With growth ten years ahead of estimates, Boston's Innovation District is in need of some fresh ideas to help stave of death by traffic asphyxiation. Local roads and mass transit are already stretched to capacity during the evening commute.
While meteoric growth and packed buses may sound like a problem any city would be happy to have, the unexpected popularity of Boston's Seaport District has planners playing catch-up to stave off development-killing gridlock.
“All this growth wasn’t supposed to happen until 2025,” said Mayor Thomas Menino. “It’s a wonderful success. Because of the success, we’re having a problem. It’s amazing to me.”
"Menino this week gathered a collection of transportation officials and Seaport leaders in the Eagle Room of City Hall to try to address the potential choke hold on the area’s meteoric growth," reports Shirley Leung. "The group plans to start implementing immediate fixes starting in September and spend up to a $1 million on a yearlong study to develop a comprehensive transportation plan by the end of the next year."
FULL STORY: A snarl in Seaport District’s success story
Boston's Seaport District Still Lacking Diversity
The glitzy new neighborhood doesn’t cater to all Boston residents, according to a new survey.
Boston’s Seaport District, Where Building Started Before Flood Preparation
The Boston waterfront has been booming, but the area is extremely vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Measures to address those risks have come just recently.
Gondolas Proposed for Boston's Seaport District
Boston's Seaport District has grown rapidly, and traffic is an ongoing concern. Developers have proposed an interesting solution: aerial trams.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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