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?
Your efforts alone have brought to the forefront the significance of the revitalization to promote your historic community.  The community plan will benefit the city as a whole and can be used as a model for other efforts throughout Ogden.  The fact that you have gone through the process has raised awareness of the historical significance of the district and makes it an integral part of the revitalization of downtown.

How would you support community efforts to promote and enhance the Trolley District?
Whether I am on the City Council or not I would support any efforts that will move the revitalization along.

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?
I favor using the historic routes.

Given the trade-offs and challenges, do you have a preference at this time?
I favor using the historic routes!

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?
Making Harrison a 7 lane thoroughfare will likely have a negative impact on the neighborhoods bordering Harrison, and would very likely increase the commercial nature along Harrison.
If a streetcar were introduced there would be no need for widening Harrison to 7 lanes.
Would you be an advocate for area neighbors in generating more sustainable and equitable solutions for Harrison?
Yes.  I firmly believe that the citizens of Ogden need to have a voice in all decisions that impact their daily lives.

How would you approach the issue with the community and the associated public agencies?
I would conduct hearing/meetings  with experts to inform the neighborhoods bordering the proposed expansion so the concerns of the citizens can be heard.

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?
It is important that the planning for the transportation medium used include input from us all.  As we move forward with the adoption of mass transit we need to carefully consider how to incorporate development, both residential and commercial along the proposed route and we need to educate ourselves on how other cities have successfully adapted to the introduction of streetcars and bus rapid transit.

Susan Van Hooser, Candidate
Ogden City Council, At-Large Seat A


Susan Van Hooser