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| No new homes, businesses |
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| Written by Sue Rainey / Your Voice | |
| Friday, 25 July 2008 | |
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Kudos to Steve Hunger (“Your Voice, “Gateway to Manteca,” Wednesday). He is so right. Tracy can’t get anything accomplished. No sports park, no colleges, no aquatic center, no big retailer. Who wants to build in a city that cannot grow and support their business? Measure A effectively ruined Tracy’s chances to become a “destination” or enhance its desirability to residents. I want to sit right next to Steve, eating a sandwich, sucking in dust. It sounds so enticing. Why would they build a courthouse on Sixth Street? The Great Plate and Magellan’s can serve only a limited number of people. Celeste Garamendi shot a hole in “her idea” with her pushing of Measure A. No new homes, no new residents, no new businesses. Tracy had better step up and start taking action to give us “destination” elements, or everyone will drive by Tracy to get to Manteca. The aquatic center would be a great start (before Manteca thinks of it), and let building begin under Measure A now. Sue Rainey, Tracy Trackback(0)
Comments
(81)
Job growth other than retail is what Tracy needs. We have the housing just sitting here. GWF Power Plant is suppose to bring 16 new jobs to Tracy,hope Tracy residents have first crack. So many manufacturing jobs have gone overseas,they should have come to this County and City of Tracy. The Stockton Airport should have been flourshing with all sorts of cargo and passengers and vistors. But companies do not want to pay decent wages and benefits to workers and create communities ,they seen to rather exploit other countries for there labor pools and lack of regulations. Farmland should have every crop for this climate at peak growth, but no.. imports from other countries have farmers selling there land to housing developers And it goes on and on while our leaders decide how to stop people on the cell phones and eating trans fats and diverting money from schools and deals with Walmart and bailing out the large lenders for there bad loans and trying to take our guns away which we may need if this Country continues on this current path we are on as there will be no more middle class. That's all
Sue,
You are right on Track! Also ask where the money went from the Measure A. All, I have a lot more question. Ask Malcolm if she supported the BioLab? Talk about heads of house hold jobs. We would have had more jobs with the "vision". Which activist killed those "head of household jobs"??? Celeste's dream of getting a courthouse idea was discussed here, but it won't bring any jobs till 2015. May not bring any jobs at all, in fact; if the Dems can't provide another rally (like Garamendi's Tuesday meeting?)? And at seven years "crap shoot", Celeste may not be able to bring jobs to Tracy, at all? Was Celeste opposed to the Bio Lab too? Didn't see Celeste stand up when they voted on the Holly Sports Park site either. (jun 15 and jul 1). At 1200 acres the Holly site should bring revenue and jobs to Tracy? And it looks like all we need to do is provide ten new jobs per year to outpace Garamendi's latest courthouse dream?
Celeste said that Tracy doesn't need to be a "Commuter City"
For Her Information....It already is. and She is not the Spokesman for Tracy, not even close. She wants to Build "Big Government" Like all Hippy Pinkos This is a real insight into Her Thinking...She wants ( along with her Leftist Lawyer Husband Conoly) Big Govt.Court Houses. and all other growth be dammed. There isn't a single example of Democrat run Citys that are Run and managed well... just Red tape and Tax increases. I don't think Celeste gets it? Perhaps she just doesn't want technology jobs (BioLab too?)??? Need more information from Celeste here, please? And after all, isn't Celeste also a commuter to the City of Tracy? When does the train leave town???
"When does the train leave town???"
TRN, We're going to have a train station but no trains coming or going. 
