New Transit Village funding (left); NJ drafts new state plan; City of Yes approved; Odenton MARC Station TOD; Saudi Arabia opens driverless metro (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Governor Murphy Announces $2.6 Million in FY2025 Transit Village Grants to Revitalize Areas Around Transit Facilities
Press Release, NJDOT News | December 4, 2024
Eight NJ municipalities will receive a total of $2.6 million in FY2025 Transit Village grants for infrastructure projects and quality-of-life improvements around transit facilities. Governor Murphy added $1.6 million to the annual $1 million allocation to revitalize transit station areas, promote walkable neighborhoods, and boost economic growth. Projects include sidewalk replacements, pedestrian safety enhancements, and transit station improvements.
NJ TOD News
Finally, the First New State Plan in 23 Years Is Unveiled for Public Comment
Jon Hurdle, NJ Spotlight News | December 6, 2024
New Jersey has released a draft of its first State Development and Redevelopment Plan in 23 years, focusing on economic development, housing, transportation, and climate adaptation. The plan promotes equity and environmental justice by proposing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, revitalize underserved communities, and limit development in vulnerable areas. While the plan has received support from Governor Phil Murphy, it must undergo a legally required cross-acceptance process before final approval in 2025.
COLLINGSWOOD—Collingswood Nixes Water Tower Project
Molly Parks, The Retrospect | December 5, 2024
The Collingswood Commissioners have announced an indefinite pause on the Water Tower Area Revitalization Project. The Borough, in partnership with selected developer Tantum-Penrose, had planned to build 60 senior apartment units and 95 residential units on a large parking lot near the water tower, within walking distance of the Collingswood PATCO Station. Mayor Jim Maley expressed disappointment, citing financial challenges as the reason for the delay.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Get New Operator in Major $1.5 Billion NJ Transit Deal
Bill Hartnett, Jersey Digs | December 4, 2024
The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors has chosen ACI-Herzog JV, a Puerto Rico-based company, to operate the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system. They have been awarded a $1.5 billion, 15-year contract with options for two five-year extensions. The transition will start in early 2025, with full control beginning on September 15, 2025. The system, operational since 2000, includes 24 stations and serves over 48,000 riders daily.
CRANFORD—Hartz Unveils 250-Unit Luxury Rental Project as Part of Cranford Redevelopment
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | December 3, 2024
Hartz Mountain Industries has unveiled a 250-unit apartment complex called the Fairways at Cranford. The development, situated near the Cranford CBD and NJ TRANSIT’s Cranford station, is set to welcome residents early next year. The property aims to meet the growing demand for housing in Cranford while satisfying the municipality’s affordable housing obligation.
NEWARK—Hoyt Tower Completes Construction at 50 Sussex Avenue in Newark, New Jersey
Max Gillespie, New York YIMBY | December 2, 2024
Tona Development and the KS Group finished construction on a 15-story mixed-use building in Newark. The development comprises 203 units, 2,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail space, a fitness center, and a 16-space parking garage. Residents will be within walking distance to the Warren Street Light Rail Station and the Newark Broad Street Station, which provides service on several NJ TRANSIT rail lines.
Transit and Equity News
NEW YORK—New York City Approves a Plan to Create 80,000 New Homes
Emma Fitzsimmons, New York Times | December 5, 2024
The New York City Council has approved the “City of Yes” plan, complete with zoning changes that could facilitate the development of over 80,000 new homes. Passed with a 31-20 majority, the plan produced debate among council members over issues such as density, parking requirements, and affordable housing. In addition to the zoning changes, the plan commits $4 billion to support affordable and public housing, and $1 billion for infrastructure improvements
ARIZONA—Gov. Hobbs, Tempe Leaders Break Ground on New Affordable Housing Project
Staff, ABC 15 Arizona | December 4, 2024
In Tempe, Copa Health and partners have broken ground on La Victoria Commons with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Tempe city leaders in attendance. Adjacent to a Valley Metro light rail station, the development will include 104 low-income apartments and 19 townhomes. Thirty percent of the units will be reserved for developmentally delayed or mentally ill individuals. An on-site café will provide job opportunities for residents.
CALIFORNIA—Mountain View Planning Commission Backs Affordable Housing Development with Little Parking
Emily Margaretten, San Jose Spotlight | December 4, 2024
The Mountain View Planning Commission unanimously approved a planned eight-story, 100-unit apartment complex proposed by CRP Affordable. All 100 units would serve households at or below 80 percent AMI. Some commissioners showed concern over a lack of parking, but the developer cited access to public transit as reducing the need for parking and plans to offer a three-year transit subsidy to new residents.
