The latest in a series of downtown nightclub related shootings occurred late Sunday night. Police are seeking to identify two suspects who fired a gun at a group of people. The incident started with a fight inside The Palace night club at 113 Allyn Street. Security escorted people from The Palace when someone fired at them while they were walking to their car around 1:20AM. The suspects were seen running towards Church and High Streets. No one was injured.
There is no question about it. Downtown violence has increased since the start of the summer due to shootings in and around downtown bars and clubs. The most notable incident lead to the forced closure of The Mansion (formerly Club Blu and soon to be Entourage). Many are quick to blame a dangerous mix of alcohol and anger as the culprit. Others are quick to blame Hartford because they see it as a den of urban violence. Last time I checked the brief story on the Hartford Courant website on the incident had 26 comments, some of which were simply despicable.
However, I have not seen an upsurge in nightclub related violence in other cities since the start of the summer. I have lived in London and New York City and have never been confronted with any safety issues nor have I ever been worried about my safety while out. Hartford is the city I grew up with though and I have to say as I make my New Years Eve plans in Hartford the recent shooting will stick in my mind. This incident will not stop me from going out but I fear for those who may be turned off from coming downtown.
The question I raise is what are we doing wrong in Hartford? I do not think I am making a mountain out a mole hill. We as a city, a region, and a state can not turn our backs on the violence throughout Hartford and not just downtown.
Some have suggested increased security at downtown clubs, which would be very much appreciated but will not fully solve the problem. Most bars and clubs have security but not metal detectors. Mandating metal detectors or pat downs may decrease violence inside clubs but not in the vicinity. Many of the downtown shootings occurred outside of clubs on the street or in parking lots. Metal detectors will simply move the violence outdoors and defer blame off of downtown clubs and bars.
We must get to the bottom of this and unfortunately I do not have all the answers. An increased police presence downtown would be very beneficial. Taking that even farther would be police who walked the streets. This would be police walking the beat. Something not seen very often these days. A trip downtown on Monday afternoon for example yielded three police cruisers idling with officers inside them. It would be more helpful to turn those engines off and have officers walking the streets, especially late at night when people are frequenting bars and clubs. There is usually a cruiser along Allyn Street or Union Place but there are no officers on the street unless there is a problem. Turning cruisers off would also save on gas money.
Getting beneath the surface of this problem will be difficult. Violence downtown will only cease by decreasing violence in our neighborhoods. I am not sure if these incidents have ties to any gang activity since I am not even sure gangs exist in Hartford. Hopefully violence city wide will decrease through an increased sense of community, getting illegal guns off the streets, and not solving problems and disputes with guns.
Some have mentioned that bars and clubs need to be held more responsible. While I am personally pro business it is not in the best interest of the entire city including all of its businesses if this violence continues. Club and bar owners must be aware of what is happening in and around their establishments. They must be held responsible for what happens on the dance floor inside plus the sidewalk outside. I have also heard that a radio station sponsored some of the parties where the fights and violence occured. I have not read an article or seen much information on these accusations but if the radio station has had involvement in this increase in violence they must be investigated.
Other cities have made significant decreases in crime over the last 10 years. Bringing Rudy Giuliani's broken glass theory to Hartford might not be a bad idea as well.
As I end we must not let this violence stop us from enjoying Hartford. Tomorrow night is First Night in the Capital City. We must get out and enjoy. We must look at all the positive things happening in Hartford as we step in 2010, which I hope treats everyone well.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Governor Rell Brings Commuters New Trains
By now hopefully everyone has heard that the Metro North New Haven Line is one step closer to receiving brand new trains, something that is long overdue. On Thursday Governor Rell unveiled the first two M-8 rail cars at Union Station in New Haven. The arrival of these news cars is very welcomed news. In 2005 the governor backed a plan to replace the 342 car fleet as part of a $1 billion dollar transportation initiative.
The state entered into a contract with Kawasaki Rail Car to purchase 300 cars for about $2 million per car for a total cost of about $700 million. The price per car was successfully reduced from $2.5 million. Kawasaki won the contract for the cars through a bid.
