maybe if Johnny is brought home by the police with a trespassing ticket and has to go see Judge Harkin, mom or dad will apply some education of their own.
If nothing else, have mercy on the guy that has to wash the blood and gore off of the locomotive and check the undercarriage for body parts, stay off the tracks.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration there have been 16 highway-rail incidents so far through January in Indiana (compared to 22 for Jan. of 2007) resulting in 2 deaths and 13 injuries (2007 had 4 injuries and 1 death).
We live in an area with many congested railroad crossings. No matter how much we complain it is still a fact of life that to which we need to adjust. I have a friend that told me “I live five minutes from work, but have to leave thirty minutes early.” He plans for the trains so that he is not rushed and tempted to do dumb things.
We need to remember that, according to Operation Lifesaver, a freight train doing 55 mph, and an eight car passenger train doing 80 mph both take over a mile to stop.
We really need to think about what we have to do to stay on time when running errands, please take into account the fact that you will probably be stopped by a train.
There are steps communities can take to make crossings safer. Working with railroads some crossings can be closed, others crossings can have “barrier systems” installed that prevent vehicles from going around the gates. Extreme cases may be able to have overpasses or underpasses built to eliminate the crossing; this is being done in East Chicago and planned for in Munster.
It is up to us to be safe around the tracks and to teach our children to do the same. Although I know budgets are strained, we should speak to our elected officials to encourage them to increase awareness and to improve the crossings.
And please teach your children to stay off the tracks. Don’t play on them; don’t use them as walking trails. A train that is not accelerating or decelerating can be remarkable quiet, and with many people having music players with ear buds, or cell phones glued to the side of their head, they may never hear the train that kills them. Again, education is the key to keeping our kids safe, and enforcement is a tool that local police can use to raise awareness. Maybe if Johnny is brought home by the police with a trespassing ticket and has to go see Judge Harkin, mom or dad will apply some education of their own.
If nothing else, have mercy on the guy that has to wash the blood and gore off of the locomotive and check the undercarriage for body parts, stay off the tracks.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Property tax crises; we're not alone.
As some of you may know I am a member of the American Legion. In this month’s American Legion Magazine there is an article titled “The Property Tax Rebellion.” I thought that it was quite interesting for a couple of different reasons.
First, it let me know that we are not alone in dealing with the property tax issue. Quite often we are working in an information vacuum when it comes to Northwest Indiana. But other states are having the same troubles as Indiana.
Second, it discusses something that the local politicos and their cheerleaders ignore or only pay lip service to; imposed “property tax relief without spending discipline is just a shell game.” It sounds obvious, but like anything obvious in the region, it cannot be discussed dispassionately. Think about it like a math problem: 1(property tax) plus 1(other revenue) equals 2, simple right? But if gov’t wants to spend 4 and 1(property tax) is a fixed number then 1(other revenue) must be raised to make up the difference. Or, as was done recently, costs are shifted to other entities which increase fees. Was the property tax reduced? Yes. But were gov’t costs reduced? Absolutely not.
What about the assessment process? The article again makes what should be an obvious point, “The assessment process makes its own unpredictable contribution to Americas’ property-tax dilemma…Because assessors are empowered to determine home value, the process is always subjective and can raise privacy issues.” Think about it, the process is subjective, meaning it’s an opinion that can take time and money to correct when wrong.
The article also brings up something I never thought of, “An often overlooked disadvantage of shifting away from the property tax is a possible loss of federal tax deductions.” Why? “Because, in addition to permitting property-tax deductions, the federal 1040 form permits one other state-tax deduction: income taxes paid or sales taxes paid, but not both.” Now, I haven’t done the math, but property-tax relief can end up costing you more in federal taxes!
The article concludes with what is obvious to anyone outside of government, “The best way to bring about substantial tax relief is to reduce government spending.”
It’s so easy a child could understand it, and a necessary step to move Hammond forward.
First, it let me know that we are not alone in dealing with the property tax issue. Quite often we are working in an information vacuum when it comes to Northwest Indiana. But other states are having the same troubles as Indiana.
