While it may seem like discussions on infrastructure and transit corridors are dry and wonkish topics for an urban planner, they actually ave profound implications on the way we live, work, and grow.
For decades, the car has been the first and foremost consideration when
it came to suburban development. But like most ideas, this approach has come to the end of its shelf life. Communities all over the nation are
rethinking the way transit corridors serve and accommodate people, not
just autos.
The question now becomes: How will the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area evolve the strip mall-style decisions of our past into the more vibrant and people-friendly environment of tomorrow?
From mixed-use development to density to mass transit, to walkability, local leaders and planners are trying to plan for our best way forward.
Concentrate has invited
Anya Dale, project manager with Washtenaw County economic development and
Richard Murphy, Transportation Programs Coordinator for the
Michigan Suburbs Alliance, to discuss current efforts to redevelop our region's
suburban strip corridors, including Washtenaw Avenue.
At our
March 31st event they'll talk about the
need for increased collaboration and the integration of land use
and transportation planning, and envision the impacts of changing the
way we invest in our corridors.
WHAT:
Concentrate's Speaker Series event "
Transit Corridors Of Opportunity"
WHEN:
Thursday, March 31st from 5-7PMWHERE:
Conor O'Neill's (318 South Main Street)
The event is free and open to
Concentrate's
readers, but seating is limited so you must pre-register.The
presentation will begin around 5:15 p.m. and run for roughly an hour.
Refreshments will be provided. Discussion and
networking before and afterward is greatly encouraged.
Concentrate's Speaker Series is sponsored by the
Michigan
State
Housing Development
Authority.
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