Integrating EJ in transit planning (left); Red Bank approves station-area project; Miami’s eTOD; MTA’s cautious optimism; TOD in Ho Chi Minh City (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
MINNESOTA—Incorporating Environmental Justice into the Blue Line Extension
Richie Song, Streets.mn, July 31 2024
The METRO Blue Line light rail extension project, a $3.4 billion investment, is expanding 13.4 miles northwest from downtown Minneapolis to underserved communities, with a focus on promoting environmental justice and anti-displacement. The release of the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) and the request for municipal consent mark significant steps in the project’s development. Community input is being sought through public workshops and comment periods to refine the design and ensure the project meets the needs of affected areas, with the final statement expected in mid-2025.
NJ TOD News
NEW BRUNSWICK—Developer Reducing Size of New Brunswick Tower, but Adding Affordable 3-Bedroom Units
Chuck O’Donnell, TAPinto New Brunswick, July 30 2024
The New Brunswick Housing Authority has approved a revised plan for a 27-story mixed-used tower at 11 Spring Street. The updated plan reduces the building height from 30 to 27 stories and calls for 330 residential units, with 20 percent designated as low- or moderate-income, including 12 affordable three-bedroom units. The project will leverage funds from the NJ Aspire program, a gap financing tool administered by NJEDA meant to advance investments in community and economic development. The changes seek to address issues related to projected rent, tax credits, and rising construction costs. The new design maintains 499 parking spaces and features a modern facade with retail space on the ground floor.
RED BANK—Red Bank: Workshopping on the Railroad
Brian Donohue, redbankgreen, July 30 2024
The 13-acre area surrounding Red Bank’s train station, currently featuring 8 parking lots, a former auto garage, and the town’s Public Works facility, has been designated as a “non-condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment” by the borough council. Denholtz Properties, which owns many of these properties, plans to create a “Transit Village,” and seeks community input before finalizing plans. A public workshop will be held at the Red Bank Senior Center to gather residents’ feedback on the redevelopment plan.
BELMAR—Council’s Landmark Housing Approval Will Add 405 Housing Units
Matt Doherty, TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como, July 25 2024
The Belmar Borough Council authorized the construction of 405 new housing units near the Belmar Rail Station, meeting its affordable housing obligation. The approved projects include those by Mark Built Properties LLC, Repetti/Russo Development, Sackman/75 Rainey LLC, and 613 Tenth Avenue LLC, and will provide a mix of market-rate and affordable units. Despite exceeding affordable housing requirements, the approval process faced criticism for lacking transparency and sufficient public consultation, with concerns about infrastructure and community impacts.
NEW BRUNSWICK—45-Story Apartment Building Planned for George Street Proposes 160 Affordable Units
Chuck O’Donnell, TAPinto New Brunswick, July 25 2024
Ifany LLC, in partnership with the Abundant Life Family Worship Church, plans to build a 45-story, 800-unit apartment building named NB plaza for a vacant lot on George Street. This $350 million project will include 160 affordable units, doubling an initial proposal of 80 units. The developers will leverage the state’s Aspire program, which provides funding through low-income housing tax credits. Despite ongoing lawsuits, the developers plan to present the project to the Planning Board in the fall for approval.
RED BANK—Red Bank Planning Board Approves 4-Story, 20-Unit Mixed-Use Building Near Railroad Station
E. Scott Wingerter, TAPinto Red Bank, July 25 2024
The Red Bank Planning Board has approved a revised proposal from the American Opportunity Zone Fund to construct a 4-story, 20-unit mixed-use building at 72 Bridge Ave, near the railroad station. The project, initially planned as rentals with 32 units, now comprises condominiums, including two affordable, a 1,295-sq-ft coffee shop, and 1,000 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space. The development, featuring green rooftops and at-grade parking, requires the demolition of existing structures on Oakland Street and Bridge Avenue.
Transit and Equity News
CONNECTICUT—Approved Projects Fulfilling Mission of West Hartford’s Transit-Oriented Development Zone
Ronni Newton, We-Ha, August 1 2024
West Hartford is advancing its transit-oriented development (TOD) district with the approval of two new mixed-use projects. The Hexagon Group’s “The Jayden” at 579 New Park Avenue will feature 70 units, including 14 affordable ones, along with ground-floor retail, a dog park, and a co-working space. It will offer 29 one-bedroom and 41 two-bedroom units, supported by 80 parking spaces. The second project, Elmwood Lofts at 1051-1061 New Britain Avenue, will include 117 units (94 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom) and 167 parking spaces. Scheduled for completion in 2025, construction costs total $3.8 million, with over 90% funded by grants.
FLORIDA—Making Affordable Living More Attainable
Hannah Spence, Miami Times, July 30 2024
New Urban Development and the Urban League of Greater Miami recently unveiled Superior Manor Phase II in Liberty City, a project which aims to increase affordable housing and counter gentrification. This development offers multi-family residences for households earning 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised the project as a step toward addressing Miami-Dade County’s housing crisis, emphasizing the need for more developments across all income spectra.
WISCONSIN—Racism Is Embedded in Milwaukee’s Rules for Building New Housing. Here’s How We Fix That
Teig Whaley-Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 29 2024
Chief Alliance Executive of the Community Development Alliance Teig Whaley-Smith argues that homeownership is crucial for addressing systemic racism, particularly in Milwaukee, a highly segregated city experiencing significant increases in housing costs. Whaley-Smith supports the “Growing MKE” initiative aims to update Milwaukee’s zoning laws to allow diverse housing styles across neighborhoods, tackling racial equity by increasing inventory and neighborhoods choice while reducing displacement. These proposed changes seek to eliminate exclusionary zoning practices from the 1950s, allowing for duplexes and townhomes in areas where in the past discriminatory practices restricted such forms of housing.