Second, it discusses something that the local politicos and their cheerleaders ignore or only pay lip service to; imposed “property tax relief without spending discipline is just a shell game.” It sounds obvious, but like anything obvious in the region, it cannot be discussed dispassionately. Think about it like a math problem: 1(property tax) plus 1(other revenue) equals 2, simple right? But if gov’t wants to spend 4 and 1(property tax) is a fixed number then 1(other revenue) must be raised to make up the difference. Or, as was done recently, costs are shifted to other entities which increase fees. Was the property tax reduced? Yes. But were gov’t costs reduced? Absolutely not.
What about the assessment process? The article again makes what should be an obvious point, “The assessment process makes its own unpredictable contribution to Americas’ property-tax dilemma…Because assessors are empowered to determine home value, the process is always subjective and can raise privacy issues.” Think about it, the process is subjective, meaning it’s an opinion that can take time and money to correct when wrong.
The article also brings up something I never thought of, “An often overlooked disadvantage of shifting away from the property tax is a possible loss of federal tax deductions.” Why? “Because, in addition to permitting property-tax deductions, the federal 1040 form permits one other state-tax deduction: income taxes paid or sales taxes paid, but not both.” Now, I haven’t done the math, but property-tax relief can end up costing you more in federal taxes!
The article concludes with what is obvious to anyone outside of government, “The best way to bring about substantial tax relief is to reduce government spending.”
It’s so easy a child could understand it, and a necessary step to move Hammond forward.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A pill being forced down our throats
Recently the “powers that be” have been touting a plan for replacing Hammond High School. Presenting a plan, seeking public input, and then making a decision is fine and the way it should be done, but not in Hammond.
Here they are determined that the school will be built according to this plan, public opinion be damned.
One of the things that really bother me about the sales pitch is that the new building is being presented as a cure for all that ails Hammond High. One “fact” casually tossed around is that there is a study that shows new buildings increase test scores by 18%. Yet the professional bureaucrats ignore the evidence presented in their own system. All of the construction that has been done in the schools hasn’t raised test scores in Hammond one iota.
Do we really need architectural award-winning monuments to the power of bureaucracy? Or would a “plain jane” building work just as well, and cost less?
One of the real problems in the School City of Hammond is leadership, or more precisely, the lack of leadership. The current professional bureaucrats seem to spend more time trying to minimize their failures than they do trying to find solutions. The tenure of the current chief bureaucrat has been an unmitigated disaster for the SCH and our children. Seemingly the attitude is one of minimal expectations. A child from a low-income, or a non-english speaking home isn’t expected to do well, so no effort is expended to get the child to excel, just get him to the minimum seems to be the game plan.
It is time to do a nationwide search for a new head of the Hammond schools, one that will not be happy with minor tweaks of the status-quo, but will restore a sense of high expectations.
Let's dump the insider bureaucrats and find some real leadership.
Here they are determined that the school will be built according to this plan, public opinion be damned.
One of the things that really bother me about the sales pitch is that the new building is being presented as a cure for all that ails Hammond High. One “fact” casually tossed around is that there is a study that shows new buildings increase test scores by 18%. Yet the professional bureaucrats ignore the evidence presented in their own system. All of the construction that has been done in the schools hasn’t raised test scores in Hammond one iota.
Do we really need architectural award-winning monuments to the power of bureaucracy? Or would a “plain jane” building work just as well, and cost less?
One of the real problems in the School City of Hammond is leadership, or more precisely, the lack of leadership. The current professional bureaucrats seem to spend more time trying to minimize their failures than they do trying to find solutions. The tenure of the current chief bureaucrat has been an unmitigated disaster for the SCH and our children. Seemingly the attitude is one of minimal expectations. A child from a low-income, or a non-english speaking home isn’t expected to do well, so no effort is expended to get the child to excel, just get him to the minimum seems to be the game plan.
It is time to do a nationwide search for a new head of the Hammond schools, one that will not be happy with minor tweaks of the status-quo, but will restore a sense of high expectations.
Let's dump the insider bureaucrats and find some real leadership.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Having your cake...and eating it too?
First, let me apologize for the length between posts. Contrary to the gloom and doom economic tales the transportation segment of the economy is alive and well; and keeping me busy 6 (or more) days a week.
