Becoming greener and staying that way is public policy in Denver, Colorado. Blueprint Denver, the city's plan for future development, envisions an inviting urban center with plenty of green space, less reliance on cars, and housing planned in tandem with public transit.
What will pull the city plan together is the FasTracks project, a $4.7 billion plan that includes 119 miles of light rail and commuter rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, 21,000 new parking spots at transit stations, and expanded bus service. Approved by voters in seven counties in 2004, the FasTracks Plan will develop new stations along the Central, East, West, North Metro, U.S. 36, Southeast, and Southwest Corridors and along the Gold Line to make Metro Denver one of the five urban leaders in fixed rail mileage.
Transit-oriented developments (TOD's) are built around bus and light rail stops so that residents can easily access public transportation or walk to work or shopping. Bike and pedestrian friendly, Denver TODs will promote a sense of community and encourage people to live, work, and play in the area. The city will be more like the "walking cities" of 19th century America and will fit the changing demographics of the area.
Though Denver is considered a young city, the population of seniors over 60 is expected to double by 2030 as the general population ages and expands by 1.2 million. Many of the newcomers will be couples without children or single parents. These trends will lead to an increasing demand for more compact housing that is affordable and accommodating to smaller families as well as seniors who want to relocate to space that will allow them to "age in place." These groups are expected to provide the greatest demand for TOD communities.
The expected effect of Transit-Oriented Developments is to lower reliance on the car. While commuting to work in a car is convenient, emissions add to air pollution and contribute to respiratory disease. Cars are costly to operate, in term of gas costs and maintenance, as well as parking and insurance. If people lived in a TOD that is well served by public transportation, they could save money, perhaps not even need a car, and promote the public good by driving less.
A newly-constructed TOD in Englewood, CO pulls together new housing, shopping, office space, public buildings, and parks - near a FasTrack stop. Though the TOD model for new housing is likely to spread throughout the area, it is a great way to revitalize older urban areas as well. In downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall is at the center of a thriving community of retail, office space, and a variety of housing, including converted industrial buildings and warehouses, parks, and entertainment.
Bandy Homes can help you find your TOD home of the future in Metro Denver.
Marianne Bandy
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