Light Rail, Tempe Wins

We drove beside the light rail lines along Apache Blvd in Tempe today.

25 years ago, I used to live on Apache, near McClintock. While much of the street, particulary as you head east towards Mesa, still has its old “charm” (read: slum-like qualities) – run down motels, dive bars and trailer parks – there’s been a remarkable rennovation in places.

I was amazed that this included several mixed-use complexes, which have retail on the bottom and residential above. All of these are located near the light rail stations. One of them is part of the McClintock Park and Ride.

I’m glad to see that at least one city along the light rail has a clue what needs to be done near the stations.