The aim is to increase mass-transit use by locating a substantial number of people near transportation hubs. Usually that means 40 to 45 people per acre. The areas ripe for transit-oriented development are generally considered to be within a quarter mile radius around a transit station. Leland said both public and private entities are responsible for these developments and should begin planning now. City of Seattle project manager Stephen Antupit agreed.
Some cities already have experience coordinating transportation and development.
Bellevue Planning Director Dan Stroh gave several examples of how Bellevue has put transit-oriented development to work. The new Galleria building and Meydenbauer Place are strategically located near the Bellevue Transit Center. Lincoln Square, the future Bellevue Art Museum and the Bellevue Square corner building also represent projects oriented toward nearby transit, he said. Gary Reddick of Sienna Architects in Portland was on hand to share how that city tailored development to transit stations. The key to developing Portland, especially its inner-city areas, is building tall, he said.