fortheunderdog,
First, who says we can't have a train in a few years? ACE or Amtrack sounds doable? Why not? And it sounds like something we would all want. We will have a few years to get a train. Suggest we get this town rolling and start with the busses. The problem in the U.S. is that the Trucking Industry killed high speed trains and transportation and infrastructure build-out. This happened during the 60s and 70s. Now were left with a marblecake government trying to provide solutions to our existing transportation problems. The Transit Station you mentioned will be funded with those monies (meaning Measure K). Start looking here for the answers. There are two "TRANSIT" websites that I want you to check out. They are San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRTD) http://www.mvtransit.com/Tracer_home.htm and TRACER MVTransit http://www.mvtransit.com/Tracer_home.htm They already are in Tracy, CA. ACE Train is too. I bet the folks at ACE would like another stop in Tracy. Additionally, the Transit Station will provide revitalization of the downtown Bowtie area. Would you rather to look at brown grass? Probablly not. And the Transit Station will look nice there. I don't think we see it the same way. I'm positive we could get a train in a few years. And we already have one Train and three busses in Tracy, CA. But I did notice the "winky". Thanks! TRN, Trucking didn't kill the idea of high speed trains in California. It was Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, and AMTRAK. They all thought the implementation of high speed trains would only contribute to problems with current, and future train routing. Also, the existing tracks aren't able to maintain a high speed train. I don't see the need at this time for a Tracy Intermodal Transit Station, don't forget the acronym. I truly think that this station is going to be a bust. Winkie included.
fortheunderdog,
Doing root cause analysis on symptoms will not solve the problem. If the government were focused on high speed trains then carriers would be putting more overnight packages and freight on trains. Ultimately, both were factors. Those companies (you mentioned) lobbied the government and lost in the end. If we've learned anything from it. Let's not repeat that mistake. I would point out that it may be shortsighted to think that the station will be a bust. Take a look at the ACE Train alone, which already runs through Tracy. They ACE management pointed out that they are experiencing a 17% increase in ridership this year. And a 7% increase in the last month. Looks like somebody is experiencing "hockey stick growth" in this economy. If people are looking for better Transportion, then a Transit Station in Tracy, CA definitely won't be a "bust"! (and riding on the wheels of Measure K, its an even sweeter deal). I know that alternatively, you can purchase a Kia for only $80/month. Thanks! (winkie, sold separately)
fortheunderdog,
What's wrong with: BringInG - Tracy Intermodal Transit Station? (winky included here too) written by Malcolm , July 26, 2008 I recall a day there were few foreclosures. Life changes. It takes 3-5 years to go through the approval process. Why are you thinking a project would immediately be constructed? Have you dealt with lenders during the past year? Are you familiar with vesting tentative maps and why they are allowed? If one-third of our economy is related to construction do we discount the relationship or work towards solutions that meet our goals?
Dale,
Malcolm is just bitter because Garamendi didn't tell her the whole truth. Now she is taking it out on others. Why are you thinking a project would immediately be constructed? Right, it took 8+ years of planning, pulling people together to make this project at Bow Tie work, Tracyites are seeing the result of the years of planning put into it. Why stop it now, money was spent, studies were spent, the clean up done at the Bow Tie, and so on, all that takes TIME!!! If people would do more researches they would have known Ives was on Ace Board and was working with them for years..... do you want to discredit it? Just look at the work put into it, done, and leading up to final plans, showing results. Don't look at the name of the Mayor since most of you obstructs LOOK at Ives at the wrong angle for now, just focus on the work done and the years it took. Some may have started with Bilbrey when he was a Mayor(?) from what I was told. Ives is finishing up the plans? Why kill what would benefit Tracyites and a family friendly town? Don't know Ives or Bilbrey, just have been looking at plans and what it entailed, studies that went into it, looking for best answsers, no name of the Mayor matters, it is the work performance that matters, I do agree with that. But seems to be heading in the right direction for these economic times and people's demands to go economically green? Just my observance. -amy
What planning? A Transit Station - Minus the Transit?
Brainiacs! That is the best they could do? Why didnt they construct the Station where it is needed...At the Ace Train Station, where commuters actually board the train? That would of made sense!
The Benifit is only to Ives and the Amigos - Pet Project to get some Measure K funds - What a WASTE!
Forgive my ignorance, I had heard that mentioned before about the Ace, but not exactly sure where that is? Lot further from downtown?
-amy
To the blogger who passes him/her self off as "what?":
Your're starting to repeat yourself. Like this. You should consider asking your favorite candidate Garamendi to sponsor it for you. You can just go have lunch out there with Garamendi, yourself and the dump-trucks . Who knows? She just might be looking for a few more of those kind of ideas??? Wouldn't surprise me!
To the blogger who passes him/her self off as "what?":
Are you paid by Garamendi? You've been giving out misinformation again. The Transit Station will not fly without "transit". That is part of Measure K. You keep saying the same thing, over and over and over. Keep hoping that someone will believe you. They won't believe misinformation! Get over it!
