Unfortunately, it's not Jacksonville but the story is one we should pay attention to. Kansas City has had BRT for nearly a decade and not an once of TOD has opened as a result. However, since the commitment to open a streetcar line by 2015, three infill developments have been announced along the proposed streetcar route. Buses and potato chip trucks shaped as trolleys aren't effective tools that improve transit and stimulate economic development. That's something we should remember as the DIA continues to crank out the new downtown CRA plan.
QuoteMore than a year from operation, Kansas City's Streetcar is already driving investment downtown
In a sign of things to come for downtown Kansas City, MO, a site along the city's forthcoming streetcar line is being transformed from a parking lot into a mixed-use development. The developer of Crossroads Apartments, who has never built in Kansas City before, told the Kansas City Star that "the streetcar is the big thing that drew us, absolutely."
The Kansas City Downtown Streetcar Project is comprised of a streetcar loop that will mostly run along Main Street in downtown Kansas City, and will link the city's main entertainment venues with transit centers and arts districts.
The system is expected to become operational in mid-2015, but the project is already benefitting downtown. Thirty-three development projects have been completed, are under construction or have been announced within the boundaries of the Transportation Development District since Kansas City voters gave the go ahead to streetcar last year, according to the Downtown Council of Kansas City. Here's a map of the streetcar area with all existing and forthcoming developments.
Investors are excited about the Transportation Development District and the City is supporting their interest through a program that minimizes red tape and helps incoming businesses with everything from getting a building permit to guidance through the food permit or liquor license process. "When a building permit gets logged into the planning office, typically, staff would have four weeks to review," says John Pajor of KCBizCare, who works on the project. "We've cut it to two."
full article: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/2013/11/14/more-than-a-year-from-operation-kansas-citys-streetcar-is-already-driving-investment-downtown/
Quotethree infill developments have been announced along the proposed streetcar route.
Need to change that to THIRTY-THREE
just read a similar article about Tucson
Does our new guy at JTA get it? I am sure he does but sure seems awfully quiet on the subject. Even more disappointing is he has moved forward with the BRT and the hinterland bus terminal.