I recently had an opportunity to attend a meeting with several well respected “Urban Planning” experts in Tempe. The meeting’s main focus was centered on the Brickyard area of Tempe. We discussed design, function, location, future potentials etc and were introduced to a really cool program called Spaceshaper which can help developers get great feedback on their projects. I’ll write more about that in the future.
After the first part of the meeting, Rick Phillips of HNTB Corporation put on a presentation discussing our new light rail system that was VERY impressive. Part of the thought here is to bring awareness to major developers world wide to an area with very significant potential. Rick’s presentation was nearly 45 minutes of great discussion and included slides showing existing use, potential use and demographic information. The point was made that the Phoenix Light Rail system allows anyone living along the 20 mile route to have great access to all of the amenities along the entire route. Now, sporting activities, the arts, jobs as well as homes near light rail and many other cultural, fun and exciting new things become accessible like never before. Rick told me that he believes it is similar to having a “city within cities” where people can now have a lifestyle that is completely different than what we have known. I was thrilled and honored that Rick has found RailLife.com to be of interest to him. Thanks so much to Rick and to John Minett for allowing me to be a part of this presentation! I found it fun and very interesting to hear someone talking about “Life” along the light rail line. 
© 2009
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like some awesome discussions.
And it’s so true, it already is creating a new community… so exciting!
Yes, but why in that picture is there no little community color spot at 19th and Camelback…?
What do those colors mean?
It’s sounds cool. Want to hear about that more.