Just because someone at city hall filled out the Measure K forms stating that the Transient Station will have transit does not make it so> Words are cheap..
Building a station at the existing Ace stop would have benifited the people of Tracy. Not 6th street Pet Project! Measure K money down the toilet!
Sue Rainey
Good letter and I do agree with you. What many people do not understand is that in order for businesses to be willing to come to Tracy they have to be pretty much convinsed they and their employees will have a favorable place to come to where land and housing is affordable. I suppose the lessons of Silicon Valley, once the meca for high-tech development in the entire world, lost that edge because of limited amounts of affordable housing and stimulating business growth instead of trying to tax it out of existance, caused these major business to take there businesses elsewhere where the business climate was more favorable. Artifically restricting growth in housing and making it more difficult for businesses to come to Tracy is the problem. The national marketplace for housing is why houses are going into forclosure and the only insulation we have to keep these effects out of Tracy is to create a more favorable atmosphere for business and the employees and residents and ancilarry support business our community needs. We are a commuter town because we have not created enough of an infrastructure to support these big businesses that can offer substancial bread winning jobs to their employees who, if they appear here, will live predominately in housing from the surrounding community of Tracy. But first you have to have the infrastructure of smaller ancillary businesses, like resturaunts, schools, shopping centers and the like or business, seeing better opportunities elsewhere, will take their business elsewhere and Tracy will be left with nothing. It's not a difficult equation and one that is taught in virtually all economic's classes in the nation. Why people cannot understand the concept is way beyond me. Dave Hardesty
To the blogger who passes him/her self off as "what?":
Why are you spreading mistruth here, too? What does this article have to do with it?
what?
I asked the questions because I already know the answers. Just waiting for "transparency". That we could handle.
To what?
Where'd you get that original comment? Isn't that a quote from a movie clip? "you can't handle the truth." Anyway, back to the subject at hand. It was a great article! Full of truth. You're the one who takes exception to it. Please explain your answers with facts, websites, and references. I agree with the author: There is no value is to be found in Measure A? Costly in terms of jobs and business. Think about it. Why roll the dice? Did the author of Measure A factor in a recession? Why not? Who wrote Measure A? What were the intentions of the author? Was there a lawsuit? Where did the money go? Who are the members of TRAQC? Where did they go?
Not seeing that you are providing little more than personal attacks, here, "what?". Where's the "truth"? Is this more of the "transparency" we were promised? Perhaps you can put a tape-recorder up there and play "movie clips" as responses to the voter's questions? "You can't handle the truth!" That always seems to work well for candidates (in the movies) ??? Cheers!
TRN,
I never promised you JACK! City Hall is the one who created the mess Tracy is currently in... No business wants to be a part of a dying city!
Who wants to build in or operate a business in a city that has the worst customer service, un- profesional employees, red tape, and is the most expensive in the county?
No one! Manteca, Lathrop, Stockton is the building programs within the city to promote and increase business. Not Tracy! Same ol'boy network! Dead from within! The only customer they have is Surland! Cant grow if you only service one customer!
Potential businesses will look hard at Measure A.
His "point" is an aversion to an earlier question. And I don't think it makes the cut as a point. Perhaps a complaint? Still... "Who wants to build in a city that cannot grow and support their business?" He answered "Surland". And proceeded to state they are the "only" customer. Is that entirely accurate? For all we know he could be a developer too (like he accuses me)? Wouldn't that be interesting. A developer blogging for support to get some of the permits in Tracy??? And why not? Who knows? At any rate. The response validates for us, that developers want to do business here. It tells us that developers are validating the potential for growth in Tracy, CA, but Measur A is holding it back. Do other developers want to build here? That's fine. The city has plans to grant new permits and offer incentives for growth. And I don't have a problem with the population growth over the last few years. Let the City improve offer business incentives, and improve city growth, and decide how to offer permits. But can we improve Measure A?
Suggest: send Measure A back, and let the City continue to offer incentives, improve growth, and work on their plan to offer permits. This is business 101. Businesses want to see potential for growth. Red tape doesn't block potential for growth. Measures A prohibits growth... "Who wants to build in a city that cannot grow and support their business?"
