Description Scenario B shows how the region would develop if state and local governments followed their 1997 plans. Development would continue in a dispersed pattern, much like it has for the past 20 years, but would not be as widely dispersed as in Scenario A. New development would primarily take the form of single-family homes on larger, suburban lots (¼ acre and larger). Most development would focus on convenience for auto users and transportation investments would support auto use.


More Details Lot sizes and distance between homes would remain near their current averages. Most new housing provided would be single-family homes on large lots, providing many residents with opportunities for large yards and suburban living. There could be a few more rental opportunities than in Scenario A, but could still fall short of meeting current market demands. Many single family homes would likely be converted into rental properties to meet the extra demand. This scenario would consume a large amount of raw land, although not as much as Scenario A, limiting the land available for open space and agriculture. The available supply of land would be consumed quickly, possibly leading to increased land and housing costs. Infrastructure costs (transportation, water, sewer, and utilities) would also increase over the next 20 years, and would be the second highest of all scenarios. Transportation expenditures would be focused on upgrading the existing freeway system and extending surface streets into newly developed areas. Street and highway expenditures would be lower than in Scenario A, but speeds would be lower as well. Although this scenario does not add any rail transit beyond the Downtown-Sandy line currently under construction, it does envision some expansion and reconfiguration of bus service.