Oh, where to start...
In the March 9 issue of the Times is a story about the Gary airport and how it is all the fault of the EJ&E railroad that the airport hasn't "taken off." But lets' talk about the article for a minute. First there's this quote " "The FAA says its illegal," Davis said last week as he drove his pickup truck out to the tracks. "It's been grandfathered in, but they say it has to go."" Let's be clear about this, the FAA has not authority over railroads. Yes, it's true that if a railroad tried to build new tracks that close to a runway the project would be shot down. But these tracks have been here since, as the article does point out, "before the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk" How is poor placement of an airport the fault of the railroad?
Next the article says that the tracks effectively shorten the 7000 foot runway by approximately 1000 feet. That would make the runway about 6000 feet long. Midway Airports' longest runway is only 6522 feet long. Somehow I doubt that the runway length is the sole determining factor of regional airlines avoiding Gary like the plague.
After an article full of doom and gloom the article briefly mentions a $5million dollar investment by the Gary Jet Center in a new hangar. If Mr. Davis truly believed that it was all doom and gloom why did he put $5million at such risk?
It seems more like a pr ploy intended to pressure the railroads to hurry up and submit to a plan that may not be in their own business interest in order to further the business interest of Mr. Davis.
When will people realize the first problem with the Gary airport is the name? And then you have someone running it that wants it to lose money, nevermind his own golden parachute.
Kinda makes me wish I was living in there reality.
Oh, where to start...
In the March 9 issue of the Times is a story about the Gary airport and how it is all the fault of the EJ&E railroad that the airport hasn't "taken off." But lets' talk about the article for a minute. First there's this quote " "The FAA says its illegal," Davis said last week as he drove his pickup truck out to the tracks. "It's been grandfathered in, but they say it has to go."" Let's be clear about this, the FAA has not authority over railroads. Yes, it's true that if a railroad tried to build new tracks that close to a runway the project would be shot down. But these tracks have been here since, as the article does point out, "before the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk" How is poor placement of an airport the fault of the railroad?
Next the article says that the tracks effectively shorten the 7000 foot runway by approximately 1000 feet. That would make the runway about 6000 feet long. Midway Airports' longest runway is only 6522 feet long. Somehow I doubt that the runway length is the sole determining factor of regional airlines avoiding Gary like the plague.
After an article full of doom and gloom the article briefly mentions a $5million dollar investment by the Gary Jet Center in a new hangar. If Mr. Davis truly believed that it was all doom and gloom why did he put $5million at such risk?
It seems more like a pr ploy intended to pressure the railroads to hurry up and submit to a plan that may not be in their own business interest in order to further the business interest of Mr. Davis.
When will people realize the first problem with the Gary airport is the name? And then you have someone running it that wants it to lose money, nevermind his own golden parachute.
Kinda makes me wish I was living in there reality.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Has Hammond missed the boat...again?
Well, after sniffing around some I believe that Hammond has missed the boat on a viable intermodal rail yard. Oh, I'm not saying one can't (or won't) be built; but if it is it'll be a johnny-come-lately effort that won't have nearly as much of an economic impact as is hoped....Kinda like Cabela's.
Here's a tidbit from the Chicago Tribune:
"Eight years later, plans are in the works for a second massive intermodal and industrial park on 850 acres of farmland in Crete, and similar projects are being explored in Joliet, Beecher and Wilmington. But some are now asking: Is this the future we want?The independent Will County Center for Economic Development has begun studying the impact of these large pick-up and drop-off centers that can bring between a few hundred to a couple of thousand trains and semitrailer trucks a day. The goal, said center President John Greuling, is to better understand what life in Will County would be like if two, three or even four intermodal sites sprout up in the next few years."
So we have one, or more, sites being developed in Will County, one in LaPorte, and possibly one by the Port of Indiana. With the economy taking a breath like it is the railroads will be able to develop and implement plans to increase their effiency using the infrastructure that they have in place and that is being actively developed. Where does Hammond fit in? So far all we have seen is a letter of agreement with an equipment supplier and some preliminary site drawings. As far as we know nothing else is happening. No environmental surveys of the land, no estimates of property acquisition costs, no impact studies, nothing.
