In the past decade or so Downtown Phoenix has experienced an incredible amount of growth and development. Ranked as one of the fastest growing economies Phoenix is projected to grow to 2.2 million by the year 2020 with the entire metropolitan area projected to reach 6.3 million. With this said Phoenix has vested time and efforts in keeping up with the city's transportation demand. Such efforts includes light rail routes, expanded bus service, street repavement and transit infrastructure improvements (azcentral). Changes to transportation also includes the conversion of one ways to two ways. This has been the topic of conversation in my neighborhood. Other cities have found turning one ways into two ways to be an affordable way to renew downtowns"such conversions reduce car speeds and encourage greater pedestrian and bike mode-share"(planetizen). In a Louisville Kentucky neighborhood a conversion to a two way has shown to improve "the livability of a neighborhood by significantly reducing crime and collisions and by increasing property values, business revenue, taxes, and bike and pedestrian traffic" (planetizen). Although the change to two ways has yielded positive results for some neighborhoods I'm not sure it would for mine. These neighborhoods were in need of rejuvenation while my neighborhood is already in healthy standing. In my opinion the implementation of the two way will likely cause for a more congested road running through my neighborhood. Any thoughts?
http://www.azfamily.com/story/30331727/proposed-plan-to-make-phoenix-one-way-streets-2-way-not-sitting-well-with-all
http://www.planetizen.com/node/69354
https://www.phoenix.gov/streetssite/Pages/3rd5thavewestroosevelt.aspx
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2015/08/25/phoenix-elections-transit-results-prop104/32283455/
I never would have made the connection between two way streets and increased property values and then therefore reduced crime. I am interested in reading more about the studies behind this correlation. You bring up an interesting point: how would this transition affect already well-to-do neighborhoods? Unfortunately I do not have the slightest idea at the moment. Certainly food for thought.
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