Detroit's Oakland County suburbs are pushing to extend a light rail extension into their neighborhoods with such fervor that they may accomplish what the political system couldn't, says reporter Matt Helms.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year on a light rail line from downtown to 8 Mile, but six cities and towns further down the line are rallying to be included:
"Supporters say extending the rail north would connect it to suburban hot spots, including downtowns in Royal Oak and Birmingham; boost property values and redevelopment, and raise crucial suburban support for a plan that, so far, has stayed within city limits."
A task force of local leaders has formed and is petitioning the Federal government for funds to make the extension happen.
FULL STORY: Study examines extending Woodward light rail from Detroit to suburbs like Ferndale, Birmingham
Ridership Drops As Detroit's QLine Streetcar Starts Charging
Since Detroit's new streetcar system started charging, ridership has dropped. Those who are riding aren't necessarily paying anyways.
Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Credited for Delivering Investment—A Year Before Opening
The 3.3-mile M-1 Rail line in Detroit has been described as a boondoggle of unparalleled proportions. Boosters of the project, however, have gathering evidence of investment in neighborhoods along the route.
Comparing Boondoggles: Light Rail Line in Detroit, Streetcar in Washington D.C.
Jim Epstein suggests that Detroit's new light rail line is America's largest boondoggle; Matthew Yglesias argues that that ignominy belongs to Washington D.C.'s planned streetcar.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Study: 4% of Truckers Lack a Valid Commercial License
Over 56% of inspected trucks had other violations.
Chicago Judge Orders Thousands of Accessible Ped Signals
Only 3% of the city's crossing signals are currently accessible to blind pedestrians.
Philadelphia Swaps Car Lanes for Bikeways in Unanimous Vote
The project will transform one of the handful of streets responsible for 80% of the city’s major crashes.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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