Hammond has missed out on the retail boom, the days of heavy industry are long gone, the casinos are feeling pressure. Have we missed the transportation boom too?
Here's a tidbit from the Chicago Tribune:
"Eight years later, plans are in the works for a second massive intermodal and industrial park on 850 acres of farmland in Crete, and similar projects are being explored in Joliet, Beecher and Wilmington. But some are now asking: Is this the future we want?The independent Will County Center for Economic Development has begun studying the impact of these large pick-up and drop-off centers that can bring between a few hundred to a couple of thousand trains and semitrailer trucks a day. The goal, said center President John Greuling, is to better understand what life in Will County would be like if two, three or even four intermodal sites sprout up in the next few years."
So we have one, or more, sites being developed in Will County, one in LaPorte, and possibly one by the Port of Indiana. With the economy taking a breath like it is the railroads will be able to develop and implement plans to increase their effiency using the infrastructure that they have in place and that is being actively developed. Where does Hammond fit in? So far all we have seen is a letter of agreement with an equipment supplier and some preliminary site drawings. As far as we know nothing else is happening. No environmental surveys of the land, no estimates of property acquisition costs, no impact studies, nothing.
Hammond has missed out on the retail boom, the days of heavy industry are long gone, the casinos are feeling pressure. Have we missed the transportation boom too?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
South Shore Expansion Dead?
It seems that the legislature has at least one person in power that doesn't buy the hype about the south shore expansion and has had the project shelved, at least for now.
What does this mean to us? Well at first glance it means that cooler heads can take a look at the plan and the funding mechanisms involved to consider the effects on the region and the state.
On the other hand it allows the lords and ladies of the region to continue to work on getting their fingers in the pie making demands for their own feifdoms, regardless of merit, that may ultimately doom the project.
It will also allow the people of the region a chance to voice their opinion to the "talking heads" in the (probably vain) hope that we will be listened to.
If this is going to happen, we should demand that it be built with the most modern, flexible, system possible; not technoligically ancient systems prone to breakdown. What the heck am I talking about? What are called DMU railcars. For more information see Colorado Railcar's website.
We need forward thinking, not backward living.
What does this mean to us? Well at first glance it means that cooler heads can take a look at the plan and the funding mechanisms involved to consider the effects on the region and the state.
On the other hand it allows the lords and ladies of the region to continue to work on getting their fingers in the pie making demands for their own feifdoms, regardless of merit, that may ultimately doom the project.
It will also allow the people of the region a chance to voice their opinion to the "talking heads" in the (probably vain) hope that we will be listened to.
If this is going to happen, we should demand that it be built with the most modern, flexible, system possible; not technoligically ancient systems prone to breakdown. What the heck am I talking about? What are called DMU railcars. For more information see Colorado Railcar's website.
We need forward thinking, not backward living.
Friday, February 15, 2008
CN's purchase of EJE
Railway Age magazine has an article this month about the Canadian National Railroad. Featured prominently in the article is a discussion of the purchase of the EJ&E and the reasoning behind it. An excerpt of the article is available online at Railway Age but you must subscribe to the magazine for the full article.
What affect, if any will this have on Hammond? If there are no negative effects on Hammond we should be supporting this merger as good for the region; after all, when, in recent history, has a multinational company decided to invest in Gary? This alone would be a net positive for the region. Will some communities be negatively impacted? Yes, but rather than act like C.A.V.E. people maybe they should talk to the railroad and work together on minimizing the impact. There are things that can be done if they are willing to work with the railroad; but the railroad will be less likely to respond to threats and demands.
Take some time and research quiet zones; this would help reduce the noise at crossings, but requires the communities willing participation.
And, although they are expensive overpasses and viaducts can frequently be used to close crossings thus avoiding delays caused by trains.
What affect, if any will this have on Hammond? If there are no negative effects on Hammond we should be supporting this merger as good for the region; after all, when, in recent history, has a multinational company decided to invest in Gary? This alone would be a net positive for the region. Will some communities be negatively impacted? Yes, but rather than act like C.A.V.E. people maybe they should talk to the railroad and work together on minimizing the impact. There are things that can be done if they are willing to work with the railroad; but the railroad will be less likely to respond to threats and demands.
