Comments on Rail~Volution shows the way to a greater region - Greater Greater Washington

Comment by mch

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:45:59 EDT

"Pastor had a warning for government officials and planners: the only way members of Generation Y will stay in walkable communities after they have children is if they also have access to good schools."

This is very wise & should not be underestimated. After living in Capitol Hill for a long time (where there are some really good schools), I am tired of seeing young parents flee DC when their kids are in the 1st grade.

These are the same people who were the young, hip, urban professionals just a few years ago. Sigh.

Comment by charlie

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:55:54 EDT

@bossi; yep.

Oboe has pointed out in the past the disconnect between what people "want" (small, pretty little town with no crime) and what people actually get.

What I read here is mostly the past the success is brining young people who don't mind riding transit into your communities. Hopefully enogh of them don't have children - or only have one kid -- that the school costs for the future our outweighed by the tax revenue they bring.

Of course, in this economic climate, I think "under 30" unemployment/underunderemployment is going to trump transit use. Evenually you will go to were the jobs are -- Tysons, Belvoir or Ft. Meade -- for instance.

The biggest attraction of walkable communities is being able to walk home after a few drinks. I wonder how much of Washington happy hour culture is driven by the availablity of metro-rail.

Comment by Bossi

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:43:27 EDT

Because it wouldn't be the internet if I didn't dispute something: I don't quite agree with saying that "compact" and "walkable" are identical. One of the neighborhoods I grew up in is almost exactly like Chevy Chase- large homes, spread out, good bus service, and very walkable- including a grocery store & some local spots. Only major difference being that my neighborhood also had two SEPTA stations... yet still definitely not compact.

So ultimately: I'd say people hear "compact" and think of something like DTSS, Bethesda, or Arlington's mini-cities. They hear "walkable" and think of a small town with a grocery store, nearby school, and a few more cafes & parks.