Biden invests $100M to spur housing construction (left); Free NJ TRANSIT rides after delays; Subways expand globally, not in the U.S.; Reducing emissions through land use policy; UNEP fosters sustainable transport in Africa (right: top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Biden Investing $100M to Spur Housing Construction
Aris Folley, The Hill, August 13 2024
The Biden Administration has announced a $100 million investment to boost affordable housing construction through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program. This initiative provides grants to state and local governments to develop policies and increase affordable housing production. Funded by a bipartisan government package, the program aims to lower housing costs and expand the nation’s housing supply. Ongoing efforts to address the urgent need for affordable housing in communities across the country include transit-oriented development projects and innovative financing methods.
NJ TOD News
NJ Transit Will Be Free for Week at End of Summer Plagued by Delays
Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com, August 15 2024
Aimed at showing appreciation to commuters after a summer marked by significant delays and cancellations, Governor Phil Murphy announced that NJ TRANSIT will offer a fare holiday from August 26 to September 2. The fare holiday will apply to all buses, trains, and light rail services. This initiative, which follows a recent 15 percent fare hike, aims to ease the frustration caused by ongoing service disruptions, particularly those linked to Amtrak’s infrastructure issues. In addition, monthly pass holders will receive a 25 percent discount as further compensation for the challenges faced over the summer.
MILLBURN—One of NJ’s Richest Towns Continues to Fight a Directive to Build Affordable Housing
Mike Hayes, Gothamist, August 15 2024
After years of litigation, Millburn Township is continuing its legal battle against a court-mandated affordable housing project. The township is seeking to halt the construction of a 75-unit affordable housing development near shops, restaurants, and an NJ TRANSIT stop, arguing it would cause “irreparable harm.” The Fair Share Housing Center, a party to the lawsuit, expressed disappointment in Millburn’s continued resistance and vowed to challenge the township’s motion to pause the development. This conflict is part of a broader statewide debate over affordable housing, with towns like Millburn facing increasing pressure to contribute more units in the coming years.
JERSEY CITY—Toll Bros Debuts 259-unit Condo Tower in Final Phase of Jersey City Redevelopment
Joshua Burd, RealEstateNJ, August 12 2024
Explore the latest addition to Jersey City’s skyline: a 34-story condominium tower in the Powerhouse Arts District. Toll Brothers Inc. has completed the final phase of its Provost Square development at 151 Bay Street, adding 259 units. This project marks the culmination of a multi-phase effort that has transformed former industrial sites into residential properties, bringing the total number of units in the area to 908. The development, which includes both rental and for-sale homes, features a pedestrian-friendly plaza and is strategically located near the Grove Street PATH Station.
Transit and Equity News
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Will the U.S. Ever Embrace Social Housing?
Benjamin Schneider, Fast Company, August 12 2024
American interest in Vienna’s social housing complexes, like Karl-Marx-Hof and Alt-Erlaa, has sparked efforts in the U.S. to adopt similar models. These domestic social housing programs, such as the one in Montgomery County, Maryland, involve government or non-profit ownership of mixed-income housing, developments where higher rents from wealthier tenants help subsidize affordable units. While these initiatives show promise, especially in providing more housing without relying heavily on federal subsidies, it remains to be seen how effective they will be. Note: Article was reposted from Schneider blog, The Urban Condition.
OREGON—Portland Housing Bureau Awards More Than $40M for 230-Unit Affordable Housing Development in Broadway Corridor
Staff Writer, The Registry, August 9 2024
Home Forward and the Urban League of Portland have secured over $40 million from the Portland Housing Bureau for a 230-unit affordable housing development in the Broadway Corridor. This 14-story mixed-use project will anchor the new neighborhood, and offer homes for over 400 residents, with amenities such as an Early Living Center, Workforce Development Center, and community gardens. Located near key services, schools, and transit, the development is part of a broader initiative to create vibrant, inclusive communities in central Portland. Construction is set to begin in 2026.
