Transit-Oriented Development before Transportation Policy and Planning Board Tomorrow, Plan Commission 12/12

Hello neighbors,

I wanted to draw your attention to an upcoming agenda item before the Transportation Policy and Planning Board tomorrow evening, December 5 at 5pm.

Briefly, the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) proposal seeks to increase housing density in areas surrounding the planned bus rapid transit (BRT) stops. The purpose of this proposal is to create a more walkable and transit-oriented city, reducing our reliance on cars, and therefore fossil fuels, thus further moving towards our climate goals. For example, the Quarry development on University Avenue combines housing and retail in close proximity to where BRT will be easily available.

Some people may wonder what this zoning change will do to neighborhoods consisting primarily of single family homes. The short answer is, not much, and certainly not quickly. The zoning change will allow properties in these areas to be built as duplexes, instead of solely single family homes. But, there is very little open space available in our district, thus the impacts are unlikely to be seen until a home needs to be demolished if it becomes too costly to continue to repair. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are already permitted where single family homes are zoned; ADUs may include a dwelling above a garage, for example, or by partitioning a portion of an existing home into a separate dwelling. The areas within our district where development is an option will be able to have a few more housing units – for example going from 24 to 36 on a given plot of land. Notably, historic districts, like University Heights, are excluded from the TOD. There is an interactive map available to check if the area where you live is included in the TOD.

This item will also come to the Plan Commission on December 12, and the Common Council on January 3, 2023.

Best wishes,

Regina Vidaver