M Station, Morristown, NJ (left); Salt Lake City redevelopment (top right); Kinshasa Urban Train network (bottom right)
Article of the Week
Awash in Asphalt, Cities Rethink Their Parking Needs
Jane Margolies, The New York Times, Mar 7 2023
Two billion spaces—seven for every car and as much as 14 percent of land area in some locations—have some US cities rethinking off-street parking requirements. These cities see the elimination of parking minimums as one way to alleviate the housing crisis, reduce car dependence, and make downtowns more pedestrian-friendly. Both progressives and developers welcome the change, which supports the use of more varied forms of transportation.
NJ TOD News
MORRISTOWN—New Tenant Joins M Station in Morristown, Bringing 1,900 Employees
Vianella Burns, Patch, Mar 8 2023
Sanofi, the French healthcare company, will bring its nearly 2,000 employees to Morristown as part of a facility relocation, making the town, which offers a variety of amenities, one of the area’s most transit-oriented office markets. This corporate relocation to the M Station building will return major financial contributions to the town. M Station will generate more than $1 million annually for Morristown and minimum payments will rise over a 30-year period.
HACKENSACK—Waypoint Residential Opens Greystar-Run Property
Jeffrey Steele, Multi-Housing News, Mar 2 2023
Waypoint Residential has recently completed work on the Walcott Hackensack, a six-story Class A multifamily property located less than a half-mile from the NJ TRANSIT Anderson Street Station and less than a mile from the Hackensack Bus Terminal. The project comprises 225 residences including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and lofts. Greystar will manage the property which is located on Hackensack’s Main Street and close to anchor institutions, dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Transit and Equity News
LOUISIANA—UNO Transportation Institute Awarded $13.5M for Research
Staff Writer, Biz New Orleans, Mar 8 2023
The University of New Orleans (UNO) Transportation Institute has received a $13 million federal grant for research and education initiatives to improve transit-oriented community resilience, equity, and accessibility. The grant will also support UNO’s Master of Science in Transportation degree program.
TEXAS—VIA Transit Looking to Develop Apartments, Retail Space at Centro Plaza on West Side
Camelia Juarez, KSAT.com, Mar 5 2023
VIA Metropolitan Transit and developer Dream On have partnered to develop San Antonio’s first transit-oriented community near Centro VIA Plaza. The project will feature affordable and market rate apartments, office space, and retail. The transit hub provides access to three popular bus routes that connect downtown and the Medical Center.
NEW YORK—Buffalo Eager for Designated Developers by Year-End for LaSalle Metro Station, Broadway Barns
Jonathan D. Epstein, Buffalo News, Mar 2 2023
The City of Buffalo hopes to select developers for two projects by the end of 2023. Plans for the area near the LaSalle Metro Rail Station call for transit-oriented, affordable housing and retail on seven acres of land in the city’s University Heights neighborhood. The city has received responses to its request for proposals from 10 qualified teams.
Regional and National TOD News
Failing to Plan for Climate Change Is Planning to Fail
Governor Jay Inslee, Medium, Mar 6, 2023
Gov. Jay Inslee has requested legislation this session to improve Washington’s response to climate change by updating the state’s 1990 Growth Management Act (GMA). The legislation requires local governments to plan for reduced emissions, increased housing capacity, reduced pollution in overburdened communities, and extreme weather events and calls for planning for growth in coordination with state and local transportation agencies.
NEW YORK—Yes in Our Backyard: New Yorkers Widely Support Parking Reform, Density Near Transit
Julianne Cuba, StreetsBlog, Mar 2 2023
A new poll revealed that a strong majority of NYC voters favor eliminating parking requirements and encouraging density near transit stops, policies designed to lower the cost of rent and promote safer streets. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams back such changes, but legislation in support of these efforts remains stuck in committee.
UTAH—‘A Big Deal’: How a Blighted Salt Lake City Lot Will Become 200 Affordable Housing Units
Carter Williams, KSL Salt Lake City, Feb 28 2023
Salt Lake City leaders have broken ground on the Spark, a mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented development near 1500 West. The project, funded by public and private sources, will create 200 affordable housing units and offer amenities such as retail, childcare, and recreational spaces. The project is part of a major area transformation, further spurred by the redevelopment of the nearby Rocky Mountain Power Headquarters.
International TOD News
CONGO—AFC and TCC to Jointly Develop 300km Kinshasa Network
David Burroughs, IRJ, Mar 6 2023
The African Finance Corporation (AFC) and Trans Connexion Congo will jointly develop the Kinshasa Urban Train. The service comprises a 300km (about 186 mile) mass transit system designed to reduce journey times and greenhouse gas emissions while creating 1,500 jobs. AFC will invest $3 million and act as Mandated Lead Arranger.
SENEGAL—EIB, AFD and KfW Finance 380 Natural Gas Buses in Dakar
Benoit-Ivan Wansi, Afrik 21, Mar 3 2023
The European Union will invest €320.4 million to develop an ecological and inclusive transport system in Senegal. The support will place 380 natural gas and 121 electric buses on the roads and install recharging stations, ensuring cleaner air and aiding the country in meeting its Paris Agreement commitments.
CANADA—Mississauga City Council Approves Plan to Boost Housing Supply By Building ‘Up, Not Out’
Staff Writer, CBC News, Mar 1 2023
Mississauga city council has approved a plan to increase the supply of housing, improve affordability, and streamline development approvals with a focus on transit-oriented development. The plan calls for reducing exclusionary zoning, creating housing opportunities in employment areas, and updating zoning policies for Major Transit Station Areas.