Potential business customers dont give a crap about Measure A!
It is irrelevant. The extortion fee at the counter of the city building is all a business owner cares about! Surland, CA 95377
Ya, keep talking.
"Extortion", eh? And all this time I thought there was "only one customer" to extort? Boy, this is going nowhere fast.
what?
You go on and on about doing business with the City as compared to Manteca, Stockton and the rest. By that statement it sounds as if you are a contractor or, dare I say it, an evil developer. Ohh, that sounds ominous. You have also been harping that there are no trains in down town Tracy. Funny I seem them downtown all of the time. At one time Amtrack came through the center of town. They stopped because there wasn't as much business here for them and they had to cut back the cost somewhere. Today it's a much different picture. If there is business to do the trains will come back. Just as they did in the early foundation of Tracy. Guess you must not know Tracy's history with trains. Go over to the Bank of Stockton on Tracy Blvd and look at the large black and white photos taken in the Tracy bow-tie so many years ago. You seem to be under the impression it would be a monumental feat to reroute passenger service trains to the bow-tie area. Good thing Tracy's forefathers didn't think it was impossible or Tracy wouldn't exist at all today. Now I am not saying it will be easy and free. Nothing that is easy and free is really worth much anyway. But it's not impossible and wouldn't be all that an expensive project if they really put their minds to it and decided to do it. They did it once and if there is a demonstrated need, they will do it again. Dave Hardesty
There is a need is for a Station at the Ace location...
But that would mean providing something the community could actually use!
"He answered "Surland". And proceeded to state they are the "only" customer. Is that entirely accurate?"
It may not be an "entirely accurate" picture but it's close. The only news from city hall during most of last year and part of the beginning of this year has revolved around their supposed backroom dealings with Surland and that $20 million bribe of an aquatics park. At the time, wasn't there anything else city government could have been working on like attracting retail business or Silicon Valley type of business so residents wouldn't have to drive over the hill? All they've been enamored with is the Surland deal for the water park. It's as if all they're interested in is the Tracy Triton's. Other than that one group, there ARE 79,900 more citizens in this city. What about them? As far as that transit station, it's a waste of money in my book. It's in the wrong location. It's ahead of its time. There isn't going to be any train stoppage there. You're not going to see many taxis parked waiting for fares. Bus traffic will be minimal unless city government gets off, well you know, and starts finding ways to make use of a transit station that's going to be collecting dust.
"At one time Amtrack came through the center of town. They stopped because there wasn't as much business here for them and they had to cut back the cost somewhere."
The operative words here are "At one time". Is there any more business for AMTRAK now that there is a transit station? I think not. ACE is doing well at the south end of Tracy Bl, the transit station should have been planned for that site. The track setting is already in place, there are commuter trains already committed to making schedule there, and that south end of the city is starting to take off. I can't see where any more improvement is possible in the downtown area around Central and 6th to utilize that transit station. It's kind of late at this time to be complaining about the transit station since the city is set on building it there. Only time will tell if it's going to be an embarrasing eyesore for our city leaders.
We have more of a need to make a vibrant, downtown community with convenience of shopping, dining, and transit all in one place.
Let's just make our downtown a peaceful place for families to travel, eat, and shop. With a European flair for transit.
There is nothing vibrant in or around 6th street. Gangs, garbage, dust and dirt! It will never be a destination for anyone.
what?
You just validated the need for revitalization. But it will never happen with that kind of thinking.
fortheunderdog,
ACE would be a great downtown station. I think the Station Building would not work over there at the south station. And the parking lot is already a nightmare. Only one exit, which creates a traffic problem in the parking lot. Would be better to move it downtown as ACE Station doesn't have social element with it. And the TPD could watch the parking lot during the day. Tracy also has a Bus Station by the Tracy Mall that could be easily moved to the new Transit Station and the Busses could go through 11th, bypassing I205 traffic. That would be a good thing for commuters. Already, there are three busses that are going through Tracy, including TRACER. And there are trains on the tracks in the BowTie, so the tracks are usable.
Actually, it might be best to forget about getting Taxis, Amtrack and Greyhound in there. Just stick with the ACE Train and the SJRTD Busses. That way it will be a commuter Transit Station.
