From the Transportationist, TC Daily Planet reports that a bill before the legislature introduced by Rep. Frank Hornstein would allow cities to capture property tax value (like TIF) from locations within one half mile of a transit line to pay for improvements (stations, streetscaping, etc). However, the bill only allows captured revenue to be used for operating costs if the transit is a streetcar.
Why the authors would limit expenditures on operating costs to streetcars is beyond me. Why not include all fixed-route transit? Even if there is a rail bias, why not include LRT? Are there fears about losing tax base along Central Corridor?
And what about submerged heavy rail?!
If only..