Statement by Catherine Clase

I think that light rail has the potential to be transformative for Hamilton and the downtown. I know that many local businesses are concerned about the development phase. I found these thoughtful, informed, and concrete suggestions to mitigate disadvantage during this time at http://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2015/3/22/what-happens-to-small-businesses-during-light-rail-construction

1.Ensure that the government commits to dedicating a percentage of all project costs toward small business loans. This tactic was implemented in Salt Lake City with some success.

2.Unite local banks to create a dedicated loan fund for small businesses affected by construction. Albina Bank in Portland attempted this tactic, but, after failing to garner support from other banks, turned to a local community development financial institution (CDFI) to spearhead the project.

3.Create clear, meaningful channels of communication between local government and business leaders. In Salt Lake City, an independent contractor served as the main point of contact between the government and businesses. In Dallas, a North Central Task Force was created to oversee the light rail project, engaging members of the community and government.

4.Commit to keeping at least one sidewalk or street lane open for a majority of the project. During Portland’s light rail project, the government set guidelines that guaranteed this and other traffic flow goals possible.

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