Great cities make it easy for residents and visitors to move fluidly among communities and to the points of attraction, creating a sense of citywide cohesion and identity. Both the sleek Paris Metro and the creakier New York subway accomplish that. Imagine how different it would be if the public spaces of the city and the most vibrant residential areas all could be accessed readily by mass transit. The trolley lines and the modest bus system are a nice start, but they need to be greatly expanded.
It also must be made easier for people to reach San Diego from other regions. We already have a plethora of freeways, the current airport is nearing capacity and the rail service is limited. The proposed reconstruction of Lindbergh Field will buy only a little time, and high-speed rail service would only accommodate traffic from within the region. Ultimately, a site will have to be found for a new, larger, more modern airport to accommodate long-range tourist and business travel.
Great cities emphasize learning. One can't imagine Boston or Vienna without their multitude of universities. In this respect, San Diego is in fine shape. If only one could say the same about the primary and secondary school system, which are being bled financially and stripped of anything beyond basic programs. This goes beyond the public schools themselves. Once upon a time, libraries were the most valued civic institution. A new central library downtown would be a great symbolic step.
Finally, San Diego's potential can be enhanced by building on its proximity to Tijuana, itself a metropolis of 2.5 million people. Despite the legal and security issues stemming from the international border, San Diego would be enriched economically, socially and culturally by developing stronger ties to its southern neighbor. Moreover, goals such as development of a new international airport may be achieved more effectively if approached in tandem with Tijuana.
Are these elements vital to making San Diego a world class city? If so, how should they be prioritized? What else is important?
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Transportation is certainly key to making San Diego world class. Bus and Trolley round trips are around $5, more expensive than driving. The high cost precludes car owners from considering using public transit and it is a financial burden to low-income people with no other option. Don't we want to get people out of their cars? We should subsidize public transportation to dramatically reduce fares. If there is higher utilization, there will be more express bus routes and new Trolley lines, which will make public transit more attractive to middle class.
ReplyDeleteThe airport certainly seems to be bursting at the seams. Moving it to an alternate site seems reasonable, especially if it would facilitate more flights. If it will cost a lot of tax dollars, we should wait.
Libraries probably need more funding, but given that they are cutting back because of City budget shortfalls, a new central branch seems out of the question. I don't know that that is our highest priority at this time, anyway.
Cooperation with Tijuana is important. As neighbors, it is vital that we address problems which cross our boundaries, such as public health and environmental degradation. This actually seems like a no-brainer, since there are potential benefits and no costs.
Social services are vitally important to making San Diego great. At the moment, we have homeless people in need on almost every major street corner. There is no way we can call our city world-class if we cannot address their needs.