Transit Oriented Development Seminar Today

For anyone itching to get their New Urbanism on today, there's a free conference at the university at 6pm pertaining to the city's plans for TODs around town.

The press release:

"With commuter rail expected by the end of 2008, the community has a chance to learn now how it can affect the areas surrounding future rail stops and what opportunities exist for development in close proximity to rail.

The City of Austin and national planning consultant representatives will discuss Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and station area planning at 6 p.m. April 4 at the University of Texas Thompson Conference Center, Room 3.102.

City planners will present the upcoming process for visioning and planning areas near commuter rail stops and how the public will have input. Officials say the April 4 session is especially important for those who live or have businesses near future rail stops at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Plaza Saltillo and Lamar Boulevard, but all are welcome to come and learn about TOD.

Later meetings will focus on gathering public commentary and will involve the public in hands-on planning of specific station areas.

The Conference Center is at 2405 Robert Dedman Drive at the southwest corner of Dean Keaton and Red River streets. Bus routes to the Conference Center are Nos. 15, 20, 21 and 22.

Information is also available at the TOD Web site: www.cityofaustin.org/planning/tod