Why is Transit Oriented Development Important to Denver?
- Lower cost of living: People who live in transit-oriented communities have easier and less expensive access to food, education, employment, health care and entertainment.
- Jobs: A strong integration between employment and TOD will lead to enhanced, lower-cost mobility options for all residents and workers for the entire region.
- Environmental Sustainability:TOD benefits the environment by reducing automobile emissions, helping to preserve undeveloped land, and can lead to a healthier lifestyle with more walking and biking.
How is TOD defined in Denver?
Transit-oriented development is typically described as a mix of uses at various densities within a half-mile radius, or walking distance, of a transit stop. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is more than simply a project next to a transit station – it is the area surrounding the station.
In order to succeed, TOD should achieve five main goals:
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Location efficiency: Place homes, jobs, shopping, entertainment, parks and other amenities close to the station to promote walking, biking and transit use.
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Rich mix of choices: Provide housing, employment, transportation and shopping choices for people of all ages, household types, incomes and lifestyles.
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Value capture: Encourage all stakeholders – residents, business owners, RTD and the city – to take full economic advantage of the amenities associated with enhanced transit services
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Place-making: Create safe, pleasant, varied and attractive station areas with a distinct identity.
- Portal to the region: Understand and maximize the station’s role as an entry point to the regional transit network and as a safe, pleasant and private place to live.