FasTracks Update: New Options, Survey in January
by Osman Parvez ---- Earlier this week, RTD released a bit of FasTracks news, updating the current status of the program. In August, RTD increased the price tag of FasTracks to $7.9 billion from its original, voter-approved, $4.7 billion cost. Throughout October, RTD held meetings in attempt to gauge public opinion on the state of FasTracks. The following five options were discussed, while assuming that the East Corridor, West Corridor, Gold Line, and US 36 BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Phase 1 would be constructed. OPTION 1 Build what can be afforded by 2017 - This would include the basic assumptions [...]
FasTracks, Worth $7.9 Billion?
by Osman Parvez ---- Over the entire Denver/Boulder metro area, there's been a lot of buzz about a certain public transit project. Last month, the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) completed its annual FasTracks evaluation and announced a new budget of $7.9 billion, a 68% increase from the original budget. The project has received quite a bit of press over the past few weeks. Starting at the FasTracks website, through editorials in the local papers, and speaking with dozens of people to gain their insights, here's my attempt to dissect the situation. First, I believe a brief review is [...]
FasTracks Station Sites
by Osman Parvez ---- The Boulder County Business Report has published an update on FasTracks planning with preferred station sites: From FasTracks identifies preferred station sites By David Clucas My comments in-line The Regional Transportation District has identified five "preferred" station sites in Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, Gunbarrel and Longmont as part of the environmental impact study for its proposed 41-mile FasTracks Northwest Corridor commuter rail line. Most of these sites were well known, though I noticed Niwot lost its station. I updated the Boulder Development Map accordingly. I also did not include the 2 unfunded "additional sites" in Broomfield and [...]
FasTracks Update
by Osman Parvez ---- It appears that a few federal transportation rules have changed, with the potential to add sizable costs to the FasTracks project. Meanwhile Boulder City Council is preparing to lobby for noise mitigation. From the Daily Camera: Some federal transportation rules have changed since voters in 2004 approved the $4.8 billion FasTracks initiative, said Chris Quinn, FasTracks Northwest Rail project manager. And those changes could cost real money by the time the rail line is complete in late 2014, he said. Also, be sure to check out where the proposed stations are in my development map. ---- [...]
Boulder Transit Village Update
by Osman Parvez ---- Beginning today, you can download the latest update to the Transit Village Area Plan. Check bouldertransitvillage.net. You can also get hard copies by calling (303) 441-3274. (note, as of this writing the plan has not been posted yet. Check back. It *is* scheduled to be posted today). Have questions on Transit Village? This coming Wednesday (May 30th), from 5-7pm the City is hosting an open house on Transit Village at the West Senior Center (909 Arapahoe Ave). It's a good opportunity to meet planners. The public comment period on the latest draft ends June 15th. If [...]
Real Estate Links for the Boulder Region
by Osman Parvez Vail Dollar Volume exceeds $2.0BN. While I was working on Nantucket, I thought $1.0BN was a high water mark! It's expected to exceed $1.3BN this year, and the wave of wealthy Baby Boomers seeking luxury second homes is expected to continue. Intelligent office space? File this under trends to watch. Factors driving the trend of living closer to downtown (re-urbanization): More workers are choosing flexible work, keeping offices at home, with easy telecommuting. Thus, the value of neighborhoods where you can walk to the grocery, park, playground, shopping, and cafes will continue to increase. The Realty Unique [...]
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Osman was a refreshingly honest realtor. He stressed through the entire process that his goal was to make me happy with my home purchase. I greatly appreciated the fact that he never shied away from pointing out the negatives as well as the pluses of different places while leaving the final decision up to me.
We can highly recommend Sophie. Her attention to detail and communication skills are great. Our home was in area that most realtors are not familiar with, but Sophie took extra time to get to know the neighborhood in order to give us quality service. She also brought in a professional photographer to make our home look its best. Even though the listing was in winter, the house sold quickly. With Sophie’s business and people skills, we have no doubt she will be a top realtor in the area.
