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less auto-oriented growth. The opportunities to shape growth with commuter rail <br />projects are generally limited to the area at and within the travelshed of the commuter rail <br />stations. <br /> <br />The Twin Cities metropolitan area and most of the state is committed to the concept of <br />"smart growth." Under this concept, communities attempt to maximize the return on <br />their investment in infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for their residents. Two <br />of the key elements in "smart growth" are the encouragement of developments with <br />densities higher than typically associated with communities of a particular type and <br />location, and support of the types of development which support higher levels of transit <br />use than currently occur. <br /> <br />Achievement of these goals requires a carefully crafted set of planning guidelines and <br />development standards for the commuter rail stations and supporting facilities and for <br />the area within the travelshed. The guidelines and standards presented here are drawn <br />from a number of sources. Where the standards and guidelines are consistently <br />suggested by a number of sources, they are recommended for adoption here. If there is <br />inconsistency, a rationale is presented for adoption of a specific guideline. In all cases, <br />local conditions and situations are considered in development of a recommendation. <br /> <br />With respect to the design of the station and supporting features on the station site, <br />recommendations can be summarized as follows: <br /> <br />· All facilities will be designed to accommodate forecast year peak period volumes <br /> at a reasonable level of service. <br /> <br />All facilities will be designed, at a minimum, to meet the requirements of the <br />Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); an effort will be made to provide a higher <br />level of service than required by ADA. <br /> <br />The platform will include a cover and windscreen, lighting, benches, fare vending <br />equipment or services, trash receptacles and current information regarding transit <br />services offered at the station. <br /> <br />Commuter Rail System Plan 4-3 <br /> <br /> <br />