I don't know if the City will be able to attract Silicon Valley Business here anytime soon. You could ask the City Manager, but there aren't too many companies willing to move out here. The further East they go the less they pay. A startup company in the Peninsula, or San Francisco will attract more top talent than in Tracy, CA. And successful startup companies know that even though they pay more to employees who work there. The only other companies that would be interested are bigger tech companies and we already know that Cisco already pulled its expansion from the East Bay. Garamendi can't do anything to change that and Surland may be the best you'll get until the city comes up new plan for granting permits. Also the Measure A has to be a bigger factor than "what?" gives credit for. Every business wants to make more money Q by Q and Year by Year. And every restaurant owner/manager will tell you that you can only increase so much, with customer service.
Still, I'm waiting for the incentives. Hope it works, but we should revisit Measure A. It doesn't allow for changes in the economy and is already "dated". I think people know that all about that story. Credit where credit is due! Interestingly, I (recently) went looking for the TRAQC website and couldn't find it. Maybe it was just down? But if not, did they all run and hide? And why?
TRN,
I don't think the downtown transit site will ever have European flair. This is Tracy. To make it a true transit station, AMTRAK, bus lines (BART, AC Transit, Tracer, Greyhound, SJCT, etc), ACE, and taxis are going to have to have scheduled stops there. You're correct about R/R tracks being in the area but those tracks are not being used by transit trains (AMTRAK/ACE). Track will have to be rerouted, laid down, then rescheduling of freight trains to accomodate passenger trains. To do this you're going to have to deal with SP and Burlington/Northern. Not an easy task. You mentioned TPD watching the parking lot during the day. I don't think that will go over very well either. Look at the Park & Ride on Naglee. Numerous vehicle break-ins and vehicle theft. They're not watching that parking lot. I, for one, do not want to be tied to Surland with the bribe for a water park deal. That's out of the question but not for our city leaders. And I use that term (leaders) minimally. I'd like to see something built that can start-up quickly, allowing the residents an alternative to commuting. That would most likely happen quicker at the ACE location as opposed to the downtown site. These are just my opinions. I would like to see the downtown site start-up quickly and be a commuter lifesaver but I don't see that happening any time soon.
The Park N Ride at Naglee is what I was talking about. SJRTD uses it. They had cameras there, but then took them down. That is how the downtown site could start-up quickly.
Check out the SJRTD website. They already have busses running through Tracy, CA. A lot of people don't even know it. Have you ever saw an article about it in the paper?
Also regarding the comment of the city having only one customer. We found out that wasn't entirely true. But, it raises another question. Wasn't the city tied up with a lawsuit (was this the other customer)? How much does that factor. The lawsuit was eventually tossed out (this year). Interestingly, as the lawsuit was winding down other things started coming out of the city again. I wonder how much that factored in. Also wonder if the blogger named "what?" would be willing to tell us of one of those involved in the lawsuit? Hint he is listed as a supporter on a certain candidate's website.
I don't think they have to lay down new tracks (but I could be wrong), reroute yes. But what you may not know is that ACE has dealt with UP in the past to get rescheduling of freight trains that you mentioned. So what you considered as not an easy task, has been done at least, once before.
Here is the SJRTD website.
They have busses through Tracy and currently stop at the Naglee park and ride that you mentioned. http://www.sanjoaquinrtd.com/
fortheunderdog
"I, for one, do not want to be tied to Surland with the bribe for a water park deal." But apparently you and others don't seem to have any problems with Keenan Land Development and the Alvarez bribe for a youth sports park deal and the "secret backroom developer deal" that factually took place between Keenan and several members of Counsel who are currently running for re-election? With reference to trains, ACE and the Multi-modal Transit station. "The operative words here are "At one time". Yes, the operative words here are "at one time". At one time ACE wasn't here and when it was brought up as a transportation project many people like you said that it would never happen or that Tracy didn't need it. But strangely enough it is here and many people are using it. If we all had your keen vision of the future we wouldn't be able to have anything like we have today anywhere in town. It seems to me either you live on the southern edge of town and would really like to see the station remain where it is or you are simply another "sour grapes" person that would much rather see Tracy remain a small backwater farming town. Well unfortunately for you people have to live somewhere at a price they can afford and want to have some of the nice amenities of the larger cities. You also quipped, "Track will have to be rerouted, laid down, then rescheduling of freight trains to accommodate passenger trains. To do this you're going to have to deal with SP and Burlington/Northern. Not an easy task."
