California's high-speed rail project is in fact going to be built despite the state's looming budget crisis, but many are beginning to question what kind of impact the project will have if the right development around train stations is not met.
Being cash-strapped, however, leaves little room for the state to focus on transit-oriented development, which many believe would be a key to it's success. Experts cite what is referred to as the BART syndrome, where Bay Area Rapid Transit stations are often left without high-density development in close range, thus making little impact in reducing sprawl and car use.
According to Gabriel Metcalf of the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association, "the environmental benefits of rail will be lost if there isn't development around the stations, which are currently planned for both dense urban centers [Los Angeles and San Francisco] and more sprawling cities like Gilroy, Fresno and Bakersfield."
Thanks to Shay Kahen
FULL STORY: Will High-Speed Rail Get Sick with BART Syndrome?
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
The Paradox of American Housing
How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan
Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.
How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities
Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.
Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing
Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.