01010799

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/1902-04

http://scholar.google.com...akin&publication_year=2005

Urban arterials are both promising and problematic locations for infill development and urban revitalization. San Pablo Avenue, a multilane urban arterial traversing nine cities and two counties along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay in California, is considered here. The road developed over a long period: first as a streetcar line, then as an intercity automobile route, and most recently as a subregional traffic and transit route. Land uses from each of these transportation eras are still present along the avenue and range from neighborhood retail to automobile-oriented strip development. Recent transit service improvements and a strong housing market are leading to new developer interest in San Pablo Avenue. Findings are reported from interviews with 11 developers who recently built infill housing and mixed-use projects on or near the arterial. Developers see San Pablo Avenue’s accessibility as a major asset but view transit services as a bonus instead of a necessity; transit availability allows developers to argue for reduced transportation impact fees and reduced parking requirements. Other aspects of the arterial’s design, including high speeds and unattractive streetscapes, are problematic, as are zoning ordinances that require high parking ratios, large setbacks, and lengthy, discretionary approval processes. Small land parcels, incompatible adjacent uses, and high development costs are also drawbacks but, with creative development, are manageable. Local governments could provide incentives for private development along arterials such as San Pablo Avenue by improving street designs, reducing parking requirements, and updating zoning codes and approval processes.

01010784

English

pp 26-34

2005

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

0309093722

Print

Maps (1) ; Photos (6) ; References (8)

Accessibility; Arterial highways; Case studies; Developers; Housing; Impact fees; Incentives; Land use; Mixed use development; Parking; Public transit; Real estate development; Redevelopment; Streetscape; Traffic speed; Urban areas; Urban renewal; Zoning

San Francisco Bay Area

Economics; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Nov 29 2005 10:28AM

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