Before we hammer another nail

 

John McCarron (who) writes, teaches and consults on urban affairs

Published June 30, 2006

The Chicago Tribune Op-Ed Page

 

 

Will gasoline at $3 a gallon change the shape of Chicago's metropolitan region?

 

There are good economic reasons why it should. If young families did the math, they might discover that buying a bargain-priced split-level on the suburban fringe isn't such a bargain after all, what with automotive expenses. Better to buy closer in, near a Metra line or a bus route, within walking distance of schools and stores.

 

Trouble is, that kind of math rarely gets done. Who's going to bring it up? Not the developers, who've got a sure thing buying farmland by the acre and selling it by the foot. Not the real estate agents and mortgage brokers, who want their fat commissions. They don't mention how many hours a week you'll be driving once you buy that dream four-bedroom in Minooka, Oswego or Pingree Grove.

 

More op-ed at:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0606300334jun30,1,719566.story

Great article. Reconnecting America does some excellent work. Check out some of their research at:

 

Reports- http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/html/RATN/news.htm

Maps&Tables- http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/html/RATN/maps.htm

 

And their collection of TOD, transit and transportation news articles at:

http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/html/RA/news.htm

In fact, Scott Bernstein of Reconnecting America will be one of the speakers at a workshop on station area development for the Ohio Hub Plan on July 14th in Columbus. I think KJP may have more information on the workshop.  If you do, can you post it?

I remember hearing something about a workshop, but I don't have any details on it (that I know of!). I'm on a bit of an information overload right now. Sorry!

I'll see if I can scare up some info...