Proposed transit plaza for the Bayfront in Jersey City, NJ. Source: A. Nelessen Associates, Inc.
NJ TOD News
Perkins Eastman Tapped for 100-Acre Mega Development in Jersey City
Jonathan Hilburg, The Architect’s Newspaper, January 14, 2019
The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) has selected Perkins Eastman to design a new residential complex to be located in the proposed Bayfront community on the Jersey City waterfront. A master plan for the site has been developed by Anton Nelessen Associates, and JCRA will issue RFPs in March 2019 that will reflect the vision of the master plan.
Somerville Luxury Apartments Open Alongside NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line
TapInto Somerville Staff, TapInto.net, January 15, 2019
Sterling Properties is ready to lease units in the SOMA apartment complex in Somerville, adjacent to the future transit village at Somerville Station on the Raritan Valley Line. The complex lies on the site of the former Richards Fuel Oil company and adds to the amenities available in Downtown Somerville, which won a NJ Future Smart Growth Award last year.
Controversy Continues as Montclair’s Lackawanna Hearing Winds Down
Julia Martin, North Jersey Record, January 15, 2019
Montclair residents attended a planning board meeting on January 14th to comment on Pinnacle Properties’ application to redevelop Lackawanna Plaza. Many voiced concerns about preservation of the historic Lackawanna Terminal, safe pedestrian access, and parking availability. Other potential plans for the property were presented during the meeting. The planning board is scheduled to vote on the developer’s proposal in a few weeks, after public comment and final summations.
Governor Murphy Announces New Vision for State’s Tax Incentive Programs
Press Release, Insider NJ, January 16, 2019
Governor Phil Murphy has proposed five new tax incentive programs to replace those soon to expire, in order to “target and closely monitor [them] as a broader strategy [for] investments.” NJ Forward will replace the Grow NJ program, providing incentives to companies creating jobs in Opportunity Zones or high growth industries. NJ Aspire will replace the Economic and Redevelopment Growth (ERG) program to support real estate development.
Choose New Jersey to Move HQ to One Gateway Center in Newark
Anjalee Khemlani, ROI New Jersey, January 16, 2019
Choose New Jersey is relocating its headquarters from Princeton to Newark’s One Gateway Center, following the Economic Development Authority’s expansion into the same building. Both moves fall under the state’s plan for a broader economic development strategy, making it easier to coordinate tax incentive services to private companies. The governor will also have a satellite office in One Gateway Center to provide a contract signing room for any companies that commit resources to New Jersey.
Plainfield: Ambitious Redevelopment Plan Bringing New Apartments, Businesses, and Growth
Bob Makin, Bridgewater Courier News, January 18, 2019
Plainfield, a NJ Transit Village since 2014, is looking to become the hub for Union County’s medical industry and the performing arts, while also encouraging young professionals and families to live in the city. Muhlenberg Hospital has undergone redevelopment into medical office and residential spaces, and millions of dollars have been invested in additional TOD housing stock. Future plans include a pedestrian plaza around the train station and centering the new downtown around North Avenue.
Verdict Puts Bloomfield on Track for Lackawanna Train Station Renovation
Owen Proctor, North Jersey Record, January 18, 2019
A jury has declared that Bloomfield Township must pay $1.6 million in its eminent domain seizure of the Lackawanna train station property it is seeking to redevelop. The station’s interior has been closed for six years during the legal fight, although its platforms still service many NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton line passengers. With the sale price set, the township is now free to redevelop the station to complement the new housing and businesses in the downtown area.
Regional and National TOD News
Google Effect: Search Giant Spurs Downtown San Jose Boom
George Avalos, The Mercury News, January 13, 2019
Since Google announced its transit village in San Jose, proposals for new hotels, housing, retail, and office space have dramatically increased. San Jose’s mayor attributes the new development plans to not only Google but also the city’s decades-worth of policies designed to incentivize development and improve transit. Some business owners and community groups are concerned with real estate speculation and rising property values. One group, Silicon Valley Rising, is pushing for Google to assure that their transit village brings benefits to low- and middle-income residents of San Jose.
Transit-Oriented Developments Could Reshape Baltimore’s Commuting Landscape, But Hurdles Remain
Meredith Cohn, The Baltimore Sun, January 14, 2019
The City of Baltimore is working towards creating TOD zones around its Metro subway line, but faces obstacles, particularly decreasing ridership. David S. Brown Enterprises is creating a TOD adjacent to the Owings Mill Station, on a direct route to Johns Hopkins Hospital, and has plans to start work in other areas of Baltimore County. However, studies have shown that most segments of Baltimore City and County do not have access to good transit, creating obstacles to facilitate TOD work in the area.
Atlanta Transit CEO Calls for $100B ‘Moonshot’ Investment
Katie Pyzyk, SmartCitiesDive, January 14, 2019
Atlanta is expected to grow 50 percent in the next 30 years, and MARTA’s General Manager Jeffrey Parker is calling for a $100 billion investment in transit improvements in anticipation. Many of the funds would be put towards expanding the transit network outside of the city center into the entire metropolitan area by installing, for example, a BRT system. Parker also wants to put funds towards TOD efforts that are already underway thanks to a $15 million TOD fund from Invest Atlanta.
Redesign of RTA’s MetroHealth Line to Bring Changes around W. 25th St., Impacting Drivers and Riders
Kevin Barry, News 5 Cleveland, January 15, 2019
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in Ohio has received a $336,000 FTA grant to redesign parts of the MetroHealth bus line, especially along West 25th Street, the second highest ridership line in Cleveland. The improvements will include dedicated bus lanes during peak hours, station improvements, and streetscaping. RTA operates the HealthLine, Cleveland’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
Mayor Tackles Homelessness, Political Division and Airport Transit in State of City Address
Alexander Nguyen, Times of San Diego, January 15, 2019
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer gave his State of the City address on January 15th. He discussed his plans to create transit-priority areas that eliminate requirements for building heights, parking, and allow unlimited housing density with affordable and homeless housing units. Additionally, he stated his support for a transit hub connecting the city’s transit options to the airport.
International TOD News
Transit-Oriented Plan for Kempas
NST Property, New Straits Times, January 17, 2019
The Railway Assets Corporation has selected nine of its owned parcels as candidates for transit-oriented and transit-supportive development. The Kempas, Malaysia parcel is 50.59 hectares and the RAC would like to eventually develop it into an entire township. Kempas lies on a bus line between Johor Bahru, across the strait from Singapore, and the town of Senai.