The only bad news for some is that these news cars are being financed through fare hikes. A 1.25% fare hike will go into place next year, followed by a 1% hike each year after that for 6 years. Hikes will go into effect in January of each year. These cars have to be financed somehow and even though the cost of the Metro North is high these hikes are not outrageous and will successfully help make the region more competitive economically and improve service and comfort on an extremely busy line that directly connects Connecticut with New York City. Personally, I do not mind paying a little extra for more reliable and efficient public transportation network. As New York City and the MTA face another doomsday budget debacle I have stated that I would prefer a minor fare increase over massive service cuts to maintain the current fare.
To make up for the current budget deficit the MTA has discussed fare hikes on Metro North trains including those on the New Haven Line. Governor Rell is against this and stated that CT has continually financed its line, not cut financing for its line, and all fare hikes have to be approved by CTDOT in the first place. I am not sure how these proposed hikes fit into hikes directly from the state of CT to pay for the new cars.
While it does not pay to dwell on the past I must emphasize to any naysayers that these new cars are long overdue. Anyone who has rode the Metro North into Grand Central has surely seen the new cars that run on other Metro North lines. There are times when these trains are not even filled at rush when New Haven line trains run at near full occupancy throughout much of the afternoon and evening rush. Many might also remember how in 2004 there were 100 trains that were put out of commission in 1 week due to problems related to the bitterly cold weather. The result was massive delays and service cuts.
These trains will help solidify the connection Connecticut has with New York City. It will also help solidify connections between the major cities of Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven. Right now, the Metro North is the strongest connection Connecticut has with New York City and we must invest in public transportation to maintain that connection. The next step of course is for improved rail service between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield.
The only downside in my opinion is that commuters will not see these new trains until Fall, 2010 because the new M-8 cars can only be run with each other and must first be tested before they are put into service. The old cars will be used for expanded service on Shoreline East Railroad and branch lines, which is also great news.
It is said that these new cars are among the most advanced in North America and probably the world and run at top speeds of 100MPH. The New Haven line will be the only railroad in the world operating on this system. And while these speeds does not come close to the speeds of high speed rail in Europe it is a great start. Its also great to have that start right here in Connecticut.
The state entered into a contract with Kawasaki Rail Car to purchase 300 cars for about $2 million per car for a total cost of about $700 million. The price per car was successfully reduced from $2.5 million. Kawasaki won the contract for the cars through a bid.
The only bad news for some is that these news cars are being financed through fare hikes. A 1.25% fare hike will go into place next year, followed by a 1% hike each year after that for 6 years. Hikes will go into effect in January of each year. These cars have to be financed somehow and even though the cost of the Metro North is high these hikes are not outrageous and will successfully help make the region more competitive economically and improve service and comfort on an extremely busy line that directly connects Connecticut with New York City. Personally, I do not mind paying a little extra for more reliable and efficient public transportation network. As New York City and the MTA face another doomsday budget debacle I have stated that I would prefer a minor fare increase over massive service cuts to maintain the current fare.
To make up for the current budget deficit the MTA has discussed fare hikes on Metro North trains including those on the New Haven Line. Governor Rell is against this and stated that CT has continually financed its line, not cut financing for its line, and all fare hikes have to be approved by CTDOT in the first place. I am not sure how these proposed hikes fit into hikes directly from the state of CT to pay for the new cars.
While it does not pay to dwell on the past I must emphasize to any naysayers that these new cars are long overdue. Anyone who has rode the Metro North into Grand Central has surely seen the new cars that run on other Metro North lines. There are times when these trains are not even filled at rush when New Haven line trains run at near full occupancy throughout much of the afternoon and evening rush. Many might also remember how in 2004 there were 100 trains that were put out of commission in 1 week due to problems related to the bitterly cold weather. The result was massive delays and service cuts.
These trains will help solidify the connection Connecticut has with New York City. It will also help solidify connections between the major cities of Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven. Right now, the Metro North is the strongest connection Connecticut has with New York City and we must invest in public transportation to maintain that connection. The next step of course is for improved rail service between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield.
