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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

December 3, 2005

Area must change way it builds

Letter to the Editor

By Kate O'Hara


The Bay Area's regional agencies know that linking land use to transportation makes sense ("Agencies to work together, separately"). How we build determines how easily we can get around.

If we build walkable neighborhoods where jobs and homes are close together, with reliable train and bus service, residents will have more ways to get around. We can start solving, instead of worsening, our traffic problems.

But if we build sprawling development out in remote areas, residents will need cars for every errand. We'll end up with less open space, and more traffic, air pollution, and wasted time.

This summer, MTC adopted a strong new policy to encourage good development near transit. The policy was reviewed by a new joint committee including three of our regional agencies (MTC, ABAG and the Air Quality Management District).

But regional agencies are only half of the equation. The other half is our cities. Each city has to step up and do its part.

Each city has to implement smart growth plans that put homes and jobs near transit.

For real regional planning, the whole region has to participate.

O'Hara is a regional issues organizer for Greenbelt Alliance. Contact her through www.greenbelt.org

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