There was an article in the EN about light rail and the comparison made the entire time was Portland. Is SA ready for light rail?
Quote:
By Patrick Driscoll and John Tedesco
- Express-News PORTLAND, Ore. — ............................... Built for walking
The ability of light rail to shape a neighborhood into a walker's haven has been closely watched at Portland's Orenco Station, which opened in 1977.
The development turned farmland into a town square and light-rail stop surrounded by brownstone condos with shops on the ground floor, cottages, parks, a clubhouse and a grocery store all within a 15-minute walk.
Five years later, 85 percent of residents relied less on cars, according to a Lewis and Clark College study. Many commuters still drove solo to work — three of four — but 69 percent used transit more than they did in their old neighborhoods.
A majority surveyed also said their new community was friendlier and more cohesive.
“We love it,” said John Irving, 68, who moved near Orenco Station four years ago.
He and his wife used to own two cars but downsized to one thanks to light rail. As seniors, they also pay cheaper fares.
“We like being able to get on the light rail, like we're doing now,” Irving said as a MAX train pulled up to Orenco Station. Moments later, he and his family were on their way.
Tedesco reported from Portland.
Now if they can put this idea to the Union Stockyards and show how great this walkable community design is.
In asking people from here; of course most would oppose it, you never really know what you're missing until you've tried it.
It is the city trying to escape the consequences of being a city
while still remaining a city. It is urban society trying to eat its
cake and keep it, too.
- Harlan Douglass, The Suburban Trend, 1925
You know its a good thing that those streets are already well connected. I love the description of this revitalization, I hope it comes into full fruition.
Which creek is that one off the top of the render?
If you're talking of the one of the map, then that is Apache Creek; it comes from Elmendorf "Lake" and runs parallel to Laredo St. from Zarzamora to 35.
It is the city trying to escape the consequences of being a city
while still remaining a city. It is urban society trying to eat its
cake and keep it, too.
- Harlan Douglass, The Suburban Trend, 1925
I meant to type this yesterday, but how insanely great would it be if they transformed the area of the Union Stockyards where the big sign is into a big open air market.
At least Alamo Heights voted themselves a tax hike to fix their power lines, so hopefully SA will follow suit on that stretch of Broadway.
That was to keep property taxes down mostly. I think some of it may eventually go to adding bike lanes and making Broadway look a little sexier, but they're still having meetings on a 10-15 year plan for that.
And btw, this is KeepSanAntonioLame, in case you're wondering. I had to start a new account because I was unable to access my old account due to a computer snafu.
obviously, someone killed KSAL, lifted his avatar, and is now using his credibility here to dupe us all. when "the new KSAL" tells us that T Stacey is planning an 80-story downtown SA building, i will say i told you so...
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Hey, for the record, I'm actually going on my 5th year of posting here....I used to post under some old screenames. My total posts are really 1051. If that's any indication, I post a lot more now than I used to haha.
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T Stacey Planning 80 Story Tower at on Houston Street. Details at 10.
please dont mess with me like that. Just thinking about it is so wrong.
__________________
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Please ignore the quality of this picture...driving and taking pics at the same time is tough! I'm really liking Vistana, I think it blends into downtown nicely.
__________________ GO SPURS GO! | My Photography SAN ANTONIO ~ been here since April 2005...formerly sanantoniorocks21 and sarocks14
I've been watching this forum ever since I became interested in the Vistana. I actually am going to be one of the tenants in there with a sweet patio leading to the amenities deck. The latest news is that construction has been pushed back once again and tenants aren't expected to move in till February 09. Yikes! Although it's a bit of pain to wait, it's well worth it in my book. The building is looking awesome. I had the pleasure of having a walk through in their model that they just made available. This model is a 1 bedroom, roughly 756 square feet, furnished to give you an idea of what it will look like when it is all done. All the fixtures and paint come standard in the unit. The ceilings are 10ft high with exposed fixtures (awesome). Anyway, I know a lot of you have been monitoring this forum so I thought I would contribute these photos I've taken. I am also a huge fan of high rises, lofts, modern & urban living and I can't wait to move in. Take care!
PS. Sorry about the spots on the photos, my lens got dirty.