The only downside in my opinion is that commuters will not see these new trains until Fall, 2010 because the new M-8 cars can only be run with each other and must first be tested before they are put into service. The old cars will be used for expanded service on Shoreline East Railroad and branch lines, which is also great news.
It is said that these new cars are among the most advanced in North America and probably the world and run at top speeds of 100MPH. The New Haven line will be the only railroad in the world operating on this system. And while these speeds does not come close to the speeds of high speed rail in Europe it is a great start. Its also great to have that start right here in Connecticut.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Article I wrote for Manhattan College Quadrangle (Hartford mention)
Please find an article that I just wrote for the most recent edition of my school's (for the next weeks that is) newspaper the Manhattan College Quadrangle. This article was in response to one written claiming the MTA is one most corrupt organizations out there whose service is despicable.
The reason I put it in here is because I throw in a reference at the end to public transportation in Hartford. I have been been proven wrong though by a recent blog post though that discusses how it is in fact possible to live car free in Hartford. And I have come to agree, BUT it should be so much more easier. There needs to be much better bus service and tons of new routes. This is something I must save for after I graduate in 2 weeks, when I will have plenty of time to discuss. Please read though! I have bolded the Hartford part.
Opinion Article in Response to “Fix the MTA”
After reading the recent article “Fix the MTA” I felt the need to respond to and clear up some myths as well as shed some light on the MTA and more importantly the future of public transportation in this city. Before I begin I must clarify that the price of a single bus or subway ride is $2.25 not $2.50 as stated in a previous article, a price that still pales in comparison to driving, taking cabs, or using the tube in London for that matter.
Before bad mouthing the MTA you must consider that they operate one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. According to the MTA the city has grown from having 28 subway stations in 1904 to 468, which means it has only 35 fewer stations than the combined total of all the other subway systems in this country. In addition to subways and buses in the five boroughs the MTA is also responsible for operating the Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, Metro North Railroad, and the regions tunnels and bridges. In total the MTA claims they serve 14.6 million people “in the 5,000 square-mile area fanning out from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut”, a task that is by no means an easy feat.
Now nothing is perfect and I admit the MTA does have its faults. It has suffered from mismanagement and a budget deficit due to the economy. The MTA saw significant drops in revenue from real estate taxes, fares and tolls, and state dedicated taxes all due to the economy. The MTA had no control over the recession and the impacts it would have on the state of New York and the agency. The agency was left with no choice but to raise fares for subways, buses, and trains and tolls on tunnels and bridges. A major revenue booster that I was a personal supporter of was congestion pricing that would have automatically charged drivers a fee to enter into the most congested parts of Manhattan. This would have produced much needed revenue, increased air quality citywide, reduced congestion, and promoted the use of public transit. London has already successfully implemented congested pricing. The proposal unfortunately died in the New York State Assembly in August, 2008.
Despite these issues the MTA, its new head Jay H. Walter, and Mayor Bloomberg are forging ahead with massive projects and ambitious proposals that will change the face of public transportation in the city forever. The Second Avenue subway line is under construction which when complete will run along 2nd Avenue from 125th Street down to the Financial District. This will significantly decrease overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue lines. The MTA’s other current projects include constructing a new Fulton Street Transit Center, creating access for LIRR trains at Grand Central, and a new terminal at South Ferry. The agency is also implementing timers at key bus and subway stops that will let riders know when the subway or bus is arriving. These timers already exist throughout London and on the city’s L line. Future plans include extending the 7 line to the west side and creating access for Metro North trains at Penn Station
By now I’m assuming I may not have convinced all of you that the the MTA is perfect. For all I know some of you may be waiting at 238th street in train traffic as you read this article. I urge those of you who did not grow up in New York City to compare whatever system of public transportation, if any, your hometown has to that of New York City. I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes east of Hartford, Connecticut. Public transportation was and still is essentially nonexistent. There are only commuter buses that run during rush hour that you have to drive to in the first place to get into Hartford. A car is essential, even for those who live within Hartford itself.