Take some time and research quiet zones; this would help reduce the noise at crossings, but requires the communities willing participation.
And, although they are expensive overpasses and viaducts can frequently be used to close crossings thus avoiding delays caused by trains.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Things are heating up
Sorry for the long break, I was sick with the flu (and managed to survive without a city health department).
A little birdy tells me that the Indiana Harbor Belt is testing a new locomitive of the type that I previously suggested. I know better than to try to claim credit, but it is a validation of my suggestion. Now we need to work on getting some interest in a quiet zone....
The South Shore expansion debate is heating up downstate with the representatives from "da region" doing what they always do; fighting amongst themselves to see who can doom the project with the most outrageous extortion demands. Mayor McDermott seems to have prevailed in getting a "gateway station" in Hammond by working behind the scenes with legislators, not by having a tantrum in the papers like other so-called leaders.....
Do I support the expansion? I really don't know. If the expanded lines will use the same 1900's technology as the existing lines, then no. If they decide to use new technology then maybe. Not having to build all the overhead power lines will save millions in construction costs. And DMU transit cars would allow greater routing flexibility in the event of trouble on the normal tracks. A larger question than the construction funding is the operating costs. Most transit lines, in the U.S., only recover about 30% through the fare box; and they are considered wildly successful if they recover 60%. Where will the operating funds come from? Look what is happening across the state line with the Chicago RTA.
A little birdy tells me that the Indiana Harbor Belt is testing a new locomitive of the type that I previously suggested. I know better than to try to claim credit, but it is a validation of my suggestion. Now we need to work on getting some interest in a quiet zone....
The South Shore expansion debate is heating up downstate with the representatives from "da region" doing what they always do; fighting amongst themselves to see who can doom the project with the most outrageous extortion demands. Mayor McDermott seems to have prevailed in getting a "gateway station" in Hammond by working behind the scenes with legislators, not by having a tantrum in the papers like other so-called leaders.....
Do I support the expansion? I really don't know. If the expanded lines will use the same 1900's technology as the existing lines, then no. If they decide to use new technology then maybe. Not having to build all the overhead power lines will save millions in construction costs. And DMU transit cars would allow greater routing flexibility in the event of trouble on the normal tracks. A larger question than the construction funding is the operating costs. Most transit lines, in the U.S., only recover about 30% through the fare box; and they are considered wildly successful if they recover 60%. Where will the operating funds come from? Look what is happening across the state line with the Chicago RTA.
Monday, January 28, 2008
transportation and quality of life
A lot has happened in the last week. The state is working on a bill to reform property taxes, the South Shore expansion looks like it will get funding and the hysteria surrounding the CN has died down for the moment. That's a lot and it will take time for the fallout to become apparent. In the meatime let's think about something else.
How does heavy transportation affect quality of life, and can we minimize the negative effects.
Although I work for a railroad, I'll be the first to admit that I don't want to live next to a noisy main line where horns are blowing 24/7; or next to a yard where cars are banging together all night long and the exhaust from the diesel engines is wafting through the neighborhood.
Do we have to just live with these things if we have railroads in our community? No we don't. I propose a pilot project in Hammond that would showcase methods to minimize these affects.
This project would take place along the IHB main line that parallels Willow Ct. from Columbia to the state line.
Step one erect sound barrier walls, similar to those by the expressway, on the north side from Columbia to Hohman. Not only with this help reduce noise, it will help improve safety by reducingthe number of tresspassers on the tracks under the Hohman overpass and will be much mor effective at preventing children from gaining access to the tracks. On the south side build the sound barrier from Maywood to Sohl (the only stretch that has housing). At the same time establish a "quiet zone" as laid out in the Federal Railroad Administration rules http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1475 along the same stretch. The quiet zone would require of not just the railroad and the city, but also the state and federal governments as well. The crossing at Sohl St. would have to be upgraded but, as we have tragically seen, many crossings in Hammond need that as it stands now.
