Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Fighting for Transit-Oriented Development in Wisconsin

10:04 AM EDT on April 29, 2009

Today on the Streetsblog Network, we check in again with John Michlig, who writes the blog Sprawled Out from Franklin, Wisconsin.

Michlig has a blow-by-blow account of his often frustrating attempt to raise the issue of transit-oriented development at a meeting of the Economic Development Committee of his city:

2817590468_241ec6a0b3_m.jpgThe status quo in Franklin, Wisconsin. Photo by John Michlig.

My feeling -- if this hasn't been made clear already -- is that Franklin needs to embrace smart growth principles and prepare for upcoming transit improvements -- including rail in nearby Oak Creek --
in order to remain relevant economically and as a community.

In
a postindustrial society, people need not go where the "factory" is; they choose communities based on desires such as: good parks, walkable neighborhoods, access to transit, vibrant public spaces, etc. That's what modern opinion polls reveal.

Now that the federal government has made transit and smart growth high priorities, companies will look to locate in areas where these factors have been addressed; there will surely be tax breaks and other incentives to encourage use of transit for their workforce.

[When I raised the] notion of walkable neighborhoods, schools that can be walked to by kids who live mere blocks away, connected street systems, and the end of built-for-speed subdivision roads,  [t]here were sighs. Eyes rolled. Now, that's not to say that each and every member of the commission expressed annoyance. However, the ones who may have agreed kept quiet.

On my tape, I can hear a commission member audibly scoff and chuckle as I describe the fact that teens have to get vehicles of their own simply to get to work and school -- and teens are by far the most dangerous driving population.

Michlig's experience in the trenches of Franklin (which we've highlighted before) is a reminder of how much work needs to be done at the grassroots level to change American minds about the inevitability of an autocentric lifestyle. It's also a reminder of how many people are doing that work and making a difference. Michlig promises that part three of his account of the meeting, which is still to come, ends on a high note. We'll be watching.

Elsewhere around the network: If you haven't alrady seen the hugs ’n' helmets cop video from Denmark, you can find it at Carfree USA; Grieve-Smith on Transportation discusses the counterflow bus lanes in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and The City Fix reports on Zipcar's entry into municipal fleet management.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Thursday’s Headlines Are Inside Out

Cars and trucks are getting safer for drivers and passengers, but people outside the vehicles are increasingly in danger.

September 28, 2023

New Federal Committee Will Push for Transportation Equity By Helping DOT Reckon With Its Past

“No one alive today is necessarily responsible for the origins of the [transportation] inequities that we inherited. But everybody who was alive today and in a position of responsibility, is accountable for what we do about it. That's why we're here.” 

September 28, 2023

Report: America’s Historic Bike Boom is Flatlining

"This growth won't continue forever without being facilitated by more infrastructure investment, [and particularly] safety infrastructure."

September 28, 2023

Wednesday’s Headlines Ask How Much a Life Is Worth

There isn't much of a financial penalty for drivers who kill pedestrians — even if those drivers are cops.

September 27, 2023

‘I’m Not Grieving Alone’: New Play Explores a Father’s Journey After Losing Two Children to Traffic Violence

Colin Campbell and his wife Gail Lerner lost both their children in a car crash with impaired driver. A new play explores how to talk about similar tragedies.

September 27, 2023
See all posts