Huntsville planning department hosting kickoff for University Dr. development, transit study – WAFF

City of Huntsville Launches University-Medical TOD Planning Study

Overview of the Initiative

The City of Huntsville’s Planning Department has initiated a public engagement process to gather input on a comprehensive study focused on integrating public transportation with urban development along University Drive. This effort aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development.

Focus Areas and Objectives

The University-Medical Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Study targets three primary clusters along University Drive:

1. Northwoods
2. University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
3. MidCity

These clusters have been identified due to their potential to support residential development that meets the needs of essential workers, students, and families, thereby advancing SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through affordable and accessible housing options.

Study Components

• Assessment of affordable housing policies tailored to diverse community needs.
• Conceptual design of station areas to enhance first/last mile connectivity.
• Visualization of how TOD can be effectively integrated along the corridor and linked to adjacent neighborhoods.

These components contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by fostering sustainable infrastructure and innovation in urban planning.

Public Engagement Event

The kickoff event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, at 5:30 p.m. It will be held at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Charger Union Theater, located at 4705 Holmes Avenue. This event provides an opportunity for community members to participate actively in shaping the future of their city, supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through inclusive decision-making processes.

Post-Presentation Gathering

Following the formal presentation, attendees are invited to a casual gathering at The Camp in the MidCity District, fostering community interaction and collaboration.

Additional Resources

For ongoing updates and information, the public can subscribe to WAFF 48’s YouTube channel to access the latest news, sports, and weather coverage related to the study and other community initiatives.

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses urban planning and development along University Drive in Huntsville, focusing on transit-oriented development (TOD), which aligns with SDG 11’s aim to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The integration of public transportation and development clusters involves infrastructure development and innovation in urban transit systems.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The focus on affordable housing policies for essential workers, students, and families relates to reducing poverty and ensuring access to adequate housing.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By improving transportation and housing near medical and university clusters, the study supports access to health services and well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and property.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 11.2 (SDG 11)
   • Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, implied by the study’s focus on first/last mile connections and station area designs.
2. Indicator for Target 11.1 (SDG 11)
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing, implied by the study’s examination of affordable housing policies.
3. Indicator for Target 9.1 (SDG 9)
   • Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road, extended here to urban infrastructure accessibility and quality of transport infrastructure.
4. Indicator for Target 1.4 (SDG 1)
   • Proportion of population living in households with access to basic services, implied by affordable housing and access to transport for essential workers and families.
5. Indicator for Target 3.8 (SDG 3)
   • Coverage of essential health services, implied by the focus on clusters including medical facilities and improved transport access.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: waff.com