The second step, I believe, will be harder because it will not only require the cooperation of the railroad, the city, the state, the EPA, and the FRA, but it will require money too.
The Indiana Harbor Belt railroad uses locomotives that were state of the art in the 60's. They are noisy. They pollute. They are inefficient.
Using todays' technology locomotives are available, from several manufacturers, that are much more quiet, have virtually zero emissions, and are much more efficient. How about these agencies work together to help the IHB acquire several of these locomotives. Of course if any funding from the city is used it would have to be be agreed that these units are to be used at the Gibson Yard and other locations in the city.
I know that you're thinking, how much will all this cost; but my retort is, how much is improved quality of life, increased safety, and possible increased property values, worth?
How does heavy transportation affect quality of life, and can we minimize the negative effects.
Although I work for a railroad, I'll be the first to admit that I don't want to live next to a noisy main line where horns are blowing 24/7; or next to a yard where cars are banging together all night long and the exhaust from the diesel engines is wafting through the neighborhood.
Do we have to just live with these things if we have railroads in our community? No we don't. I propose a pilot project in Hammond that would showcase methods to minimize these affects.
This project would take place along the IHB main line that parallels Willow Ct. from Columbia to the state line.
Step one erect sound barrier walls, similar to those by the expressway, on the north side from Columbia to Hohman. Not only with this help reduce noise, it will help improve safety by reducingthe number of tresspassers on the tracks under the Hohman overpass and will be much mor effective at preventing children from gaining access to the tracks. On the south side build the sound barrier from Maywood to Sohl (the only stretch that has housing). At the same time establish a "quiet zone" as laid out in the Federal Railroad Administration rules http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1475 along the same stretch. The quiet zone would require of not just the railroad and the city, but also the state and federal governments as well. The crossing at Sohl St. would have to be upgraded but, as we have tragically seen, many crossings in Hammond need that as it stands now.
The second step, I believe, will be harder because it will not only require the cooperation of the railroad, the city, the state, the EPA, and the FRA, but it will require money too.
The Indiana Harbor Belt railroad uses locomotives that were state of the art in the 60's. They are noisy. They pollute. They are inefficient.
Using todays' technology locomotives are available, from several manufacturers, that are much more quiet, have virtually zero emissions, and are much more efficient. How about these agencies work together to help the IHB acquire several of these locomotives. Of course if any funding from the city is used it would have to be be agreed that these units are to be used at the Gibson Yard and other locations in the city.
I know that you're thinking, how much will all this cost; but my retort is, how much is improved quality of life, increased safety, and possible increased property values, worth?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
"NIRPC opposes CN plans"....So much for regionalism
The headline in the business section of todays' Times reads "NIRPC opposes CN plans." So much for their stated mission of "NIRPC is a regional council of local governments serving the three counties of northwest Indiana. The northwest Indiana region is an integral part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. NIRPC provides a forum that enables the citizens of northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the environment and community and economic development." (From NIRPC website) The Times article implies, but doesn't specifically say, that the vote went along community lines. Is this how a regional body works? What about the jobs that would be created in Gary, a city in dire straights?
Even more puzzling about this vote is the fact that for the last year, or more, the NIRPC has been championing the development of intemodal rail facilities in the region; more specifically in LaPorte, in Porter County, and even the proposed facility in Hammond. What do they think will happen if any or all these facilities are built? Will the railroads decrease other traffic to increase intermodal, or will they just increase traffic?
In my opinion, all this opposition is just posturing. The federal gov't has identified the Chicago bottleneck as one of the largest problems with the national rail network; this buyout is a win-win for the feds. First, it helps reduce the congestion in the "Chicago metropolitan area." Second, it does it without using any federal money.
Have any of the affected communities talked to the CN about reducing the impact of they buyout? Or are they just having a fit?
Having said all that, if nothing else this doesn't bode well for any plans that may be in the works for Hammond. Think about it. If the lords of the various fiefdoms can gather to oppose the CN buyout, which will be good for the region and the country, what will keep them from opposing something that will elevate one of the northern cities?
