Steering Growth Near Transit Hubs

San Francisco added only 418 new residential units in 2011. If you consider demolition of existing units, that number goes down to 269 units, which is a 78 percent drop from 2010. However, the housing market appears to be improving with 1,998 units approved for construction in 2011. 81 percent of these units will be in buildings of 20 units or more.

In order to satisfy a 2008 state law that requires reduction of greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels by 2035, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments have approved a strategy that would steer growth into already developed areas around transit hubs. Although the cities and counties are not obligated to follow this strategy, the money for transportation improvements would go to areas that adhere to it. The strategy will undergo further analysis before it is considered for approval in spring.

The critics argue that the strategy is unconstitutional and would deprive people of their rights to live in single family homes outside dense urban areas. The supporters believe that it would protect open space and encourage development closer to jobs and transit lines.

Here is a brief video on San Francisco's Proposed TransBay Terminal


Reference: After a lull, San Francisco’s set to increase housing construction.
Cabanatuan, Michael, Land-use plan calls for new growth near transit, May 19, 2012
 

Related Posts:

Remaking LA’s Boulevards as Public Places

Thoughtful Urban Planning to Combat Greenhouse Gases

Urbanization for Growth and Development