FALE said:
PabloSerna said:
For those that are pointing out that this does not serve "half the city" - it's designed to reduce overall traffic due to increased ridership. This is more of a "build it and they will ride it" kind of thing.
The rail isn't even serving 1% of the city. And I seriously doubt that 1% is going to put a dent in overall traffic; nothing like working from home has. And ah yes, build it and they will ride it. The mantra of every developer. Don't think so? Do a little research. Look at all the stops and who owns/develops the properties around it. A lot of these stops have large companies in common. Should be your red flag right there.
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A few of other points:
1. I think the City of Austin has some of the best, smartest people working on Code Next and the future transit plans. Unfortunately it is so far ahead of the thinking it is leaving people behind with unanswered questions like the one above.
Anyone else find this condescending?
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2. Any town planning that centers around more highways and more parking is doomed to be a financial failure in the long run. Don't think so? Do a little research. Cars/trucks are not the future. Is it any wonder that California is looking at phasing out fossil fuel based new vehicles? That doesn't mean that people won't collect these type of cars, but they won't be as common. We are in the midst of a transit shift from the automobile to virtual centers. COVID-19 has actually accelerated this shift
Good, we don't need to waste money on a system that loses money at most if not all cities per rider. Oh and please don't use california as a beacon of excellence particularly in the field of energy.
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3. The City of Austin is looking far, far ahead. They have to, this plan will take 20 years to work out. We won't be in hovercrafts (maybe?) yet - but we are heading away from reliance on the automobile and I commend the City Council for realizing this.
Give us your money now, but trust us, our thinking that is leaving all of you behind will benefit you far far in the future probably....maybe....
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We are already looking at utilizing technology to work from home - thanks COVID!
Good, don't need a rail.
Since you took the time to respond instead of laughing like an idiot... Help me understand your position:
GIVEN #1: Austin has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country.
GIVEN #2: The Austin real estate market is among the fastest growing in the country. The average cost for a new home in the Austin Metro is on a
record pace. More importantly - there is no sign of slowing down!
GIVEN #3: There is actually a shortage of housing in the Austin market. From talking to my contractor buddies, it maybe let up 1 month in May and that was because of the confusion caused by Mayor Adler. It's gang busters now! I don't have the number off the top of my head, but homes are being sold in days to weeks - not months.
LAST GIVEN #4: Probably the most important aspect of why I think investing in your money maker has a trickle down effect - tax base! The commercial market is on a similar trajectory to the housing market - that is incredible. As we already know - people love Austin and big companies, high tech companies like Apple, IMB, Samsung, AMD - just to name a few - hell... Tesla! Are here in the Austin area. Tesla didn't pick Del Valle - they picked Austin.
1. So now as a City Planner - how do you build?
2. Given all that and more above - what is your answer?
MY RESPONSE:
Keep investing in your money makers like the Downtown core. Improve as many of the major "arterials" such as SoLa (South Lamar) and MLK (East Side). Grow mixed use commercial up and down those big streets. Mueller was a smashing success - do more of that along a public transit system.
I could go on - I want to hear what you guys would do?