Not easy but not impossible because such things had to be done when they ripped up the Western Pacific tracks to the west of Tracy and lay track and reroute freight on the Union Pacific lines.
This sort of thing is nothing new to the railroads and if they are to survive as a viable form of transportation for the nation, making changes to the railroad system like this will happen. Just because it has not yet occurred or isn't occurring to your timescale does not mean that it can't or won't occur. Also, SJRTD doesn't only stop at the Park-&-Ride over on Nagley Road. They also stop out in front of City Hall several times a day. While there have been problems with automobile break-ins at the Park-&-Ride I would point out that such break-ins occur at the ACE Station off Tracy Blvd, in many shopping center parking lots, the mall parking lot, gasoline stations and right in people's private driveways. So what's the point you are trying to make about security of automobiles at the Park-&-Ride? I personally know PD patrols the area randomly many times a day. I know this because I use the lot, ride an SJRTD bus and see them patrolling there all of the time. Granted, they can't be there 100% of the time, but you know they can't be at the ACE station 100% of the time and that parking lot has been under ACE video surveillance since it was built. I know this because I also use ACE and have seen the cameras they use. Hey, it's OK to have a difference of opinion. But you really should get some of your facts down before you air them in public don't you think? Dave Hardesty
Dave,
You can go on and on. But even you with some common sense could see that a Transit Station built on the current Ace line on Linne would support the current users of Transit. Those who take the train and use the sevice need a Station. Serve the customers... Not another Pet Project from our Amigos!
what?
I don't deny the people using the current ACE facility need the service. But let me ask you this, would the facility be used my more that need the service if it was centrally located down town instead of on the extreme southern edge of town? Now you may counter about the Youth Sports Park being selected for the Holly Sugar location. Different types of services used by different types of people and I do believe that you would agree that one is more of a necessity and the other is more of a luxury. Just because the ACE platform services your needs very well it doesn't mean it services the needs of someone living over just off I205 on the north side of town. In my particular case I drive half way across town to use ACE or the services of SJRTD. I am the lucky one in this because I live in the geographic center of town, not to be confused with the downtown sector which is close to the current geographic center of town. There are others who have to drive from one side of town to the other in order to use these services and it seems to me to be more efficient and less costly as a whole for everyone in town to have such services more centrally located. Dave Hardesty
Typo correction.
The following read: "But let me ask you this, would the facility be used my more that need the service if it was centrally located down town instead of on the extreme southern edge of town?" It should read; "But let me ask you this, would the facility be used by more that need the service if it was centrally located down town instead of on the extreme southern edge of town?" Sorry about that inintentional confusion. Dave Hardesty
It is the place where you park the car and ride the bus to Ace? Not sure where that is?
Would that take driving to get there and park the car there? Or foot traffic to get there? Thank -amy
What?
The current Ace station parking lot is over 75% full. Did you even read the whole article - what are you talking about Transit, here? Go read the Ace Train article. The ridership growth rate is approaching 25 percent. The growth rate for the year was 17%. After gas prices hit highs this year the rate reached 7% in one month alone. There is no room for your idea. At the current rate, Tracy will need two Transit Stations in one to two years.
The ACE Station is on Tracy Blvd and Linne Rd.
(they have bike lockers) http://www.acerail.com The SJRTD is on Naglee Rd across from Starbucks and Jamba Juice. (they also go to the Bay Area.) http://www.sanjoaquinrtd.com/ TRACER is also a bus service in Tracy, CA. Amtrack is here in Tracy, CA too. BART does not come to Tracy yet, but is working on an extension to Livermore, CA.
What?
The Linne site is too small! There are already traffic and parking issues there. With the majority of the Tracy workforce commuting outside of town, the city of Tracy will need two stations to keep up. And with the current increase in Transit ridership, Tracy will need a second Station in less than two years. Hope that helps.
Thanks Tracy RealNews, have much better idea where it is now. Heard of many break ins at the parking lot, too.
