New Cabe Commissioners
The New Cabe Commissioners were the planning authority charged with overseeing the redevelopment of the Cabe neighborhood, a large, fractured industrial and warehouse zone. Their mandate was to transform this obsolete area into a cohesive, transit-oriented mixed-use neighborhood. The commission's work is defined by a balance of density, fine-grained streetscapes, and ecological restoration.
Mandate and Framework
The commission operated under a comprehensive master plan that divided the site into functional districts. The overall approach was rooted in transit-oriented development: the highest densities were concentrated along the transit corridor and the proposed pedestrian greenway, while the edges of the site transitioned to a more human scale. The master plan also mandated a high percentage of affordable housing and a diverse mix of residential, retail, and office uses.
The Cabe Masterplan
The commission's planning is best expressed through several key policy decisions:
- Transit-Oriented Density: The plan places the greatest residential and commercial density along the transit corridor and the greenway. This maximizes ridership and creates a vibrant, walkable urban core.
- Fine-Grained Streetscapes: The master plan rejects monolithic blocks in favor of shorter buildings and narrower streets. This creates a more human-scale environment and encourages pedestrian activity.
- Mixed-Use Diversity: The plan requires a mix of housing types and uses throughout the site. This creates a lively 24-hour neighborhood rather than a bedroom community.
- Ecological Restoration: The commission oversaw the restoration of the Cabe riverfront, creating a new riparian buffer and public parks. This integrated the neighborhood into the regional ecological network.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
The commission also oversaw the development of the neighborhood's infrastructure, including the pedestrian greenway and the transit-oriented street network. The greenway serves as a major pedestrian and bicycle artery, connecting the neighborhood to the regional trail system. The street network is designed to be walkable and safe, with a focus on traffic calming and a high percentage of sidewalks.
Legacy
The work of the New Cabe Commissioners has left a lasting legacy on the Cabe neighborhood. The master plan continues to guide development and ensures that the neighborhood remains a cohesive and vibrant place. The commission's commitment to density, diversity, and ecological restoration has created a neighborhood that is both a good place to live and a valuable regional asset.