Even more puzzling about this vote is the fact that for the last year, or more, the NIRPC has been championing the development of intemodal rail facilities in the region; more specifically in LaPorte, in Porter County, and even the proposed facility in Hammond. What do they think will happen if any or all these facilities are built? Will the railroads decrease other traffic to increase intermodal, or will they just increase traffic?
In my opinion, all this opposition is just posturing. The federal gov't has identified the Chicago bottleneck as one of the largest problems with the national rail network; this buyout is a win-win for the feds. First, it helps reduce the congestion in the "Chicago metropolitan area." Second, it does it without using any federal money.
Have any of the affected communities talked to the CN about reducing the impact of they buyout? Or are they just having a fit?
Having said all that, if nothing else this doesn't bode well for any plans that may be in the works for Hammond. Think about it. If the lords of the various fiefdoms can gather to oppose the CN buyout, which will be good for the region and the country, what will keep them from opposing something that will elevate one of the northern cities?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Pardon the venting
Lots of press has been given to the possibility of the Hammond Carson Pirie Scott store closing. The mayor has been quoted as saying it is his job to try and retain business' in Hammond, as well as lure new ones, and this is very true. And every article has someone saying how much Carsons' (as it is locally known) means to Hammond. But what does it mean to Hammond? Does it mean jobs? I doubt it, most retail stores pay $7-9 an hour; and besides, how many people work there? Is it a draw to out of towners? Unless Bon-Ton releases demographic information for the store we don't really know. What else is there? Tax base? Yes, if the store closes the city will lose some tax revenue. But isn't the entire site supposed to be rebuilt with incentives given to the developer? So I don't think we're really going to lose much revenue there.
Carsons' is, to my mind, more about tradition and nostalgia than anything else. Taken from a negative point of view, the fight could be seen as a refusal to recognize that times have changed in the last 50 years. Unless the citizens of Hammond realize this fact the city will continue on a downward spiral. We must decide what our city will be in the future. Will we become another Gary? Will we try to transform ourselves into another "bedroom community?" Or will we try to transform from a heavy manufacturing city into other types of production or services?
My vote is for the last option. Let's work to take advantage of Hammonds' location and proud heritage as a hard-working town to bring more transportation-based industries and services to our city.
I am all in favor of Carsons' staying in Hammond, but remember, this may be much ado about nothing. All the rumors started flying when a developer in Schererville (or was it Highland?) produced a concept drawing that had one of the stores with Carsons' name on it. If they stay in Hammond we may never know what effect, if any, all this had on their decision. Don't let the politicos take credit where none is due.
Carsons' is, to my mind, more about tradition and nostalgia than anything else. Taken from a negative point of view, the fight could be seen as a refusal to recognize that times have changed in the last 50 years. Unless the citizens of Hammond realize this fact the city will continue on a downward spiral. We must decide what our city will be in the future. Will we become another Gary? Will we try to transform ourselves into another "bedroom community?" Or will we try to transform from a heavy manufacturing city into other types of production or services?
My vote is for the last option. Let's work to take advantage of Hammonds' location and proud heritage as a hard-working town to bring more transportation-based industries and services to our city.
I am all in favor of Carsons' staying in Hammond, but remember, this may be much ado about nothing. All the rumors started flying when a developer in Schererville (or was it Highland?) produced a concept drawing that had one of the stores with Carsons' name on it. If they stay in Hammond we may never know what effect, if any, all this had on their decision. Don't let the politicos take credit where none is due.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Serbs refuse to help the Croats
"Trouble continues today as the Serbs have refused to provide services to the Croat community saying that the law doesn't force them to so they won't.
This is just the latest round in the ethnic troubles that have plagued the area for decades."
Sound familiar? If you read the Times ( www.nwi.com )it should; this is what the county health department is saying to the citizens of Hammond.
I guess step 1a of moving Hammond forward would be to convince the elected officials, at all levels, that working together is a good thing regardless of who gets the credit. This is a tough time for all the units of government, so do they work together? NO. Instead they seem to be trying to make us believe that the problems all lay with the other units of government, not their particular fiefdom.
We need to contact our elected officials, every last one of them, on a regular basis and demand that they work together, not just stand at their pulpit pointing fingers everywhere else.