Future businesses are watching this agenda, too. To improve Transit in Tracy will be more inviting to businesses due to heavier foot traffic and residential area in Tracy. Nowadays people are recognizing the need to "downsize" on their transportation expenses. Food still going up in price, oil price not fixed, so on. We need to cut back somewhere. Here we have mass transit, yellow bikes, hybrid buses that takes people to Train Station, can go by mass transit, too. Wish you were here isthistrue? You said you wanted Peace in Tracy Downtown? Well, you would find lot of company here! Have seen people braving the day in their motorized wheelchairs and they are sporting it proudly!!! in the green village. Hope to see that happen in Tracy, too. Oh, one more thing, the sidewalks are wider, too. Think about making Tracy inviting to businesses by attracting people first? Thanks. -amy
Measure K money could have went to expand and create better service and improve the service for the current commuters at the Linne location. A Transit Station could have been built at that location. That money could have addressed all of the needs facing the Ace stop at Linne...
This would have made the most sense. Service the customer of today not a PIE in the Sky dream of the Amigos!
Is Linne pretty much out of the way at Bow Tie? Other people will have to get another transporation means to get to Down Town Tracy?
Isn't that bit "sprawling"? Start closer to the city and work outwards? Smart and responsible planning? In few years when economy turns around start on the second one? Thanks. -amy
what?
A "pet project"? Who were you calling OCD? Garamendi said she doesn't want Tracy to be a Transit center, but over half the work force commutes? Let them commute from the downtown. Go read Craig Saalwaechter's article. He said he wants to see, people commuting to a "one stop shopping" in the downtown. Let them have a peaceful shopping, dining, and commute. Give the "underpriviledged children" more ways to go to college - by having the bus/train station right there. Why would you want to take these priviledges away from them?
Build the Transient Station for the POOR underprivilaged children..
Do it for the kids!...... What a CROCK - O -CRAP!
Wow, get started late and you have to read through War and Peace to get to this point.
 Dave Hardesty, I know that from reading other blogs you, at one time, worked for the City of Tracy so I can understand your loyalty to this city. I can also understand your sarcasm in your response as your way of still thinking the city is right in their judgements and you're defending them. Good for you to think that the city is doing right. I have never voiced an opinion of the Alvarez/Keenan deal so let me now say "I do not approve of that deal either." At no time did I ever say that ACE "would never happen". As a matter of fact, I was all for ACE scheduling stops in Tracy. I think it's another opportunity for Tracy residents to commute. I live just 2 blocks south of Shulte near Save Mart. I do not really call that the "southern edge of town" as you are saying. And how can you call me another "sour grapes" person if you don't know me? If not backing the Surland deal for a water park makes me a "sour grapes" person then I'll agree with you. My integrity must be higher than those in city government, excluding Abercrombie. You see, he and I both (at one time) took an oath to uphold the State of California. He knows what a gratuity/bribe is and has demonstrated his knowing. Maciel took the same oath but he seems to have forgotten the definition of gratuity/bribe.
continued:
Well at least you agree that track will probably have to be laid and rescheduling done. No, it won't be an easy task and it won't come overnight thus my statement of getting the station to "start-up quickly" is truth also. You're getting alittle off track for bringing up break-ins at other parking lots throughout the city. We were talking about someone said TPD would patrol the lots and I mentioned that the Park&Ride on Naglee has had numerous vehicle break-ins and how TPD is doing nothing to prevent this from happening. I'm aware there are other vehicle theft incidents, ie: In-Shape. You mentioned in another blog that you used to occasionally used to go on "ride-alongs" with TPD. I think that you are favoring this agency because of your acquaintance with them. I, for one, in my driving to the mall have never seen a TPD vehicle inside the lot, patrolling the Park&Ride. I've seen a patrol vehicle parked outside the east entrance of the mall in their "parking space" numerous times though. I feel the majority of what I'm writing is fact and not because, like some, feel a loyalty to this city.
