This editorial from Boulder, Colorado's Daily Camera takes a critical look at the projected demographic shifts that some say would be created by a proposed transit village in the city.
"The council approved a plan to change zoning and align streets for 160 acres of privately owned land surrounding a parcel of city-owned property at 30th and Pearl streets, the Camera reported. That parcel, the 11-acre Transit Village site, will be the home of bus rapid transit and commuter rail expected to arrive in Boulder in the next decade."
"The zoning changes will pave the way for 2,800 to 4,200 new jobs in the next three decades. The new zoning would also facilitate 1,400 to 2,400 relatively high-density housing units. The Transit Village is envisioned as a hub for a train and bus terminal surrounded by a "mixed-use" sub-community combining retail stores, offices and homes."
"Perhaps. It is important to note, however, that even if the Transit Village were to be fully developed under today's plans, it would not - could not - dramatically shift demographic trends."
"It is possible that the Transit Village could encourage some people to live closer to their jobs, thereby preventing worse traffic and higher greenhouse-gas emissions. But there is no guarantee."