NEW YORK—219-Unit Affordable Apartment Buildings Opens Doors in New Rochelle
Jeff Edwards, Patch, July 26 2024
Georgia Green Ventures, in collaboration with RXR, has completed Highgarden Tower in New Rochelle. The $135 million development offers 219 affordable housing units, with 77 units dedicated to residents needing on-site support services. The project, supported by tax credits from the Brownfield Cleanup Program, includes community incubator space to foster local businesses. It features energy-efficient amenities like water-conserving plumbing, Energy Star appliances, and children’s playroom, aligning with Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to create affordable homes across New York.
Regional and National TOD News
MONTANA—Requested Zoning Change on Brooks Could Propel Midtown Plan
Martin Kidston, Missoula Current, July 31 2024
Missoula officials are considering a zoning change for a Brooks Street parcel that would allow a five-story building with up to 14 dwelling units. The property is currently zoned for both residential and commercial uses, making it difficult to redevelop. The proposed change would allow more intensive development and stimulate economic growth along Brooks Street, which is set to become a major transit corridor. While city planners and the Consolidated Planning Board support the zoning change, citing alignment with the Midtown Master Plan, some residents in the single-family neighborhood are concerned about increased traffic and parking issues.
A Sense of Place—Revitalizing Downtowns Through Smart Placemaking
Ron Nyren, Urban Land, July 30 2024
Urban experts see placemaking as a key to revitalizing downtowns post-COVID-19 by making urban core more attractive and vibrant. Successful placemaking efforts can encourage inclusivity and social equity with projects like Nashville’s Fifth + Broadway serving as an example of pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development. Public sector involvement, such as creating creative placemaking officers and streamlined processes, can further enhance these efforts. Notable trends include converting office spaces into residential areas and creating inclusive urban trails to connect diverse neighborhoods.
NEW YORK—After Threatening Cuts, MTA Now Has Faith Gov. Hochul Will Fill $15B Congestion Pricing Hole
Ramsey Khalifeh, Gothamist, July 29 2024
The MTA is cautiously optimistic that New York Governor Kathy Hochul will restore the $15 billion cut from the transit agency’s budget following her pause on congestion pricing last month. Initially, MTA officials had considered shelving $16.5 billion in projects, including the Second Avenue subway extension, due to this funding gap. MTA president of construction and development Jamie Torres-Springer stated that the agency is planning its five-year construction strategy assuming the missing funds will be replaced. Although MTA leaders hope that funding will be restored through either a resumption of congestion pricing or a new deal, some remain skeptical, citing
ongoing uncertainty and potential inflation-related cost increases.
MARYLAND—Montgomery County and Metro Seek Developer to Create Major Life Sciences, Mixed-Use Project in North Bethesda
Staff Writer, The MoCo Show, July 29 2024
Montgomery County and Metro have initiated a search for a developer to build a transit-oriented life sciences center at the North Bethesda Metrorail Station, including housing, offices, retail, and public spaces. This project, spanning 2 to 3.7 million sq. ft., has received a $5 million planning grant from Maryland Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin. A Request for Qualifications has been issued, with a developer expected to be chosen by year-end to negotiate a Joint Development Agreement for the 13.9-acre site. The initiative, supported by local, state, and federal funding, aims to create a major life sciences hub anchored by University of Maryland’s Institute for Health Computing, advancing economic development and job creation in the region.
International TOD News
VIETNAM—Development Prospects of Vietnam’s Metro Systems and CT Group’s Transit-Oriented Development Strategy
Tri Duc, The Investor, July 31 2024
CT Group’s Metro Star project in Vietnam is among the first to adopt the transit-oriented development (TOD) model, crucial for compact urban growth, inspired by successful implementations in Japan and South Korea. The nearly completed Metro Line No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to enhance urban development and real estate values around stations by improving transport access. CT Group plans to expand this model with 50 TOD projects across the city, aiming to reduce emissions and enhance infrastructure while attracting investors.
CANADA—TransLink’s First Real Estate Development Gets Green Light
Press Release, TransLink, July 29 2024
TransLink, in partnership with PCI Developments, has received approval from Vancouver City Council for a mixed-use development near the future Arbutus SkyTrain Station on West Broadway. This 30-story project will feature residential and commercial spaces, including 200 rental homes, 20 percent of which will be below-market rates. It will also host the Ohel Ya’akov Community Kollel. Aimed at generating long-term transit revenue, the development supports Vancouver’s Broadway Plana and BC’s density goals, by enhancing transit-oriented living. ContructionConstruction is set to begin in late 2025 and be completed by 2029.
FRANCE—Paris Hopes to Forge a New Model for Olympic-Oriented Development
Sam Levitt, The Urbanist, July 28 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympics aim to use the Games to spur urban regeneration and urban development, particularly in the Olympic Village. This project transforms industrial areas into mixed-use spaces with housing, offices, and recreational facilities, emphasizing sustainability and public transit. The Olympic village will house 15,000 athletes and later 6,000 residents with access to several metro lines, helping integrate affordable housing and modern infrastructure. Critics worry about ecological impacts and gentrification, but the project could model sustainable urban planning for cities like Los Angeles, which hosts the Olympics in 2028.