The new community of Belmont will join Arcosanti as another attempt at turning Arizona desert into the next evolution of human habitation. This time, one of the richest men in the world is behind the plans.
"An investment firm run by Bill Gates has put down $80 million to develop a planned community in Arizona," reports Sophie Wiener.
The idea is to build a "smart city" on 25,000 acres of land located about 45 minutes west of Phoenix. The new planned community will be called Belmont. "Of the 25,000 acres, 3,800 will be used for office, retail, and commercial space," explains Wiener. "Another 470 acres will be used for public schools. That leaves enough space for 80,000 residential units."
A press release from Belmont Partners, Gates's investment firm, explains more about the ambitions of the development: "Belmont will create a forward-thinking community with a communication and infrastructure spine that embraces cutting-edge technology, designed around high-speed digital networks, data centers, new manufacturing technologies and distribution models, autonomous vehicles and autonomous logistics hubs."
Bianca Buono broke the news about the purchase, and also speaks with Ronald Schott, executive emeritus at the Arizona Technology Council about the prospects for the new development. Schott notes in particular the site's proximity to the proposed I-11 freeway, "which would run right through Belmont and connect to Las Vegas."
Bill Gates is also featured in the news report, shared by KPNX on YouTube shown below, about the plans for Belmont.
FULL STORY: Bill Gates buys huge chunk of land in Arizona to build 'smart city'
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
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
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.