News of a potentially smaller Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail line came to light earlier this week after local developer Peter Allen of Peter Allen & Associates said local municipalities should take charge of the project to make sure it happens.
Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje has been reported as saying in AnnArbor.com there is work going on behind the scenes to start a small line connecting Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Metro Airport. Allen agreed to answer a few choice questions over email about the potential impact of a shorter commuter rail line.
If the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail line started with a smaller line, say Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti to Metro Airport or Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, would it still have a positive impact on development in Washtenaw County?
Yes, very much so within a ¼ mile, 5-10 minute walk from the depot in Depot Town. [The] Mayor said 4000 people live in Ypsi and work at the Medical Center. The biggest frustration in peoples’ lives, according to a recent NYTimes article, is the daily commute. Imagine being able to take a 15 minute train ride for $1.50, read the paper or get ready for a presentation, read a book and then take an energetic 5-10 walk from Depot St in Ann Arbor to the Medical Campus. Perhaps get rid of a car and save $7500 per year.
This project represents one more transportation option for Ann Arbor's residents and stakeholders. Could you sum up the importance of having a broad variety of transportation options when it comes to making a community business and development friendly?
Multi-model transit options are a must for the 25-35 year knowledge worker, such as the Google or HeathMedia worker. Same for the other key demographic, the empty nester or baby boomer. These bookend generations want a simpler, healthier lifestyle around a compact neighborhood, such as Kerrytown. Shopping, dining, recreational options, often called the "Third Place" to complement their home and work. Healthcare, education and high-tech employees are driving our downtown job popularity. Ann Arbor is just now "tipping" toward a critical mass of young professionals wanting to remain or come to Ann Arbor instead of going to Chicago or NYC.
Ann Arbor is seen as Washtenaw County's established urban center while Ypsilanti is seen as one of the county's most promising up-and-coming urban communities. What can be gained from connecting these two similar-yet-unique city centers with a fast, convenient transit service like a commuter train?
Higher real-estate values, more exciting sidewalk scenes, more unique, local retailers, and more high density development (3-5 stories). The turnaround in any new real estate development will mostly occur around these new transit nodes. Watch Depot Town, Fuller Road Station an/or Broadway Village at Lowertown for properties benefiting the most once this commuter begins.
Source: Peter Allen, founder of Peter Allen & Associates
Writer: Jon Zemke
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