Plans to develop a transit village around one of the San Francisco Bay Area's BART stations is gaining support, but some local officials are voicing concerns over the increased load on city infrastructure and services.
"The development would limit the expansion of facilities for commuters who travel to the station by car or bus. It could also affect views of Mount Diablo from the station and add traffic to city streets."
"The Walnut Creek City Council has agreed that an environmental study of the proposed transit village should begin soon, based on a revised plan unveiled Tuesday. The village could include up to 50,000 square-feet of commercial space."
"The City Council agreed that a transit village could be a welcome addition to Walnut Creek, serving as a transit hub and connecting the downtown to high-rise offices. The council asked developers to look at potentially modifying the plan to preserve views of Mount Diablo, add a restaurant and rooftop gardens and incorporate plenty of public art."
"Some council members were concerned about the project's density and the constraints it would put on parking and bus service. The council has not approved the plan and could ask developers to downsize it, based on the results of the environmental study, which could take up to one year."
FULL STORY: Council weighs value of BART transit village
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