Suwanee to extend Town Center area with large mixed-use development (Gainesville: legally, authority)

[cqholt]

These are the types of development that should be one day surrounding a transit station, creating a dense node of multiple uses within walking distance of the station. It is good to see the suburbs evolving into creating these dense nodes, but these types of development are walkable islands that majority of people still drive to. That needs to be changed with better street/sidewalk connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods and transit connections.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

Suwanee is really stepping up with making its downtown charming...

Suwanee to extend Town Center area with large mixed-use... | www.ajc.com

Somebody call the fire department!

[ATLTJL]

These are the types of development that should be one day surrounding a transit station, creating a dense node of multiple uses within walking distance of the station. It is good to see the suburbs evolving into creating these dense nodes, but these types of development are walkable islands that majority of people still drive to.

This is true, and would be ideal.

However, to be realistic, this idea is probably at least 10 years away, more likely 20...and in reality, it might NEVER happen. But these developments are still worthwhile, even if they are never connected, because they at least minimize travel between destinations. Even if they always follow the model of people having to drive to the nodes (which they are counting on, by building parking decks), it's easier in a place like Suwanee than midtown because the density is much lighter, so the streets to get to the developments will likely remain less congested.

Where I would argue you really need better connectivity first are places like Atlantic Station, where having to drive there can be terrible.

Connectivity for everything is always best, but prioritizing who gets it first is pragmatic. I think areas like downtown Suwanee are being developed for local residents, and likely don't have the bandwidth yet to support what it would look like if people were riding transit from all over the metro to get there. The main advantage of connectivity would be for people who live there or near there, who can then use this development as a hub to get other places.

[hautemomma]

Originally Posted by cqholt

These are the types of development that should be one day surrounding a transit station, creating a dense node of multiple uses within walking distance of the station. It is good to see the suburbs evolving into creating these dense nodes, but these types of development are walkable islands that majority of people still drive to. That needs to be changed with better street/sidewalk connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods and transit connections.

Until these fast-growing, highly populated counties/burbs have a transit system that connects them all, you can count on people still driving to these, and other, places. That is merely logical and pragmatic. That in and of itself says little about the fact that these developments enable people to achieve some of that walkability and closely connected hub of local stores, diversions and resources - and that people tend to welcome and want to live in or near these developments, even in the suburbs. In fact, that these are springing up in suburbs where they still can have access to good schools, low crime, etc. makes it all the more appealing.

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

This is true, and would be ideal.

However, to be realistic, this idea is probably at least 10 years away, more likely 20...and in reality, it might NEVER happen. But these developments are still worthwhile, even if they are never connected, because they at least minimize travel between destinations. Even if they always follow the model of people having to drive to the nodes (which they are counting on, by building parking decks), it's easier in a place like Suwanee than midtown because the density is much lighter, so the streets to get to the developments will likely remain less congested.

Where I would argue you really need better connectivity first are places like Atlantic Station, where having to drive there can be terrible.

Connectivity for everything is always best, but prioritizing who gets it first is pragmatic. I think areas like downtown Suwanee are being developed for local residents, and likely don't have the bandwidth yet to support what it would look like if people were riding transit from all over the metro to get there. The main advantage of connectivity would be for people who live there or near there, who can then use this development as a hub to get other places.

It's Suwanee, I don't think local residents want super dense living, otherwise they'd move. I think this offers the best of both worlds, it offers at least a slightly more walkable option for those inclined while still catering to the suburban crowd that enjoy it just fine. The option should be there for connectivity (the train tracks are literally across the street), but it's not necessary yet.

[ATLTJL]

I really wish those train tracks weren't used to heavily.

You can imagine how useful they would be to connect to MARTA, which follows the same tracks...

But even aside from that, imagine what it would do up here. If you could hop on that train and get to Duluth and Norcross, which both also have downtowns RIGHT ON THE TRACKS. It's such a waste that only freight trains and Amtrak use that track.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by hautemomma

Until these fast-growing, highly populated counties/burbs have a transit system that connects them all, you can count on people still driving to these, and other, places. That is merely logical and pragmatic. That in and of itself says little about the fact that these developments enable people to achieve some of that walkability and closely connected hub of local stores, diversions and resources - and that people tend to welcome and want to live in or near these developments, even in the suburbs. In fact, that these are springing up in suburbs where they still can have access to good schools, low crime, etc. makes it all the more appealing.

If that is to one day happen, then Gwinnett would need to join MARTA.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

This is true, and would be ideal.

However, to be realistic, this idea is probably at least 10 years away, more likely 20...and in reality, it might NEVER happen. But these developments are still worthwhile, even if they are never connected, because they at least minimize travel between destinations. Even if they always follow the model of people having to drive to the nodes (which they are counting on, by building parking decks), it's easier in a place like Suwanee than midtown because the density is much lighter, so the streets to get to the developments will likely remain less congested.

Where I would argue you really need better connectivity first are places like Atlantic Station, where having to drive there can be terrible.

Connectivity for everything is always best, but prioritizing who gets it first is pragmatic. I think areas like downtown Suwanee are being developed for local residents, and likely don't have the bandwidth yet to support what it would look like if people were riding transit from all over the metro to get there. The main advantage of connectivity would be for people who live there or near there, who can then use this development as a hub to get other places.

AS offers a free shuttle service to Arts Center Station along with MARTA bus service in it's own dedicated lane. There is an app available to track the shuttles.

[bellhead]

Originally Posted by hautemomma

Yep, these types of developments are part of what will attract or retain young professionals and families. This is written about in detail in the book, The End of the Suburbs. Of course, as it turns out, the suburbs are not ending at all; they are evolving.

If you really want a picture of how the Northern Atlanta suburbs will look in a 100 years, look at the Northern and Central NJ where NJ Transit provides service to NYC. There are about 5 and half million people in an area the size of Atlanta and several hundred thousand commute daily to NYC on these tracks. The town center in a lot of these towns are the heart and soul of the community's with boutique and a good restaurant scene within walking or a quick 5 minute drive. People are willing to do a 40 minute commute for schools and quality of life.

[ATLTJL]

If that is to one day happen, then Gwinnett would need to join MARTA.

Probably that's ideal....however, the area could theoretically be serviced by its own transit authority that connects to MARTA. I'd prefer the MARTA route, though, because that would be more likely to extend heavy rail into the area. A Gwinnett transit option would most likely opt for light rail, which I don't think is ideal.

AS offers a free shuttle service to Arts Center Station along with MARTA bus service in it's own dedicated lane.

I might be insulated, but I have never met anybody in my entire life who has ever used this. Maybe they are out there, but the fact remains that once you introduce a second layer of transit required to access something, it makes it much less accessible. It's a big enough pain where most people would just rather drive, unless you don't own a car.