Why Streetcar Spending Is Good For Charlotte

"In a recession, why spend millions on a silly uptown frill when they're laying off teachers and closing libraries?

It's easy to understand such a reaction. But government budgets make things more complex. Further, viewing a streetcar as just a people-mover uptown misses the bigger picture. It's a growth and development strategy. It's fiscally prudent in the long term and will have its most positive effect in areas outside uptown."

The editorial goes n to argue that even if the city hadn't accepted the federal government's grant, its own $12 million wouldn't have been able to go towards other city needs, like additional teachers and library aid.

Thanks to The Overhead Wire