Why can't there be both? This city it always ends up being a versus thing. If we don't get this than you can't have that and nothing gets done. The streetcar funding couldn't be used for an arena anyways so the two are mutually exclusive. Dream big Milwaukee! You can get both these things done.
Milwaukee Streetcar vs. New Arena
Which one would you rather see built, if you had to pick one?
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This was more of a way to spark some thought and debate. The streetcar funds are mostly federal ( I believe) and clearly could not be used for the arena. I just wanted to get people thinking. I believe that both projects, can, should and will be built. This city can be great again. There's a lot of young professionals (such as myself) that believe in this city.Why can't there be both? This city it always ends up being a versus thing. If we don't get this than you can't have that and nothing gets done. The streetcar funding couldn't be used for an arena anyways so the two are mutually exclusive. Dream big Milwaukee! You can get both these things done.
I would rather see funds applied to the streetcar because the new owners of the Bucks are working on the arena and can possibly build it without any public funding if Marquette and the Admirals pitch in and some company goes for naming rights.
The streetcar money and the arena money are two separate accounts. Whether the streetcar gets built or not has nothing to do with the arena. If we don't spend the money on the streetcar the Feds will take it back and it will be gone forever.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that funding from the streetcar should be applied to the arena because that can't be done. I also don't think anyone is suggesting both can't be built. This poll is just askin IF you had to pick one, which would it be?Why can't there be both? This city it always ends up being a versus thing. If we don't get this than you can't have that and nothing gets done. The streetcar funding couldn't be used for an arena anyways so the two are mutually exclusive. Dream big Milwaukee! You can get both these things done.
Now if the streetcar funds could be reallocated to build light rail, there may be a discussion. I would much rather have light rail than a streetcar.
I wonder if we can get Herb Kohl, to reallocate his $100,000,000 for the Arena into expanding the streetcar?!
The arena. The streetcar is a glorified bus that doesn't travel that far. I can't believe this poll is close, tbh.
Yeah I am a little surprised as well. And again, I am aware that funding one has nothing to do with the other. I just wanted to see which project people would choose, if given the option.The arena. The streetcar is a glorified bus that doesn't travel that far. I can't believe this poll is close, tbh.
We can't close our eyes and hope a fully fledged streetcar network will be installed when we open them again. We have to start somewhere. Baby steps...The arena. The streetcar is a glorified bus that doesn't travel that far. I can't believe this poll is close, tbh.
That, and we already have an arena that could continue to be used as is. What's more, since much of it may be privately financed, I'd rather just let the investors worry about the arena's future. As a citizen, investing in infrastructure is more important.
A streetcar can be built at anytime. This is the last chance, presumably, in Milwaukee history that we can have an NBA team. Something only 30 cities in the world have. For that reason, the arena is a much bigger priority. It would be one thing if you were talking about regional rail but this doesn't move the needle. A pro basketball team vs. a more comfortable bus system that takes you from the Intermodal Station to Odgen. The arena is just a bigger need in Milwaukee at this time.We can't close our eyes and hope a fully fledged streetcar network will be installed when we open them again. We have to start somewhere. Baby steps...
That, and we already have an arena that could continue to be used as is. What's more, since much of it may be privately financed, I'd rather just let the investors worry about the arena's future. As a citizen, investing in infrastructure is more important.
Let's not forget annual cost to run the street car which in my opinion is greatly under valued and will not come from the transportation fund. Never mind cost to city taxpayers to help subsidize ridership too. This may cost upwards of five million per year (cost to run plus subsidized ridership). Over ten years this is another 50 million dollars that could be applied elsewhere. And remember the initial street car plan is small out of the gate which will grow extensively over time as we justify expanding the system because it is losing money and making it bigger will be better. Now double everything and there is another 100 million taxpayer dollars over ten years or so. So we must consider the cost of both projects as they have a direct impact on taxpayers.The streetcar money and the arena money are two separate accounts. Whether the streetcar gets built or not has nothing to do with the arena. If we don't spend the money on the streetcar the Feds will take it back and it will be gone forever.
Looks like this poll is shaking out to partisan lines... or at least the comments are. Anyway, the real issue with development in the Milwaukee metro is that we can't get on the same page. I'll let the partisan tools argue back and forth about how the other side should join their side. Either way, this poll frames things very poorly in that these investments complement each other. It's like arguing over what to have for breakfast... bacon or eggs.
At the end of the day, growth and prosperity are made by people that stick their necks out on the line and get it done. The Milwaukee metro has been mired in partisan bickering since the 60's... look what the metro has to show for it.
At the end of the day, growth and prosperity are made by people that stick their necks out on the line and get it done. The Milwaukee metro has been mired in partisan bickering since the 60's... look what the metro has to show for it.