And enough of the "busywork" grandstanding that really does nothing to help our economic situation. What am I talking about? See Matt's post about Carsons at http://msaliga.blogspot.com/
What we need is to know and see what is happening with the Gibson Yard intermodal project. This is the type of project that needs to be sold publicly, and to the industries that will use it, before it's built. Every week we hear about the project in LaPorte and other proposed projects, but nothing about Hammond. Are we losing out because of the desire for secrecy and the worry over who will get credit?
I certainly hope (probably in vain) that politics won't win out over good policies
This is just the latest round in the ethnic troubles that have plagued the area for decades."
Sound familiar? If you read the Times ( www.nwi.com )it should; this is what the county health department is saying to the citizens of Hammond.
I guess step 1a of moving Hammond forward would be to convince the elected officials, at all levels, that working together is a good thing regardless of who gets the credit. This is a tough time for all the units of government, so do they work together? NO. Instead they seem to be trying to make us believe that the problems all lay with the other units of government, not their particular fiefdom.
We need to contact our elected officials, every last one of them, on a regular basis and demand that they work together, not just stand at their pulpit pointing fingers everywhere else.
And enough of the "busywork" grandstanding that really does nothing to help our economic situation. What am I talking about? See Matt's post about Carsons at http://msaliga.blogspot.com/
What we need is to know and see what is happening with the Gibson Yard intermodal project. This is the type of project that needs to be sold publicly, and to the industries that will use it, before it's built. Every week we hear about the project in LaPorte and other proposed projects, but nothing about Hammond. Are we losing out because of the desire for secrecy and the worry over who will get credit?
I certainly hope (probably in vain) that politics won't win out over good policies
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Moving forward, step one
The first thing that needs to happen before Hammond can move forward is our leaders must be willing to accept good ideas, regardless of origination. Until that begins to happen we will continue to be trapped in an economic, political, and social quagmire.
Economically we should be actively and agressively working to take advantage of our geographic location and the transportation infrastructure that we have. We are, quite literally, at the crossroads of America.
I believe that aggressive marketing of the Gibson Yards as a site for an intermodal rail yard would be a great step forward. If that could be developed it would bring many spin off industries with it; warehousing, distribution, trucking, etc.
The Homan Avenue corridor would be ideal for medical professionals. This would take advantage of the proximity to Illinois, without the onerous restrictions of being in Illinois.
And what about our lakefront? Believe it or not Hammonds' lakefront consists mainly of two beaches and a marina. The Port Authority seems to be doing a good job with the marina, but what about the beach and park? Surely these can be groomed much better than they are, drawing more people, allowing for some small businesses to spring up there.
These are some of my ideas, what are yours?
more later......
Economically we should be actively and agressively working to take advantage of our geographic location and the transportation infrastructure that we have. We are, quite literally, at the crossroads of America.
I believe that aggressive marketing of the Gibson Yards as a site for an intermodal rail yard would be a great step forward. If that could be developed it would bring many spin off industries with it; warehousing, distribution, trucking, etc.
The Homan Avenue corridor would be ideal for medical professionals. This would take advantage of the proximity to Illinois, without the onerous restrictions of being in Illinois.
And what about our lakefront? Believe it or not Hammonds' lakefront consists mainly of two beaches and a marina. The Port Authority seems to be doing a good job with the marina, but what about the beach and park? Surely these can be groomed much better than they are, drawing more people, allowing for some small businesses to spring up there.
These are some of my ideas, what are yours?
more later......
Monday, January 7, 2008
How do we move forward?
How can we move Hammond forward? Our history is one of a blue collar town where everyone works at the mill or works to support it. But those days are gone forever. Although the mills continue to be an important part of our economy, they will never again be the powerhouse they once were.
So, where does that leave us? It leaves us with an enormous opportunity to diversify our economic base. I believe that if we can put politics and personalities aside we can come up with ideas and policies that will move Hammond forward.
More tommorrow.....
So, where does that leave us? It leaves us with an enormous opportunity to diversify our economic base. I believe that if we can put politics and personalities aside we can come up with ideas and policies that will move Hammond forward.
More tommorrow.....
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