CA introduces transit density bill (left); Hoboken to replace parking garage with TOD; NY funds affordable homes; Denver NWSL team plans TOD stadium; Redevelopment in Vancouver (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
CALIFORNIA—Wiener Introduces Legislation to Increase Housing Density Near Transit
Damien Newton, Streetsblog Cal | March 17, 2025
California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB 79, which would upzone near major transit stops throughout the state if voted into law. The bill would also speed up the permitting process for projects near major transit stops. Wiener had previously proposed a similar bill that failed in the Senate, which he attributes to its application to every transit stop instead of just major transit.
NJ TOD News
HOBOKEN—Victory for Affordability? Hoboken’s Garage B Redevelopment Plan Is Adopted
Alex Connell, TAPinto Hoboken | March 20, 2025
The Hoboken City Council adopted the Garage B Redevelopment Plan to replace a municipal parking garage with a 25-story mixed-use building featuring affordable housing and ground floor-retail. The site is located on Second Street between Hudson and River streets, a short walk from the Hoboken Terminal, served by NJ TRANSIT, PATH, and Metro-North.
MAHWAH—Boiling Over: Inside a Developer’s Seven-Year Saga in Mahwah – And the Legal Fight That’s Now Underway
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | March 20, 2025
A developer is suing Mahwah over its designation of a redevelopment site as blighted, arguing that legal hurdles and seven years of delays have stalled plans for a mixed-use project near the Mahwah Station. The project aims to help meet the town’s affordable housing obligations.
HACKENSACK—One of Downtown Hackensack’s Largest Undeveloped Sites Moves Closer to Redevelopment
Mario Marroquin, Jersey Digs | March 18, 2025
The Hackensack Planning Board approved plans for a 250-unit mixed-use building with 16,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in January. Located near the Essex Street NJ TRANSIT Station and Hackensack Bus Terminal, the project is set to break ground next year.
WOOD-RIDGE—Rosera Wesmont Completes Construction in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey
Max Gillespie, New York YIMBY | March 18, 2025
JCMLiving has completed Rosera Wesmont, a four-story, 295-unit residential complex in Wood-Ridge. Located within a half mile of NJ TRANSIT’s Wesmont Station, the project is part of a larger mixed-use development featuring 17,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
Glassboro-Camden Rail Line Would Positively Impact Region, Rowan President and State Leaders Agree
Staff, Rowan Today | March 12, 2025
Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand underscored the proposed Glassboro-Camden light rail’s potential during a recent panel discussion, emphasizing its role in keeping young talent in South Jersey and fostering innovation. State leaders echoed his support, highlighting the project’s ability to boost economic growth, expand transit access, and strengthen regional connectivity.
Transit and Equity News
PENNSYLVANIA—Germantown Dreams Big for SEPTA Site
Tommy Tucker, Chestnut Hill Local | March 20, 2025
Germantown residents attended an open house on SEPTA’s mixed-use redevelopment plan for a 1.5-acre lot at Germantown Station. Part of SEPTA’s Transit Oriented Communities program, the project prioritizes transit access. Public feedback highlighted the need for affordable housing and green spaces, with broad support for the plan.
MASSACHUSETTS—Maps Reveal Hidden Housing Realities in Massachusetts to Address an Affordability Crisis
Keith Cooke, Esri Blog | March 18, 2025
Massachusetts’ MBTA Communities Law, which requires 15 units per acre near transit, has sparked debate over density. To reshape public perception, the Center for Housing Data developed a tool visualizing existing housing patterns. Braintree, a Boston suburb, used the tool to illustrate density benefits during a public meeting.
NEW YORK—Governor Hochul Awards More Than $270 Million to Build and Preserve 1,800 Affordable Homes Across New York
Press Release, NY Department of Homes and Community Renewal | March 18, 2025
New York Governor Kathy Hochul awarded more than $270 million to create or preserve over 1,800 affordable homes in 28 developments across the state. Part of Hochul’s five-year plan to build or preserve 100,000 affordable units, projects awarded in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County incorporate TOD principles.
WASHINGTON—Affordable-Housing, Mixed-Use Proposal Sought for City-Owned BelRed, Wilburton Sites
Josh Stearns, 425 Business | March 13, 2025
Bellevue is soliciting proposals for mixed-use housing on three city-owned sites near transit. Partnering with Sound Transit on one project, the City aims to build at least 850 units—including 400 affordable units. As part of its Comprehensive Plan, Bellevue plans 35,000 new housing units by 2044, focusing on downtown and transit zones.
Regional and National TOD News
COLORADO—Denver Pro Women’s Soccer Team Announces Plans for New Stadium at Gates Site
Catie Cheshire, Westword | March 18, 2025
Denver’s new professional women’s soccer team will build a stadium on a vacant site near a light rail station. Team owners also plan a mixed-use sports and entertainment district with housing, retail, and a 3.5-acre park. They chose the site for its transit access and proximity to Denver’s urban core, aiming to activate the area year-round.
NEW YORK—Congestion Pricing Will Continue Past Federal Deadline, MTA Chair Says
Atlan Hassard, Spectrum News NY1 | March 18, 2025
MTA Chair Janno Lieber confirmed congestion pricing will continue past the USDOT’s March 21 deadline, arguing the federal government lacks legal authority to halt the program without an injunction. Since its launch, congestion pricing has reduced crashes, shortened commutes, and generated new funding for the MTA.
WISCONSIN—Could Milwaukee Create a Regional Transit Authority?
Graham Kilmer, Urban Milwaukee | March 16, 2025
Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal includes changes to state law that would allow the creation of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) and permit local governments to levy a sales tax for transit funding. If enacted, these changes could help create a Milwaukee-area RTA, providing a dedicated funding source for the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), which faces an $18 million structural deficit. Proponents say an RTA could improve long-term regional transit coordination and stability.
International TOD News
CANADA—Redevelopment of City Centre Motel into Mixed-Use Rental Housing Towers Approved by Vancouver City Council
Kenneth Chan, Daily Hive | March 14, 2025
Vancouver City Council approved the redevelopment of a former motel into two residential towers with 446 rental units and 16,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail. The site, a five-minute walk from the future Mount Pleasant SkyTrain Station, aligns with the City’s transit-oriented development goals. The station is set to open in fall 2027 as part of the Millennium Line extension.
UNITED KINGDOM—How Britain’s Most Bike-Friendly New Town Got Built
Laura Laker, Bloomberg | March 14, 2025
Waterbeach, a 716-acre new town redevelopment near Cambridge, England, prioritizes active transportation over cars with dedicated bike lanes, car-free streets, and strong transit connections. As demand for car-free communities grows, Waterbeach offers a model for sustainable urban planning in the UK.
The 15-Minute City at Night: Towards a Holistic Urban Vision
Simone D’Antonio, Cooperative City | March 11, 2025
The 15-minute city concept emphasizes accessibility by walking, cycling, or transit but often overlooks nighttime needs. Cities like Barcelona and Melbourne are incorporating nighttime economy strategies to ensure safe, inclusive, and accessible urban spaces after dark. As more cities adopt the model, integrating 24-hour planning will be essential for its success.