The Rest of the World Is Building Subways Like Crazy. The U.S. Has Pretty Much Given Up
Benjamin Schneider, Fast Company, August 5 2024
Benjamin Schneider, a freelance journalist specializing in urban design and public policy, highlights the stark contrast between global cities and the U.S. in terms of transit development. While cities like Istanbul are rapidly expanding their subway systems with advanced technology and efficiency, the U.S. has largely stalled on new transit projects, with few exceptions such as Los Angeles and Seattle. This disparity underscores America’s growing lag in public transportation infrastructure compared to other nations.
Regional and National TOD News
WASHINGTON—What Will Light Rail Bring to South Snohomish County? Part 4 – Traffic, Housing Density, and Zoning Impacts
Rick Sinnett, Edmonds News, August 11 2024
In part 4 of this series, dedicated researcher and writer Rick Sinnett explores the anticipated impacts of the upcoming light rail extension in Snohomish County. Sinnett focuses on potential effects on traffic, housing density, and zoning. Countering experts like Maggie Fimia and John Niles who argue that the light rail will not significantly alleviate traffic or reduce CO2 emission, Sinnett discusses other studies show positive outcomes in cities with established rail systems. As the region prepares for this transformative project, the
debate continues over its long-term benefits and challenges.
VIRGINIA—First Phase of Mixed-Use Herndon Parkway Development Under Review
Angela Woolsey, FFX Now, August 9 2024
Herndon is set to transform an underused site into a vibrant hub with the development of a new mid-rise residential complex at 555 Herndon Parkway. Current plans call for a 400-unit residential building and 200,000 sq. ft. of office space. The project also prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, including the construction of an 8-foot-wide cycle track and sidewalks along Herndon Parkway. The building, located near the Herndon Metro station, aims to enhance the Herndon Transit-Oriented Core (HTOC) by providing a gateway from the Dulles Toll Road to Herndon.
Reducing Transportation Emissions through Land-Use Policy and Investments
Yonah Freemark, Urban Wire, August 6 2024
In the battle against climate change, transforming how we build our cities is crucial to achieving sustainable outcomes. Urban Institute researcher Yonah Freemark emphasizes the role of land-use policies in reducing transportation emissions, especially by promoting high-density, transit-accessible neighborhoods. Research shows these developments can significantly lower vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and emissions. Redirecting federal funds from automobile infrastructure to support high-density redevelopment projects, could lead to substantial environmental benefits.
International TOD News
ENGLAND—Manchester Is Giving London a Run For It’s Money
Julia Hobsbawm, Bloomberg, August 14 2024
Manchester is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a building boom and an influx of young workers attracted by lower living costs and better quality of life compared to London. The city’s revitalization is fueled by its status as Europe’s fastest-growing tech hub, a strong local economy, and strategic investments in sustainable workspaces. Characterized by a thriving cultural scene and infrastructure developments like the Bee Network, Manchester is emerging as a significant competitor to the UK capital.
How UNEP Is Building Sustainable Transport Future in African Cities
Staff Writer, UNEP, August 13 2024
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is spearheading efforts to promote sustainable transit in African cities by developing the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). This framework is designed to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure across the continent. Collaborating with over 1,000 stakeholders, UNEP aims to address the environmental and safety challenges of urban transit by integrating non-motorized solutions into national policies, as seen in Ethiopia and Rwanda. The final action plan will be launched at the World Urban Forum 2024 in Cairo, marking a significant step towards prioritizing active mobility in Africa.
CANADA—Toronto City Council Approves New Affordable Housing Project at 777 Victoria Park Ave.
Amarachi Amadike, Beach Metro Community News, August 13 2024
Toronto city council has approved a new affordable housing project at 777 Victoria Park Avenue, part of the Housing Now Initiative, which aims to create mixed-use, transit-oriented communities on city-owned land. The development will include 705 rental homes, with 256 designated as affordable units, alongside retail space and a community area. While the project has garnered support for its potential to address housing needs, concerns remain about the reduction in commuter parking and the social impact of new entrants to the already high-density area.