Judge blocks NJ affordable housing lawsuit (left); NJ tries to stop congestion toll; Housing equity in San Antonio; ATP advances Austin Light Rail project; Delhi plans for cable cars (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Judge Rejects 26 NJ Towns’ Attempt to Stop Affordable Housing Law from Moving Forward
Mike Hayes, Gothamist | January 2, 2025
A New Jersey judge denied a request from 26 municipalities to halt the state’s affordable housing process, rejecting their claims of overburden. The towns, suing to overturn the mandate to build over 84,000 affordable homes in the state by 2035, plan to appeal. The judge ruled that the public interest in affordable housing outweighed their objections and that delays could harm low- and moderate-income households.
For more information about the ruling, also see this post by Creigh Rahenkamp, Chair, APA New Jersey Housing Committee, Housing Compliance Update (1/3/2025).
NJ TOD News
New Jersey Asks Judge to Block Congestion Pricing in Manhattan Before It Starts Sunday
Jon Campbell, Gothamist | January 1, 2025
Gov. Phil Murphy’s office has urged a judge to block New York City’s congestion pricing program, set to begin January 5, by seeking clarification on a recent decision. New Jersey argues the decision, requiring the MTA to explain parts of the congestion program’s mitigation plan, effectively revoked key federal approvals and wants the toll paused until the MTA responds. New York and the MTA, however, assert the ruling won’t delay the program’s launch.
JERSEY CITY—W&D: Nasser Freres Inks $245 Million Loan to Complete Journal Square Rental Tower
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | January 1, 2025
Nasser Freres secured a $245 million construction loan to complete The Greyson, a 622-unit apartment tower in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood. The project also includes 44,551 sq. ft. of office space and 2,965 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail. Located near the Journal Square Transportation Center, it will offer residents and tenants easy access to Lower and Midtown Manhattan through PATH and NJ TRANSIT.
NJ TRANSIT Breaks Ground on $497 Million Flood-Protected Rail Yard
Bill Hartnett, Jersey Digs | December 27, 2024
NJ TRANSIT has begun construction on a $497 million facility near New Brunswick to protect its fleet from extreme weather events. The Delco Lead and County Yard Storage and Inspection Facility will feature flood-resistant storage tracks and a 1,250-foot-long inspection and maintenance center. Partially funded by federal and state sources, the project aims to prevent damage like that caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and improve service recovery during severe weather events.
Transit and Equity News
NEW YORK—Who is New York’s ‘Affordability’ Candidate? Who Isn’t?
Eliza Shapiro, The New York Times | January 2, 2025
New York’s affordability crisis has fueled competing housing proposals from Mayor Eric Adams and other candidates. Adams’ “City of Yes” initiative targets 80,000 new homes, while state senator and mayoral candidate Zellnor Myrie pledges one million. With the 2025 election nearing, affordable housing dominates the agenda as voters grapple with rising living costs.
TEXAS—The Power of Housing and Transportation in San Antonio’s Vulnerable Communities
Kelly Annis and Elizabeth Van Horn, Urban Land | January 2, 2025
ULI San Antonio, in partnership with VIA Metropolitan Transit and LISC, are tackling the city’s housing crisis by promoting diverse housing types and aligning them with transit. A community survery has gathered input on housing preferences to guide efforts. The initiative focuses on expanding affordable housing along the proposed Silver Line transit corridor while fostering support for transit-oriented development.
CALIFORNIA—Agreement Approved for 131 Apartments at Vista Sprinter Station
Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune | December 28, 2024
The North County Transit District (NCTD) has approved a deal with Tideline Partners to build 131 apartments and 2,000 sq. ft. of retail space at Vista Civic Center Sprinter Stations. The development will include 73 units market-rate rentals, 37 units for middle-income households, and 21 units for low-income households. NCTD is a strong advocate of transit-oriented development, with a total of 2,341 units planned across multiple projects.
Regional and National TOD News
FLORIDA—Boca Raton Tri-Rail Station Set for Major Upgrade
Jossie Carbonare, WPBF News, | January 3, 2025
Boca Raton leaders approved Tri-Rail’s plan for a mixed-use development on a vacant and parking lots next to the Boca Raton Tri-Rail Station. The project, set to begin within two years, will include 340 residential units and 30,000 sq. ft. of retail and dining space. Tri-Rail is also constructing a similar development in downtown Miami next to its Central Station.
NEW YORK—Mixed-Income ‘Pelham House’ Project Advances With Financing In Place
Jeff Edwards, Patch | January 3, 2025
Pelham House secured $73 million to transform a former parking lot and firehouse into a five-story transit-oriented development near Pelham Station on the Metro-North New Haven Line. The project will feature 127 mixed-income homes, 5,300 sq. ft. of retail space, and a 27,000-sq. ft. municipal center. Set for completion by summer 2027, it aims to revitalize the downtown area and address local housing needs
TEXAS—ATP Selects Delivery Team for $7bn Austin Light Rail Project
Staff, GlobalData | January 2, 2025
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has selected the LINC Austin team, including AECOM and Parsons, to manage the $7 billion Austin Light Rail project. The team will handle project management, construction oversight, and technical services for the city’s first light rail system. The 9.8-mile system will feature 15 stations, and aims to improve public transit, ease traffic congestion, and support Austin’s growth with sustainable, high-frequency service.
WASHINGTON—2025 Is Poised to Be the Year of the Eastside
Ryan Packer and Doug Trumm, Urbanist | January 1, 2025
The Urbanist has named 2025 the “Year of the Eastside,” highlighting major light rail expansions and new developments. Sound Transit’s 2 Line, connecting Redmond, Mercer Island, and Seattle, marks a key milestone. This growth will spur transit-oriented development, especially in Bellevue’s Wilburton and Redmond’s Overlake neighborhoods.
International TOD News
INDIA—Delhi to Introduce Cable Cars for Transportation? Other Cities Using Urban Ropeways in the World
Neha Choubey, Native Planet | January 2, 2025
Delhi plans to introduce a cable car system across the Yamuna River as a pollution-free, efficient transport alternative. The system will connect areas near metro stations on both sides of the river, helping to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Inspired by successful global examples like La Paz and Mexico City, this project aims to improve urban mobility, enhance connectivity, and support sustainable development.
EUROPE—When It Comes to Getting Serious About Active Transportation in Europe It Starts With Street Parking
Ron Johnson, Momentum Magazine | December 30, 2024
Cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Copenhagen are reimagining urban spaces by removing car parking and lanes to make way for safer, more sustainable cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. This shift, driven by the EU’s Green Deal, supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize active transportation. These changes also improve urban livability, making cities more accessible and healthier for residents.