It’s still all about land use.
I’m all for efforts to extend rail and other alternative forms of transportation (in the right places!), but it will never be even close to enough. Until we do something about the incentives for developers to build single acre lot subdivisions that don’t connect (cul-de-sac paradises), we’ll just keep pushing more cars onto surface roads that will never support the traffic.
If the recent downturn has taught us anything, it should be that we have enough inventory of low density development to last us awhile. Instead of sitting back and waiting for developers to come save their counties, commissioners in the exurban/suburban metro area should be re-tooling land use policy that lends itself to higher densities along transit nodes. I get that folks like their one acre and a mule (hell, I do to), but the lack of diversity in our land use planning will kill growth over the long term more than anything else we do (or don’t do).
I’ve long been of the opinion that land use is the sole province of localities, but I’m more open than ever to state or regionally driven action that requires counties to have workable Master Plan and TOD centric development options in the local comprehensive plan. If we don’t do it now when demand is low it will never happen.
I recently read that Virginia, I believe the entire state, recently passed a law indicating that any new roads terminating in cul de sac or dead end would be considered private roads and their maintenance the responsibility of the property owners/developers. Where I live is a maze of cul de sacs and isolated sub-divisions. Most folks seem to prefer it that way and would not take kindly to me suggesting we open roads to connect where feasible. My road is one of the few that actually connects two major arteries and over the years there have been plenty of requests to close off one end to stop transient traffic. Emergency access has prevented any success which pleases me. I appreciate having two ways in & out. However, to placate, the county made it illegal and difficult to turn left onto or from my road. Concrete medians are in place to discourage along with regular police presence.
We are in accord. What a pleasure.
Let’s see: I disagree with the term gluttonous. It seems, to me, that this observation is sparse and to the point. I presume you agree with developing the possibility of local public transportation (say like bike paths, walking-friendly side-walks, and weekend bus rides to select parks and commercial centers.)
I know, I know–what you are suggesting is already too radical. To add anymore is to make it beyond crazy.
…sparse and to the point. Bingo!