The concept of a streetcar connecting Jack London Square with the newer infill development in the Upper Broadway area has been batted about for a few years, but never in this much detail. The city has already collected $300,000 for feasibility studies with little results, while Jacobson's study reportedly covers all the bases and more.
Chip Johnson reports that Jacobson spent only $987 on his study, which included travel expenses for research trips to Portland and Seattle:
"That's pretty cost-effective, especially when you consider that Oakland city officials paid $300,000 for a streetcar feasibility study in 2005 and applied for an additional $330,000 in feasibility funds this year.
"I could have done it cheaper, but I decided to treat myself to a couple of $12 meals," said Jacobson, almost apologetically."
Comments
Only 3,000 ducats were paid
Only 3,000 ducats were paid to Michelangelo for all his great work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. How much would a group of students in the neighbourhood charge for the same ceiling using just paint primer and a couple coats of finishing paint? Or would you want to?
Same reason why Oakland may someone else to do the study, and not students.
great plan
here's someone who clearly hasn't read daniel's plan and has a serious inferiority complex. his plan, created in conjunction with a leading urban planner at stanford university, is detailed, workable and just what oakland needs to encourage the use of public transportation and revitalize its downtown. maybe next time you should read something before you critique it.