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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Transit Authority is using its recently granted authority to spur development around train stations to increase ridership.
The agency is proposing a large residential and retail hub in West Jordan and a community college expansion near apartments in South Salt Lake.
The idea is to move people closer to the stations so they might use public transportation more often.
The Legislature this year authorized UTA to participate in the development projects by offering public lands around up to five stations for partnerships with private developers.
UTA Board Chairman Greg Hughes says the projects are investments that will pay for themselves and earn money.
"We are not going below market to incentivize ridership," he said. "We are finding smart partnerships."
The West Jordan project involves 36 acres of vacant UTA property valued at $6.5 million.
It envisions 1,400 residential units with retail stores, offices and 849 parking garage stalls around the 3500 West, 9000 South station in West Jordan, along the Mid-Jordan TRAX line currently under construction. The other project calls for 88 apartments and a Salt Lake Community College office and classroom building at the existing Meadowbrook Station at 3900 South in South Salt Lake.
Construction for parking at the West Jordan site will start this fall, and building construction will start in the spring, said Kathy Olson, UTA's transit-oriented development officer. Construction at Meadowbrook will begin in the spring. The college expects to move into its leased building by the fall 2011 semester.
The Meadowbrook site, which already has a surface parking lot and bus loop, will also get a new parking terrace paid for with a $400,000 federal grant.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
