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Denver light rail is hit and miss

In some suburbs, such as Littleton, the light rail has revived retail and increased sales-tax revenue by 70%. However, places like Aurora have experienced little to no change since the arrival of light rail.

October 10, 2012
1 min to read


DENVER — Transit-oriented development, — which is typically a mix of retail with residential and commercial properties within a quarter-mile of a bus or train stop, has been hit or miss in the suburbs, with some stations becoming “park-and-rides” while others cultivate a “sleep here, play here, work here" mentality, according to the Denver Post.

Before light rail, Littleton’s downtown had high vacancy rates and few retail shops. Since the arrival of the light rail, the sales-tax revenue from downtown Littleton increased by almost 70%. For some suburbs, such as Aurora, the light rail system has brought little or no changes. To read the full story, click here.

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