TOD Should Not Be Transit Agency's Business

"A couple of months ago, we urged the Regional Transportation District to try to avoid using eminent domain as it acquires the property needed to build the West Corridor of the FasTracks light-rail line."

"We continue to believe the district should do all it reasonably can to accommodate landowners and purchase the needed property from willing buyers, not condemn it. But as the timelines to start construction draw nearer, hopes are fading that all these acquisitions can be completed amicably."

"Still, there are reasons for concern. The law does allow some commercial and retail operations on RTD property for the purpose of serving transit riders. That's how coffee shops and small groceries can open their doors inside RTD stations. And legislation the district is proposing for next year would add residential development to permissible transit-oriented uses."

"RTD management says it has no intention of entering the property development business, and that may be true. But that attitude could change in years to come, especially as demand grows to place mixed-use retail, commercial and residential properties near RTD stations in what's known as 'transit-oriented development.'"