MICHIGAN—How a Life Without a Car Led to Financial Freedom and a Three-Story Home
Shandra Martinez, Rapid Growth Media | December 4, 2024
Going car-free and relying on public transit has allowed Ken Miguel-Cipriano to save money and purchase a home. By intentionally living close to work and essential services, he has reaped financial benefits and strengthened his connection to Grand Rapids. Advocating for improved mobility infrastructure, Miguel-Cipriano emphasizes that prioritizing walking, biking, and public transit can foster a more accessible and compassionate city for all.
Regional and National TOD News
PENNSYLVANIA—Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Approves Transferring of $153 Million in Federal Highway Capital Funds to SEPTA
Brandon Lewis, Mass Transit | December 6, 2024
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has approved a $153 million transfer of Federal Highway Funds to SEPTA after PA Governor Josh Shapiro initiated the process in late November. This transfer allows SEPTA to avoid planned service cuts and a 21 percent fare increase. Several Pennsylvania counties are also contributing $38 million in local funds to support SEPTA.
Amtrak Sets Ridership, Ticket Revenue Records in FY24
Dan Zukowksi, Smart Cities Dive | December 4, 2024
Amtrak reported a record-high 32.8 million customer trips and $2.5 billion in ticket revenue for fiscal year 2024. Amtrak President Roger Harris credits infrastructural investment in the Northeast Corridor for the ridership increase but notes that more frequent long-distance train service is needed for further growth. Future improvements include faster Acela trains for the Northeast Corridor arriving this winter and 125-mph Siemens Mobility trains on many intercity routes by 2026.
MARYLAND—Odenton MARC Station to Get $270 Million Makeover
Chris Montcalmo, NottinghamMD | December 4, 2024
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a development team for transforming a 13-acre parking lot at the Odenton MARC Station into a mixed-use community. MDOT envisions the project to include over 900 housing units and 38,000 sq. ft. of retail space. The development is projected to generate more than $270 million in gross tax revenue over 30 years. Project proposals are due by January 24, 2025, with MDOT aiming to select a development team by summer 2025.
NEW YORK—Governor Hochul and Department of State Announce Completion of Major $13.7 Million Sewer Infrastructure as Part of the Central Islip Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Press Release, Department of State | December 1, 2024
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Department of State announced the completion of a $13.7 million sewer infrastructure project in downtown Central Islip. This project supports compact, mixed-use development around the Long Island Rail Road station. Previously, businesses and housing relied on septic systems, limiting mid- and high-density development. The community now envisions higher density land uses, such as housing and cultural attractions, accessible to the LIRR station.
International TOD News
CANADA—City of Burnaby Approves BC Government’s Required Transit-Oriented Development Policies
Kenneth Chan, Daily Hive | December 3, 2024
After months of non-compliance, the City of Burnaby has approved the Transit-Oriented Areas policy required by British Columbia’s legislation. The policy increases residential densities within a half mile of SkyTrain stations and eliminates minimum parking requirements. Density changes follow a sliding scale based on proximity to transit stations, with the city required to permit building heights of up to 20 stories on lots directly adjacent to a station.
VIETNAM—Vietnam Announces Ambitious High-Speed Rail Plans
Sebastion Strangio, The Diplomat | December 3, 2024
Vietnam’s National Assembly approved the construction of a $67 billion high-speed railway connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The 957-mile railway will allow trains to travel at speeds up to 217 mph, reducing the trip duration from 30 hours to five hours. Construction is expected to start in 2027, with the first trains hoped to be operational by 2035.
SAUDI ARABIA—Saudi Arabia Opens World’s Largest Driverless Transit System
Adam Williams, New Atlas | December 2, 2024
Saudi Arabia has partially opened the Riyadh Metro, the world’s longest driverless metro system, spanning 109 miles and 85 stations. The system is designed to ease traffic congestion and boost tourism in Riyadh. When fully operational, it will be able to accommodate 3.6 million daily passengers and cut CO2 emissions by 12.5 million tons annually.
GHANA—Building Gender-Responsive Transport Systems for Ghana’s Rapidly Growing Cities
Staff Writer, Devdiscourse | November 29, 2024
A study by the OECD and the University of Ghana highlights transport inequities in Accra and Kumasi, where inadequate infrastructure disproportionately affects women and low-income residents. Despite their reliance on public transport for work, household duties, and childcare, women’s mobility needs are often overlooked in urban planning. The report recommends integrating land use and transport planning to reduce accessibility deserts and address discrimination against caregivers.