Current situation
According to a Nov. 7 news release, the funding will allow the transit authority to create a comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development Plan, or TOD. According to the United States Department of Transportation, transit-oriented development builds dense, walkable and mixed-use spaces close to public transportation routes and stops.
The Gulton TOD plan will focus on enhancing mobility, housing and community development in the area, as well as explore green infrastructure solutions to address urban heat and flooding, per the release.
The FTA grant is expected to fund the entire planning process, including:
- Extensive community engagement
- Detailed station area analysis
- Creation of an overall strategy
About the project
According to METRO, a bus rapid transit, or BRT, is a mode of transportation that looks like a bus but runs like a rail. It provides faster connections and operates in a dedicated transit-only lane.
The Gulfton BRT line is intended to travel from the West Park/Lower Uptown Transit Center along Westpark and head west before turning south at Chimney Rock.
Taking a step back
Revitalization efforts for Gulfton have been in the works for several years.
- In 2022, a community master plan was designed to enhance environmental and climate resilience in the area as well as provide more parks and trees.
- In 2023, the area became one of 45 communities across the U.S. that was chosen to participate in a federal pilot program to bolster transportation connections.
- In 2024, Precinct 4 received a $11.3 million grant to make major improvements to Burnett Bayland Park.