________________________________ From: John Plescow Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 3:30 PM To: Chip Orange Subject: See thae following CONA announcement Please, see the following announcement. Mr. Hogge the President of CONA requested that I get out the word about Thursday's meeting. He would like there to be representation from all impacted groups. This Thursday night, October 15, the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA)is hosting a special community-wide Town Hall forum on "NOVA 2010," the City of Tallahassee's overhaul of the Star Metro route network. You will not want to miss this opportunity to focus on the plan from a distinctly neighborhood perspective. This is a wonderful chance to participate in a community discussion of future plans for bus service in Tallahassee. The proposed changes will have major implications for transit users and neighborhoods. In most cases, bus service wuill no longer extend into neighborhoods but operate almost exclusively along major roadways. But as Star Metro rolls out its "innovative" pursuit of a leaner, "greener," multi-transfer station decentralization plan entitled "NOVA 2010," (see link under "Quick Links" in left column of this announcement) Christic Henry (CONA President-Elect) and I have two questions related to this plan that will hopefully encourage your attendance at Thursday night's forum. One, "does the plan reflect an appreciation of the circumstances and needs of such rider populations as seniors, the poor, the disabled, and other populations within neighborhoods more reliant on bus transportation? And two, "are the voices of these riders being included in the discussion?" We encourage you to come out and make your voice heard, whatever your position on the plan. It is still in the formative stages. The CONA forum will be held at the Smith Williams Center located near FAMU at 2295 Pasco Street on Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend this important event. Star Metro staff will present the changes under consideration and how they will impact various areas and neighborhoods within our community. The public will then have the opportunity to ask questions and share any thoughts or concerns about the proposal. CONA will moderate the event. I really hope to see you there! Stephen Hogge, President CONA Directions to the Smith Williams Center: From Gaines Street, go south on Railroad Avenue and continue on Wahnish Way. Turn right onto Campbell Street and then take a left onto Pasco Street. The Center will be on the left. From South Monroe, go west on Orange Avenue. Go north on Pasco Street (the second right if you are heading west on Orange Avenue from South Monroe Street), and then turn right at Tucker Street. The Center will be on the right. Established in 1980, the Council of Neighborhood Associations is a federal 501(c)(3) not for profit organization with member neighborhoods from every part of Tallahassee/Leon County. CONA's stated mission is to "improve and sustain the quality of life in a diverse Leon County by uniting, preserving, strengthening, and honoring neighborhoods...." Please visit the CONA web site at www.econa.org for more information. Council of Neighborhood Associations PO Box 1462 | Tallahassee, FL 32302