WHAT: Many studies have shown that the “transit” is not the only essential component needed to pursue to transit-oriented development. alkability, mixed use, traffic density and other factors are just as important as our proximity to rail stations.
HOW: We can begin to address these areas in the context of planning by passing a local sustainable complete streets ordinance to make our departments, as well as the planning and zoning board utilize sustainable complete streets design principles when implementing transportation projects. If we start with streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient access for users of all abilities and all modes, implementing, whenever practicable, elements of design, construction and operation that also serve environmental sustainability for functional needs like storm water retention and curbing runoff, we will contribute to safer mobility and address our longstanding need to ween ourselves off of separate stormwater sewer systems.
WHY: That is why I would also invest in our infrastructure and finally begin building combined sewer systems with the funding we have available, some of which I helped secure during my time in the Senate.