Land values and construction costs have increased since voters approved the Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative.
"Cost estimates for extending Sound Transit light rail to both Ballard and West Seattle have risen by about $5 billion," reports Michelle Baruchman. That increase amounts to 50 percent of the previously estimated cost of extending light rail on either end of the Sound Transit system.
Another light rail project, between Federal Way and the Tacoma Dome, has also increased dramatically, according to Baruchman.
"Sound Transit blames the higher costs primarily on rising real estate prices in densely developed areas where projects would be built, and a hot construction market that has pushed prices higher than expected — even during the pandemic," according to Baruchman. The price of the projects has increased along with the price of land since voters approved the $54 billion Sound Transit 3 ballot measure in 2015.
The rising costs estimates will require Sound Transit to make final decisions on construction during the final environmental impact statement process. Sound transit spokesperson Geoff Patrick is paraphrased in the article as saying "actual projected costs will become more clear as projects advance to around 60% of the final design."
FULL STORY: Cost of building light rail to West Seattle, Ballard is much higher than first estimated
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Density and Driving: A Second Look
A common argument against more compact housing is that increased population density will only reduce vehicle miles traveled at moderate levels of density, as opposed to very low-density and very high-density areas. But this might not be so.
Zoning Reform Works, but Is No Magic Bullet
Improving housing affordability and boosting housing production requires more than just eliminating single-family zoning.
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