Bart Blair:

1.  Historically the Trolley District was Ogden’s primary residential community.  The neighborhood was connected to downtown via a series of streetcars that ran East-West along 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 27th streets, and the synergy between the neighborhood and the downtown resulted in a vibrant City overall.  What role do you feel the revitalization of the Trolley District plays in the overall revitalization of the City of Ogden?  How would you support community efforts to promote and enhance the Trolley District?

Revitalizing our neighborhoods will be a top priority of mine while on the council. Creating vibrant communities where people can walk, work and live is the only way we re-build the downtown core.

2.  Currently Ogden City, in cooperation with UTA, UDOT, and other stakeholders, is undertaking a formal study of alternative alignments for an improved transit system (probably a streetcar) between downtown and WSU.  Some of the proposed alignments would pass through the heart of the Trolley District and then continue south along Harrison Blvd., while other options would go south along Washington and then east on 30th or 36th, bypassing most of the historic Trolley District.  What are your views on the trade-offs among the various alignments?  Given the trade-offs and challenges, do you have a preference at this time?

I support a street car between the inter modal hub and Weber State University and McKay Dee Hospital. I would need to hear from residents before making a final decision on alignment however if the trolley would be keeping with the historical aspect of the trolley district and would enhance the overall revitalization of the historic neighborhoods I would be supportive of an alignment that took the trolley through this area. I don’t really see major benefits to a 36th street alignment (you are aware that our business is on 30th street). Many other cities have a historic trolley, which has enhanced some of the older neighborhoods and raised property values. I feel the same benefits could take place here.

3.  Also relating to transportation issues, UDOT’s current long-range transportation plan calls for the expansion of Harrison Boulevard to 7-lanes.  How do you think such expansion would impact communities along Harrison, including the Trolley District? Would you be an advocate for area neighbors in generating more sustainable and equitable solutions for Harrison?  How would you approach the issue with the community and the associated public agencies?

I would not be supportive of expanding Harrison Boulevard. Before Harrison is expanded we need to explore reasonable mass transit solutions. Major road expansion will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods along Harrison. By opposing this expansion it will create an opportunity to explore the trolley system and other mass transit systems. Bringing the community and agencies together is the only way we can build consensus for this project.

4.  Are there any other current issues that you think may have lasting impacts on the Trolley District, that area residents should be aware of?

Making our historic down town district more livable is key to revitalizing the neighborhood. Home ownership is a must. My experience has been that absentee landlords do not care as much about their property as homeowners. I would look at ordinances that assist people who want to purchase in the downtown area for their primary residence. I would support neighborhood policing and neighborhood watch activities. There needs to be an expansion of low interest loans for home improvements in the trolley neighborhood and other downtown neighborhoods. I would be supportive of incentives to people who move to the area and live in the heart of our city.