A draft Environmental Impact Report is now underway to study the proposed routes and power sources for rail extensions south of Boston. Considerations include ridership, wetlands, smart growth benefits, and future development around train stations.
"Colleen Corona, chairwoman of the Easton Board of Selectmen, said she has the same concerns she voiced during meetings with South Coast Rail officials. 'And I have huge concerns about downtown Easton,' she said. 'I can't imagine the noise implications, with trains coming to a screeching stop and then starting up again.'
Meanwhile, the chairman of Middleborough's Board of Selectmen, Patrick Rogers, was relieved to discover that a proposal to expand the rail down through Middleborough was taken off the list for further study.
'From my perspective, I'm very pleased,' Rogers said Monday. 'I think it would have been detrimental to the downtown.' While Middleborough Planner Ruth Geoffroy had argued the rail expansion through town center would help revitalize the downtown, Rogers had disagreed.
'We don't need revitalizing in Middleborough,' Rogers said. 'When the casino project goes forward, we'll be revitalized. Let the people in the downtown area have some peace and quiet.'"
FULL STORY: Picking the best expansion option for commuters
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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