Blueprint Denver: An Integrated Land Use and Transportation Plan
, adopted in 2002 as a supplement to the Denver Comprehensive Plan 2000,
has three major themes that are briefly described below:
- Areas of Change and Areas of Stability. Direct growth to Areas of Change while preserving the character of Areas of Stability. Areas of Stability include the vast majority of
Denver
and are primarily the fairly stable residential neighborhoods where no significant changes in land use are expected over the next twenty years. The goal is to maintain the character of these areas and accommodate some new development and redevelopment that maintains the vitality of the area. The majority of new development will be directed to Areas of Change; areas that will benefit from, and thrive on, an infusion of population, economic activity and investment. These areas include the new growth areas of Lowry, Stapleton, the Gateway area, downtown, around transit stations, and along major street and/or transportation corridors.
- Multi-Modal Streets. Improving the function of streets is vital and must be viewed as a means to move people; not just cars. Multi-modal streets are defined as streets that can comfortably ccommodate multiple modes of transportation, including public transportation, pedestrians, and bicycles as well as private vehicles. Multi-modal streets accommodate more trips by more people in the same amount of space by improving transit and providing better pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Multi-modal streets consider all types of transportation to be equally important, helping mixed-use development become successful as well as reducing traffic congestion.
- Mixed-Use Development. Mixed-Use Development refers to urban places where residential, retail and commercial uses are intertwined, including downtown, corridors such as along main streets, transit-oriented development around rapid transit stations, town centers, and other urban centers. Returning to communities where people can walk or take transit for their daily errands, or drive with shorter and less frequent car trips will provide more choices for
Denver
residents, employers, and visitors.
