The cities are in various stages of planning. See more of our top stories on Facebook > Metro’s first rail line, the L.A.-to-Long Beach Blue Line, has struggled to attract commercial and housing development to some of its stations.īut Gold Line backers believe they can succeed. “We’re finally connected in a way we haven’t been for 60 years, and this is a huge opportunity for all these cities … to build city centers around these stations,” Balian said.īalian and city officials said their goal is to surround the stations with new housing, dining and shopping and create walkable, sustainable communities that eliminate the need for cars and encourage use of the rail.Īdding rail lines does not always ensure more growth. Habib Balian, chief executive of the Metro Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, said the extension will be a “game changer” for development in the San Gabriel Valley. Officials say they know the transformation won’t happen overnight, but they’re encouraged by the surge in interest from developers that’s been triggered by the rail’s inception.
Most of the cities along the route began preparing at least five years ago, adjusting zoning requirements and writing up master plans.
The 11.5-mile Foothill Gold Line extension, which consists of six stops through the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa, began service Saturday.
0 kommentar(er)
