DART

CARROLLTON — Change is coming to Carrollton on the tracks.

The old Union Pacific line is now owned by DART, and soon light rail will share the corridor with old-fashioned freight.

Some downtown merchants can't wait, other residents can.

"With all the exposure and DART coming in, it's just going to bring the world to us, it really will," said Susan Myers from the Old Downtown Carrollton Association.

"I have concerns that as soon as DART comes in, the developers are just going to want to take over this area, and price it out of range for the Mom and Pop stores," said resident Larry Bartholf.

The vision is an elevated DART station, near old town, an extension of the green line, ready for commuters in 2010.

City planners have a vision that's actually bigger than DART. They hope this city become a real crossroad in transit that transforms the economy and the culture."

Here's why - Carrollton already has multiple rails.

The Cotton Belt and Burlington northern run east and west, the U-P runs north and south, now accommodating DART, as well.

A transit convergence like none other in North Texas.

To spur transit-oriented development, the city has been buying land, re-zoning and offering investors big tax breaks - $80 million over the next 25 years.

This could be a windfall in customers and cash for retailers and restaurateurs.

"In other cities, other suburbs, it seems to be working pretty well. So I think it would open up another value-add to the city," said Carrollton worker, Jim Phillips.

If Carrollton is to become a real Texas transit hub, the make-over may have already begun with DART on its way.

"The city is really excited about DART coming because we believe it'll be the catalyst for our redevelopment," said Transit Development Manager Peter Braster.