Red Bank postpones TOD plan vote (left); Exploring the River Line; Miami advances affordable TOD; Parking reform in Washington; China expands high-speed rail throughout SE Asia (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
RED BANK—Red Bank Planners Tap Brakes on Train Station Plan
Brian Donohue, Red Bank Green | April 24, 2025
The Red Bank Planning Board postponed its vote on a 400-unit NJ TRANSIT and Denholtz redevelopment proposal, citing concerns about height, affordability, and community impact. A new subcommittee will draft changes before the hearing resumes.
NJ TOD News
Towns File Federal Lawsuit Over New Jersey Affordable Housing Law, Adding to State Litigation
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | April 25, 2025
Twenty-eight New Jersey towns filed a federal lawsuit claiming the state’s new affordable housing law violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause. They argue the law unfairly burdens suburban municipalities with outdated housing classifications. The lawsuit adds to multiple ongoing challenges in state court.
The Economic Promise of the Gateway Program
Rachel Weinberger, Chris Jones, and Kate Slevin, Regional Plan Association | April 23, 2025
A new RPA report projects the Gateway Program could generate $445 billion in long-term economic gains by expanding labor markets, reducing travel time, and improving commute reliability. Centered on the New Jersey–New York region, the upgrades—including a new trans-Hudson tunnel and bridge replacements—could deliver benefits nationwide.
TRENTON—Potential SEPTA Rail Service Cuts Loom for NJ Passengers
Video, NJ Spotlight News | April 22, 2025
Facing a $213 million budget gap, SEPTA plans to cut Trenton Line service in July 2025 and fully eliminate it by 2026 without new funding. Governor Josh Shapiro proposed a funding package, but the state Senate has rejected it three times. Without a deal, thousands of New Jersey commuters could lose a key route to Philadelphia.
Riding South Jersey’s Little River Line That Could
Suthi Navaratnam-Tomayko, The Daily Princetonian | April 20, 2025
In a student-reported piece for The Daily Princetonian, Suthi Navaratnam-Tomayko examines NJ TRANSIT’s 34-mile River Line. The light rail offers an affordable link between Camden and Trenton, spurring development in towns like Riverside. Riders praise its convenience, though concerns about crime and low ridership persist amid mixed community sentiment.
Transit and Equity News
NORTH CAROLINA—Wake County Celebrates Groundbreaking on Well-Connected Affordable Housing Community
Press Release, Wake County | April 24, 2025
Wake County broke ground on Parkside Apartments, a 144-unit affordable development in Raleigh’s Western Boulevard corridor. Set to open in 2026, the project will serve families earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income, offering access to jobs and transit.
FLORIDA—Miami-Dade Makes Affordable Housing Strides With Transit-Oriented Projects
Elaine De Valle, Political Cortadito | April 23, 2025
Miami-Dade officials opened Quail Roost Station, a 200-unit affordable development in Cutler Bay located adjacent to a future bus rapid transit route. It joins other Miami TODs like Homestead Gardens, Upland Park and Magnus Brickell in a push to ease the housing crisis and improve transit access.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—Proposed Development Plan for Deanwood Metro Station Unveiled
Dan Ronan, WTOP News | April 22, 2025
Washington Metro Transit Authority (WMATA) announced a mixed-use development at Deanwood Metro, with 169 units—50 percent affordable—on a former parking lot. Construction is set for 2028 as part of a 10-year plan to add housing near 40 rail stations.
NEW YORK—Mayor Adams Kicks Off Review on OneLIC Neighborhood Plan to Create Nearly 15,000 Homes and Over 14,000 Jobs, Transform Waterfront Access in Long Island City
Press Release, NYC Office of the Mayor | April 21, 2025
Mayor Eric Adams and city officials launched the public review for the OneLIC Neighborhood Plan, which includes nearly 15,000 homes—4,000 affordable—and over 14,000 jobs. Proposed zoning changes aim to boost affordability and reconnect Long Island City to its waterfront.
Regional and National TOD News
CALIFORNIA—Bills Aimed at Housing and Homelessness Pass Key Committee Votes
Jake Gotta, KGTV | April 24, 2025
The California Senate Housing Committee advanced 12 bills targeting the state’s housing crisis, including SB 79, which would upzone properties within a half mile of transit. Other measures aim to expand ADU opportunities and improve access to multifamily housing loans. The bills now move to the full Senate, and if approved, the Assembly.
NEW YORK—Feds Accidentally Published Secret Plan to Kill NYC Congestion Pricing
Stephen Nessen, Gothamist | April 24, 2025
Federal lawyers mistakenly published an internal memo admitting USDOT lacks strong legal grounds to block New York’s congestion pricing plan, which was granted under a federal pilot initiative. The leak led to their removal from the case, which was initially handled by the Southern District of New York and will now be shifted to Justice Department lawyers in Washington, D.C.
NEBRASKA—Omaha Area Survey Shows Better Pay, Transit and Housing Options Are Keys to Curbing ‘Brain Drain’
Cindy Gonzalez, Star Herald | April 21, 2025
A Greater Omaha Chamber survey found poor transit and limited housing options are top concerns among young professionals. Of 700 respondents, 73 percent were dissatisfied with transit, and many cited housing and lack of mobility as reasons to leave Nebraska.
WASHINGTON—Washington State Legislature Greenlights Parking Rollback to Spur Housing Growth
Nate Sanford, OPB | April 20, 2025
Washington State Legislature passed SB 5184, eliminating parking mandates for small housing units, affordable homes, childcare centers, and commercial spaces under 3,000 sq. ft. in cities over 30,000. Lawmakers expect the reform to spur development and improve affordability.
International TOD News
CANADA—Mississauga Endorses New Official Plan, Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth
Robin MacLennan, Ontario Construction News | April 24, 2025
Mississauga City Council adopted an updated Official Plan focused on affordability, transit access, job growth, and climate resilience. The plan allows up to 370,000 new homes, supports housing diversity and gentle density, and encourages higher densities along major transit corridors.
CHINA—China’s Bet on Railways in Southeast Asia Is Starting to Pay Off
James Guild, The Diplomat | April 22, 2025
China has invested $40 billion in Southeast Asia’s rail networks through the Belt and Road Initiative. Despite delays and political pushback, key lines in Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are now operational or close to completion, with new projects approved in Vietnam.