Elevated Chicago asks “Can you walk there?” on TikTok (top left) • Mexico City embraces e-buses (top right) • Bell Works reaches milestone (bottom left) • Boston invests in eTOD (bottom right)
Article of the Week
ILLINOIS—Elevated Chicago Asking, “Can You Walk There?” in TikTok Series on Access to Public Transit
Jamaica Ponder, CBS Chicago, Feb 16 2023
Elevated Chicago’s Jannice Newson has harnessed the power of social media to draw attention to the walking conditions in the city’s neighborhoods. Her series of viral TikTok videos highlight disparities in pedestrian conditions and in access to Chicago’s public transportation. The videos support Elevated Chicago in its effort to advance equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD).
NJ TOD News
HOLMDEL—Holmdel’s Bell Works Hits 95 Percent Occupancy: Developer
Pat McDaniel, Patch, Feb 21 2023
Bell Works, the “metroburb” in Holmdel, New Jersey, has reached 95 percent occupancy with the addition of six new tenant office leases and nine office renewals. The former Bell Labs campus, known for its striking architecture, is now a self-contained metropolis in suburbia and offers both traditional office and flexible short-term leasing options. With a diverse roster of office and retail tenants and an idyllic setting, Bell Works represents a successful example of transit-oriented development that appeals to those seeking a unique work environment outside of traditional urban centers.
TRENTON—Mayor Reed Gusciora Invites Public to Attend Trenton Transit District Community Workshop
Staff Writer, InsiderNJ, Feb 21 2023
The City of Trenton held a virtual discussion for the community on Thursday, February 23, to plan for improved pedestrian connections, amenities, housing, and mixed-use development near transit stations. The meeting provided multiple opportunities for members of the community to share their ideas and feedback and to help guide the creation of a cohesive development plan. The effort was led by the city’s Department of Housing and Economic Development and funded by a Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).
LONG BRANCH—Long Branch $12.3M NJ Transit Pedestrian Tunnel Part of Big Changes for Train Station
Dan Radel, Asbury Park Press, Feb 20 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation will fund the construction of a pedestrian tunnel, which will replace the sound barrier wall and increase accessibility in Long Branch’s Transit Village District. This tunnel will improve access at the Long Branch Station, and support transit-oriented development in the community.
Transit and Equity News
NORTH CAROLINA—The NRP Group, Partners and Local Officials Cut Ribbon on Transit-Oriented, Affordable Community in Charlotte, N.C.
Staff Writer, BusinessWire, Feb 23 2023
The City of Charlotte, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, and InLivian (formerly known as the Charlotte Housing Authority) have joined forces to open Sundale Flats. The affordable housing community comprises 180 units and is located a half-mile from the Old Concord Station on the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail system and a multi-use trail that will be part of the 26-mile Cross Charlotte Trail. Bank of America also provided financing for Sundale Flats and Community Housing Resource Partners, Inc. acted as the project’s not-for-profit development partner.
MASSACHUSETTS—Investments of $67 Million to Create and Preserve 802 Income-Restricted Homes in Boston
Staff Writer, City of Boston MA, Feb 16 2023
The City of Boston has committed $67 million to create and preserve over 800 income-restricted units of housing across eight neighborhoods. Through strategic partnerships, this funding from the mayor’s Office of Housing, the Community Preservation Fund, and the Neighborhood Housing Trust will support strategic partnerships and further the development of fair housing and transit-oriented development.
Regional and National TOD News
NEW YORK—Governor Hochul Announces Port Jervis as the $10 Million Mid-Hudson Region Winner of Sixth-Round Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Staff Writer, The State of New York, Feb 21 2023
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) has awarded $10 million in funding to Port Jervis to revitalize its downtown and create new opportunities for long-term growth. The city plans to use the award to promote livability through improved housing and public transit using energy efficient projects.
TEXAS—The Houston Report: Metro’s New Vision for Transit-Oriented Development
Brina Morales, Greater Houston Partnership, Feb 20 2023
The Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston (Metro) recently passed policy promoting transit-oriented development (TOD) and supporting high-density housing and economic activity near its transit stations. This new policy aligns with Metro’s exploration into TOD opportunities at the Tidwell Transit Center, efforts supported by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The updated policy allows the agency to develop Metro-owned properties, facilitate development around Metro service stations, or pursue joint development opportunities on property Metro does not own through both public and private partnerships.
RHODE ISLAND—Forum Explores How Transit-Oriented Development Can Ease Rhode Island’s Housing Crisis
Allegra Zamore, NBC 10 News, Feb 17 2023
State and local leaders gathered recently to discuss how transit-oriented development can help alleviate the affordable housing crisis. Participants examined strategies for creating vibrant neighborhoods with housing options close to jobs and services.
‘I’ll call an Uber or 911’: Why Gen Z doesn’t want to drive
Shannon Osaka, The Washington Post, Feb 13 2023
Members of Generation Z are increasingly turning away from cars and embracing alternative forms of transportation, such as ride-sharing and electric scooters. This shift presents an opportunity for policymakers and city planners to support transit-oriented development, and if sustained could significantly reduce carbon emissions and benefit the environment.
International TOD News
DUBAI—LWK + PARTNERS Awarded Lead Architect for DIFC First Mixed-Use Development – DIFC Living and Innovation Two
Tala Alnounou, Zawya, Feb 21 2023
DIFC Living and Innovation Two will develop the first mixed-use development in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Plans call for more than 170 residences, and 144,155 sq. ft. of offices and co-working spaces. The transit-oriented development will utilize sustainable design through environmentally conscious building methods, biophilic design, and LEED green building rating standards.
AFGHANISTAN—The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative in Afghanistan: Obstacles, Opportunities, and The Taliban’s Perspective
Farzad Ramezani Bonesh, Silk Road Briefing – Dezan Shira & Associates, Feb 20 2023
The Taliban is negotiating with China and pushing for economic support through transit-oriented Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. The group sees the BRI as the path toward Afghanistan’s development, redevelopment and re-integration with Central Asia. Beijing supports the country with transportation projects and smaller, lower-cost projects, as well as economic aid to secure successful investments in Afghanistan.
MEXICO—Mexico City Introduces New E-buses with Support from ZEBRA
Staff Writer, C40 Cities, Feb 20 2023
Mexico City’s Metrobús is working towards its 2035 goal of electrifying its entire bus fleet, enabled by assistance from the Zero-Emission Bus Rapid Deployment Accelerator (ZEBRA). Mexico City’s electric bus fleet is already the largest in Latin America and one of the biggest worldwide, benefiting 1.8 million daily riders. ZEBRA’s partnership with C40 Cities, ICCT, and other organizations is driving the deployment of electric buses for low-carbon transport, as well as other solutions for transit-oriented development.