In an effort to reduce sprawl, pollution, traffic congestion, and energy consumption, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority commission says two-thirds of all residential and New York City-area commercial development between now and 2030 should be located within walking distance of a train or bus station. MTA service extends into the Hudson Valley via its Metro-North Railroad system, and according to an article in the Daily Freeman in Kingston, the MTA already has collaborated with municipal officials and private developers in Hudson Valley cities to advance developments near the train stations in Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Yonkers, Irvington, Tarrytown, and other locations.
Long term plans for extended commuter service west of the Hudson River envision connecting Stewart International Airport and other Hudson Valley locations, and the commission's recommendations would promote the clustering of homes and businesses so that walking and bicycling could be the primary mode of traveling short distances, and using mass transit that serves the communities for longer trips.
Ned Sullivan, president of the Poughkeepsie-based environmental group Scenic Hudson, served as a commissioner and chairman of the Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Working Group of the commission.
Read the full story at: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/01/10/news/doc49682ca5e6528573080255.txt
