Foxx blasts critics of streetcar

[PACMAN]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/942458.html?q=streetcar

Foxx blasts critics of streetcar
Mayoral candidate says opponent Lassiter and others misrepresent cost of transit project
By Fred Clasen-Kelly
frkelly@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Sep. 12, 2009

Democratic Mayoral candidate Anthony Foxx is shown in this file photo.
Democratic Mayoral candidate Anthony Foxx on Friday defended a controversial measure to spend $4.5 million to design a streetcar, saying critics have distorted the cost of the project.

In a speech from a proposed streetcar stop at Eastland Mall, Foxx laid out arguments for Charlotte City Council to override Mayor Pat McCrory's recent veto and tried to reassure wavering Democrats.

The issue has emerged in the mayoral campaign as one of the most distinct differences between Foxx and City Councilman John Lassiter, his chief election rival. Lassiter and other Republicans have said they do not want to spend the money now because there is no plan for how to pay to build a streetcar line from Beatties Ford in west Charlotte to Eastland Mall.

In perhaps his sharpest criticism, Foxx said opponents have not been honest about the project's price tag. The 9.6-mile line has been estimated to cost $450 million, but Foxx said no one is certain about the final tab.

“They're just throwing a number out there,” said Foxx, who is also a council member.

He said building the streetcar line in phases and engineering adjustments could help reduce the overall cost and buy time for the city to lure more federal and state money.

A 2006 transit plan calls for the first phase of the streetcar to open in 2018. Prior to a 2007 vote on whether to keep or repeal the half-cent sales transit tax, some streetcar supporters said construction could begin early next decade. The promise helped secure African American support to keep the tax, which remains in place.

City Manager Curt Walton included $8 million in the budget to design the streetcar and the council has voted to pay URS. corp. $4.5 million to help with the work. But last month McCrory vetoed the measure.

Council members will decide Monday whether to override the veto. Democrats have a seven to four majority – enough to override the veto – but councilman Warren Turner said this week he is unsure about spending the money during an economic downturn.

Democratic Councilman Michael Barnes also said this week he is uncertain.

In what was designed as a show of support for the streetcar project, about 20 elected officials, council candidates and party loyalists gathered in front of Eastland Mall on Friday.

Foxx noted that much of the roughly 1 million-square-foot shopping center is vacant. He argued that the streetcar could lift Eastland Mall and other areas with economic development, expand the city's tax base, bolster and help the environment by reducing reliance on buses.

Foxx warned supporters building the streetcar line would be difficult, but said “it is worth it.”