About 20 people, including several candidates for public office, showed up at the Georgia Mountains Center for the second of four public hearings on the regional one-penny sales tax.
Srikanth Yamala, the Transportation Planning Manager for the Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Organization, faciitated the meeting, outlining the nine projects that would be funded in Hall County should T-splost pass.
While telling his audience that GHMPO is not advocating the tax, he pointed out that without additional funding, Hall County can expect a $1.3 billion shortfall in transportation funding over the next 30 years.
Following the formal presentation, one attendee told Yamala he would prefer an increase in the state gasoline tax instead of the proposed T-splost.
"If we're desperate for money, then we can roll up the tax on gasoline and let the truckers and people who use the roads pay for it," he said. "Then Grandma, who goes to the store once a month, doesn't have to pay for it."
Kevin Meyer, 32, of Gainesville said he came to meeting to try to form his own opinion on the tax, since what he has heard in the community is strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
He said he wasn't one to arbitrarily advocate a tax increase.
"I see how Atlanta struggled with congestion and many other transportation problems, so my gut feeling is that something needs to be done before we get to that point," said Meyer.
He said he is particulary concerned about the congestion on historic Green Street and was hoping to hear about a bypass around the area, similar to the road that is being built in Cleveland. A bypass is not among the nine projects under consideration, however.
Once again, the topic of enhanced public transit was floated. Douglas Aiken of Murrayville said enhancing Gainesville and Hall County's public trasnit would eliminate the need for additional road taxes. Yamala pointed out that public trasnit is not part of the proposed TIA tax.
Gainesville resident Sam Bishop, who will turn 18 just in time to vote on July 31, attended the meeting to fulfull Eagle Scout requirements. His concern, he said, was the economic impact enhanced roadways might have on his home county.
As for how he'll vote in his first election, he didn't say. Still, he said, the conversation might have swayed him somewhat.
"A little bit," he said. "Some of the facts and figures were not exactly what I expected to hear.
GHMPO has two more hearings scheduled before the end of the month. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 19 at North Hall High School. The final meeting is Monday, June 25 at the Flowery Branch Depot.
Srikanth Yamala with GHMPO outlines Hall County projects and possible funding
Douglas Aiken of Murrayville visits with Greater Hall Chamber President Kit Dunlap and GHMPO's Srikanth Yamala
Anne Bishop and her son Sam Bishop look over maps of proposed T-splost projects
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/6/249464