Frequently Asked Questions
[qa]What is Transit-Oriented Development?[/qa]
In late 2017, C-TRAN hired a private firm to help us study the possibility of new uses for the land around Fisher’s Landing Transit Center. The idea is to meet the needs of the community in a way that enhances transit ridership potential. Think housing, retail, offices or open spaces – or a mix of those – often in a compact design. That’s transit oriented development.
[qa]OK, so what does that look like for Fisher’s Landing Transit Center?[/qa]
That’s where you come in. We’ve been meeting with nearby businesses and other stakeholders, and we concluded an online survey earlier this year asking participants to weigh in on a series of development concepts and other questions. We also hosted a public open house meeting at Fisher’s Landing in February, with more to follow later this year.
[qa]Why is C-TRAN doing this?[/qa]
Fisher’s Landing Transit Center is one of C-TRAN’s busiest facilities, with hundreds of people coming and going every day. It sits on about 20 acres near the junction of State Route 14 and Interstate 205. Some of that land is unused, making it a good candidate for the possibility of new development. We see it as an opportunity to potentially boost ridership, and generate revenue we can reinvest to make our system better.
[qa]Um, aren’t you a transit agency? Shouldn’t you leave development to the professionals?[/qa]
C-TRAN owns the property, but we’re not doing this alone. We’re working closely with Ankrom Moisan Architects, Inc., a Portland-based firm with extensive experience in a wide range of projects, including transit-oriented development. And remember, this is a feasibility study. We’re still a long way from any final decision on new development on the property.
[qa]What about traffic?[/qa]
Part of the feasibility study is determining what’s practical and economically viable for Fisher’s Landing. That will take several factors into account, including the potential for traffic congestion. In other words, any development on the property will only move forward if we feel it makes sense for the community, and for our riders. We’re committed to serving the needs of our customers no matter what.
[qa]I missed the survey and the open house. How can I weigh in?[/qa]
C-TRAN will continue public outreach in the coming months. That will include additional open house meetings and other opportunities to comment.
[qa]When is this all happening?[/qa]
The feasibility study is expected to be complete later this year. After that, the C-TRAN Board of Directors will decide how – or if – to move forward with transit-oriented development.
