A grass roots effort is taking shape in support of a proposed streetcar
or heritage trolley line along Morse Road to help stimulate redevelopment
efforts along the corridor. According to Hal Miksch of First Avenues Co.,
which is helping to mold the former shopping strip into a neighborhood of
homes, stores and offices, “A trolley makes it more fun, more interesting.”
The streetcars would also cross the proposed light rail line from Polaris to
downtown, offering a convenient shuttle to residents and shoppers. The
Central Ohio Transit Authority likes the idea but has its hands full trying
to finance LRT. “It's a great idea, but how do we fund it?” asked city
planner Mike Greene during an interview with The Columbus Dispatch. “Still,
I like the community thinking about things like this — innovative ways to
encourage revitalization of that area.” A streetcar study completed by a
local civic group supported a four- or five-mile (6.4 km -8 km) line between
downtown and the Ohio State University area, adding that trolleys would fit
well with Columbus because of its historic neighborhoods, its redevelopment
efforts and the tie-in with light rail. Proponents foresee other routes
that would also act as feeders to light rail. As has been proven in other
cities, they could attract new riders to transit who would not ride bus
shuttles.