As a major supporter of urban living, smart growth, and the use of public transportation it was essential for me to go to school in New York City. Despite the MTA’s flaws I guarantee you that the subways and buses here are an improvement over the public transportation your home town offers. If you are still not convinced I urge you to contact your elected officials on the local or state level to further discuss this issue.
SOURCES:
http://mta.info/nyct/facts/ffsubway.htm
http://mta.info/mta/network.htm
The reason I put it in here is because I throw in a reference at the end to public transportation in Hartford. I have been been proven wrong though by a recent blog post though that discusses how it is in fact possible to live car free in Hartford. And I have come to agree, BUT it should be so much more easier. There needs to be much better bus service and tons of new routes. This is something I must save for after I graduate in 2 weeks, when I will have plenty of time to discuss. Please read though! I have bolded the Hartford part.
Opinion Article in Response to “Fix the MTA”
After reading the recent article “Fix the MTA” I felt the need to respond to and clear up some myths as well as shed some light on the MTA and more importantly the future of public transportation in this city. Before I begin I must clarify that the price of a single bus or subway ride is $2.25 not $2.50 as stated in a previous article, a price that still pales in comparison to driving, taking cabs, or using the tube in London for that matter.
Before bad mouthing the MTA you must consider that they operate one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. According to the MTA the city has grown from having 28 subway stations in 1904 to 468, which means it has only 35 fewer stations than the combined total of all the other subway systems in this country. In addition to subways and buses in the five boroughs the MTA is also responsible for operating the Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, Metro North Railroad, and the regions tunnels and bridges. In total the MTA claims they serve 14.6 million people “in the 5,000 square-mile area fanning out from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut”, a task that is by no means an easy feat.
Now nothing is perfect and I admit the MTA does have its faults. It has suffered from mismanagement and a budget deficit due to the economy. The MTA saw significant drops in revenue from real estate taxes, fares and tolls, and state dedicated taxes all due to the economy. The MTA had no control over the recession and the impacts it would have on the state of New York and the agency. The agency was left with no choice but to raise fares for subways, buses, and trains and tolls on tunnels and bridges. A major revenue booster that I was a personal supporter of was congestion pricing that would have automatically charged drivers a fee to enter into the most congested parts of Manhattan. This would have produced much needed revenue, increased air quality citywide, reduced congestion, and promoted the use of public transit. London has already successfully implemented congested pricing. The proposal unfortunately died in the New York State Assembly in August, 2008.
Despite these issues the MTA, its new head Jay H. Walter, and Mayor Bloomberg are forging ahead with massive projects and ambitious proposals that will change the face of public transportation in the city forever. The Second Avenue subway line is under construction which when complete will run along 2nd Avenue from 125th Street down to the Financial District. This will significantly decrease overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue lines. The MTA’s other current projects include constructing a new Fulton Street Transit Center, creating access for LIRR trains at Grand Central, and a new terminal at South Ferry. The agency is also implementing timers at key bus and subway stops that will let riders know when the subway or bus is arriving. These timers already exist throughout London and on the city’s L line. Future plans include extending the 7 line to the west side and creating access for Metro North trains at Penn Station
By now I’m assuming I may not have convinced all of you that the the MTA is perfect. For all I know some of you may be waiting at 238th street in train traffic as you read this article. I urge those of you who did not grow up in New York City to compare whatever system of public transportation, if any, your hometown has to that of New York City. I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes east of Hartford, Connecticut. Public transportation was and still is essentially nonexistent. There are only commuter buses that run during rush hour that you have to drive to in the first place to get into Hartford. A car is essential, even for those who live within Hartford itself.
As a major supporter of urban living, smart growth, and the use of public transportation it was essential for me to go to school in New York City. Despite the MTA’s flaws I guarantee you that the subways and buses here are an improvement over the public transportation your home town offers. If you are still not convinced I urge you to contact your elected officials on the local or state level to further discuss this issue.
SOURCES:
http://mta.info/nyct/facts/ffsubway.htm
http://mta.info/mta/network.htm
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