Not partisan at all. The question asked which "one" would you choose. Not saying that folks on this post are not favorable to both but need to pick one over the other. Which one in their opinion would have a greater bang for the taxpayer buck or impact to the community. Kind of like choosing your favorite child which too is questionable at best.Looks like this poll is shaking out to partisan lines... or at least the comments are. Anyway, the real issue with development in the Milwaukee metro is that we can't get on the same page. I'll let the partisan tools argue back and forth about how the other side should join their side. Either way, this poll frames things very poorly in that these investments complement each other. It's like arguing over what to have for breakfast... bacon or eggs.
At the end of the day, growth and prosperity are made by people that stick their necks out on the line and get it done. The Milwaukee metro has been mired in partisan bickering since the 60's... look what the metro has to show for it.
Correct. And to spark some meaningful, constructive debate. I really had to sit down and think about which one of these projects would have the greatest, long term impact on downtown and the overall health of the metro economy. As much as I want the streetcar, I think that the Arena is more vital to the city at this moment. It may be an easier sell politically as well. Some guy from West Bend may actually support the Bucks and understand why a new arena is important, but probably doesn't see any need for the streetcar. Does that make sense? :cheers:Not partisan at all. The question asked which "one" would you choose. Not saying that folks on this post are not favorable to both but need to pick one over the other. Which one in their opinion would have a greater bang for the taxpayer buck or impact to the community. Kind of like choosing your favorite child which too is questionable at best.
I am surprised it's a dead heat. I thought the arena would be ahead.
That why I say it just shakes out on partisan lines. Most right wingers in this state don't support transit or anything with a rail, so that leaves you with the arena.As much as I want the streetcar, I think that the Arena is more vital to the city at this moment. It may be an easier sell politically as well. Some guy from West Bend may actually support the Bucks and understand why a new arena is important, but probably doesn't see any need for the streetcar. Does that make sense? :cheers:
I'm surprised too that it hasn't been a lopsided victory for the arena for this poll, at least in how the volume of comments usually swing. Interesting either way, :cheers:
It is also a political thing. They don't like Milwaukee because they don't like the mayor because he ran against Walker twice. They want to hold back the city economically so they can say "SEE! BARRETT's CITY IS A MESS!" In the back of their minds they know that Milwaukee is the economic engine of the state. Maybe they are jealous that young 20/30 somethings are revitalizing the downtown/Third Ward/East Side/Brady Street area and making it a fun, vibrant diverse place to live? I don't want to get too deep into the politics of this whole thing, it is a much larger issue that funding for an arena or actual, real public transit.That why I say it just shakes out on partisan lines. Most right wingers in this state don't support transit or anything with a rail, so that leaves you with the arena.
I'm surprised too that it hasn't been a lopsided victory for the arena for this poll, at least in how the volume of comments usually swing. Interesting either way, :cheers:
I think the problem (evidence by this statement) is that the city of Milwaukee thinks everyone is out to get them. Just because the suburbs aren't supporting the streetcar that doesn't benefit anyone except downtown residents doesn't mean they want Milwaukee to fail. I voted Walker for governor AND Barrett for mayor. Would Milwaukee help pay for a streetcar if it was being built in Waukesha? I don't understand this attitude Milwaukee has towards the suburbs.It is also a political thing. They don't like Milwaukee because they don't like the mayor because he ran against Walker twice. They want to hold back the city economically so they can say "SEE! BARRETT's CITY IS A MESS!" In the back of their minds they know that Milwaukee is the economic engine of the state. Maybe they are jealous that young 20/30 somethings are revitalizing the downtown/Third Ward/East Side/Brady Street area and making it a fun, vibrant diverse place to live? I don't want to get too deep into the politics of this whole thing, it is a much larger issue that funding for an arena or actual, real public transit.
A valid point. And I understand the argument. That's why I think the arena would be an easier sell politically. I think both sides (including myself as a downtown worker/dweller) need to work together to achieve the common goal of making this city as great as it can and should be. You are correct though, both sides should tone down the rhetoric and focus on issues that both sides can at least find sort of common ground on.I think the problem (evidence by this statement) is that the city of Milwaukee thinks everyone is out to get them. Just because the suburbs aren't supporting the streetcar that doesn't benefit anyone except downtown residents doesn't mean they want Milwaukee to fail. I voted Walker for governor AND Barrett for mayor. Would Milwaukee help pay for a streetcar if it was being built in Waukesha? I don't understand this attitude Milwaukee has towards the suburbs.
I don't think Milwaukee would raise hell over utility costs to build this in a suburb.I think the problem (evidence by this statement) is that the city of Milwaukee thinks everyone is out to get them. Just because the suburbs aren't supporting the streetcar that doesn't benefit anyone except downtown residents doesn't mean they want Milwaukee to fail. I voted Walker for governor AND Barrett for mayor. Would Milwaukee help pay for a streetcar if it was being built in Waukesha? I don't understand this attitude Milwaukee has towards the suburbs.
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