fortheunderdog,
Getting the station to "start-up" quickly should not be a problem as it could "start-up" with bus service. The ACE Train Station is already 75% full of cars. And there is no room for another station over there. What they actually need there is a second inlet/outlet to let cars go in/out of the parking lot. And to expand the parking lot. Station wont work unless they put a multi-story parking garage. And that ain't gonna happen? Right? The point about the Parking lot was that the Park N Ride lot has more vandalism because they don't have cameras. The Ace station has some cameras. There are far fewer incidents of glass and breakins at ACE because of the cameras. Although they actually need more. I only suggested the downtown Transit Station have cameras and police patrols to prevent break ins and you used Naglee Rd do rebutt. There is high valdalism at the Tracy Mall (on Naglee Rd). Isn't that a known issue? This is part of the factor, since the Park N Ride is near the Tracy Mall. Listen to your scanner and see how many times they say, Naglee Rd, or Tracy Mall. That's because there are empty cars and no people to keep an eye on things. Not enough cameras too. They used to have a camera station at the Park N Ride parking lot.
Sue Rainy is a puppet for surland!!! The city council only responds to developers (I wonder what they all get in return??) This city will never be anything because of the city council. Go to any other city to see the difference in a balance of residential and commercial growth. See the shopping centers in other cities, Tracy has discount versions of shopping centers. Tracy stores are moving out and in the downtown area of tracy the busyist, most visited stores reflect the large, large mexican population (est. to be 20K) in the core area of the city. The city council has led the way.
Very unparsable and difficult to read. I read the name calling and then rant.
Is that all there is to say? Interestingly, no mention of Measure A, TRAQC, or a certain lawsuit(s) against the City.
The city hall and the council are giving up the farm tonight at Planning/Council meeting. The keys to the city will be next!
Surland, CA 95377
TRN,
I was responding to Dave Hardesty's response to something I had written and you wrote "I only suggested the downtown Transit Station have cameras and police patrols to prevent break ins and you used Naglee Rd do rebutt." Are you Dave Hardesty??? I don't own a scanner TRN (or Dave Hardesty). I've heard it all for so long that I still have ringing in my ears from the alert tones that occasionally were transmitted. So tell me, if you are Dave Hardesty, do you go back-and-forth using one NAME to justify what the other NAME said? Inquiring minds want to know.
fortheunderdog,
Don't fall for intuition. It may fail you - in this case it did. I only commented under the name Tracy RealNews. As you know. My comment was regarding cameras and the effect of reduced vandalism. Also pointed out the environment at the mall. What are you suggesting? And who is the question about multiple names for? Sounds like your just being silly because you don't have anything else to add to the discussion? TRN, Getting back to your original comment. The present ACE parking lot is full now, there is room for adding additional parking lots on either side of the tracks. And there need not be only one station. I'm pretty sure the grant money could have been used to build 2 transit stations along the ACE line in Tracy. In your paragraphs you continually asked a question. Like..."And that ain't gonna happen? Right?" or "Isn't that a known issue?". It sounds as if you're wanting words of support. There, you have discussion. And I still think you and Dave Hardesty are one and the same. That's ok though, I could be what?, Annie Snyder, eyeswideopen2, or any of the other names of commentors.
fortheunderdog, I don't need to know if you are posting as multiple users. That's not my concern. If you think my name is Dave then enjoy your choice. It is also an assumption, on your part. We don't go by who you say you are. I happen to like the idea. Want to see an Old Sacto type of downtown. With a College Consortium and a Courthouse at Chrisman. I have other ideas too. But, the idea of putting parking on the other side of the tracks probably won't happen as it would be too dangerous to park on the south side, with all the Tractor Trailer Trucks that go through there. Someone would get crunched pulling |
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Why the stagnation on aquatics center and any sustainable job growth? Because Ives and Tolbert always tie it to residential housing permits for Surland and AKT. And then the only independent job growth has been warehouse and retail - needed but doesn't give you head of household salaries. Maybe look deeper, 80K people is not a deal breaker for businesses, onerous city process and fees are. Tracy should incentivize to attract head of household job growth, just like they've done to attract Surland and AKT residential housing growth. Manteca has a smaller population and so does Pleasanton.
Measure A's housing restrictions are just now kicking in so how can you blame Measure A? Ives and Tolbert implementation method allows the housing building frenzy to continue at the same rate of growth since 2000, they caused a feast and then famine scenario. Surlands project is sprawl and so is Tracy Hills, lets save our hills and open space, lets stop sprawl. Lets have smart concentric growth from now on and elect Celeste, she will make sure we have the pools we need unlike Ives and Tolbert.