It wasn’t long ago that the Valley of the Heart’s Delight was transformed from agriculture to the suburban Silicon Valley. The car was central to how Silicon Valley grew and was a big factor in the resulting job/housing imbalance that most residents have to deal with on a daily basis. If the transition from agriculture to city had occurred 100 years prior, when the horse or feet were the main modes of travel, the built-environment would have probably been characterized by a larger, denser urban core, similar to East Coast or European cities.
Once again, we are on the cusp of major changes in Santa Clara County thanks to the Internet, connected transportation and the resulting shift to more of a sharing economy (e.g. Uber). By 2040, these factors will change the way the next generation lives, so it is critical that planners and policy makers create a “built” environment that reflects where things will be, not where they are today. Otherwise, this area risks being left behind compared to those areas willing to embrace change.
This web site looks at the transportation transformation, other premises that will impact our area, our local assets and, finally, presents multiple ideas for planners, policy makers and fellow citizens to consider as they shape the 2040 vision for the Winchester Urban Corridor. Now is the opportunity for this community to dream big about the future and be bold in laying the foundation for an urban village that our kids and grand kids can afford and where they will want to live.
In the meantime, let’s peer into the future…
The Year 2040 – Hamann Park Neighborhood in Silicon Valley
It’s 8:07 am and my next door neighbor, cheapskate Charlie, has been waiting outside his door for a few minutes for his ride, which is guaranteed to be at his house within a 10 minute window. He looks at his garage and is reminded that he will soon be renting it as storage space to his neighbor, Rich.
Click here to read the rest of the story about what transportation might be like in the year 2040.
The Winchester Urban Village 