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600451-00048-1 Report Abstract

Proposing Transportation Designs and Concepts to Make Houston METRO’s Southeast Line at the Palm Center Area more Walkable, Bikeable, and Livable

Khosro Godazi, Latissha Clark, and Vincent Hassell, December 2015

Over the years, the Palm Center (PC) in Houston, Texas, has been the beneficiary of several economic development endeavors designed to ignite economic and community growth and revitalization. While these endeavors brought forth initial success, they have failed to transform the PC into a lasting model of economic growth and prosperity and to inspire community pride and engagement. The development of METRO’s Southeast Line light rail station at the Palm Center Transit Center presents the prime opportunity for meeting the needs of the community by implementing design concepts and principles that provide social, environmental, and economic benefits to those living within close proximity of the transit station.

The objective of this study is to explore community partnerships and initiatives, Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and livable center concepts and principles, features from previously successful TODs, and lessons learned from past development initiatives designed to foster revitalization. The information gathered will be synthesized and presented as recommendations to help ensure the PC area reaches its full social, environmental and economic potential. The outcome of this project will provide communities, local government and transportation planning agencies with innovative ideas and planning strategies that will place the PC area on the path to sustainable growth and prosperity.

Keywords: Transit Oriented Development, TOD, Redevelopment around Transit, Revitalization

ENTIRE REPORT (Adobe Acrobat File – 1.2 MB)