FTA fully funds Gateway (right); Opposition to turnpike widening grows; Combating housing discrimination at state & local level; Freeway funds repurposed for transit-friendly planning; Sydney unveils new TOD precinct rezoning (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Gateway Development Commission Secures Full Funding to Build Hudson River Tunnel, Rehabilitate Existing North River Tunnel
Brandon Lewis, Mass Transit Magazine, July 9 2024
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) has secured $12 billion in federal funding for the Hudson River Tunnel project, adding to the $4 billion already committed. This includes $6.9 billion from the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants, the largest grant ever signed by the FTA, and $4.1 billion in Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans. The $16 billion project cost will be split 70/30 between USDOT and local partners, including New York, New Jersey, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The project aims to improve train travel and support
economic vitality, with heavy construction starting soon.
NJ TOD News
MILLBURN—Judge Orders One of NJ’s Richest Towns to Put Affordable Housing Downtown
Mike Hayes, Gothamist, July 10 2024
Superior Court Judge Cynthia Santomauro has ordered Millburn Township to proceed with a 100 percent affordable housing development at 9 Main St, less than a quarter mile from the NJ TRANSIT station. Currently, the site houses the town’s public works facilities and is a block from shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Frustrated by Millburn officials’ delays, Santomauro may issue a court order adopting the agreement and fine Millburn until documents are signed. This decision addresses the township’s failure to meet affordable housing obligations, contributing to the state’s goal of
equitable housing distribution.
RARITAN—Future of This ‘Exceptionally Decrepit’ N.J. Mall Will Be Decided Next Week
Rebecca Health, NJ.com, July 10 2024
On July 16th, the Raritan Borough Council will vote on a $96.3 million redevelopment plan for the vacant Raritan Mall on Route 206. The plan includes a five-story mixed-use complex with 28,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 276 residential units to address affordable housing needs. Mayor Nicolas Carra anticipates a close vote despite mixed resident reactions, citing potential economic growth and environmental remediation benefits covered by the developer. The site is accessible via NJ TRANSIT bus routes 114 and 117.
JERSEY CITY—Jersey City Steps Up Opposition to Turnpike Widening Plan
Zach Blackburn, New Jersey Globe, July 9 2024
Jersey City officials, including Mayor Steven Fulop, oppose a $10.7 billion New Jersey Turnpike widening project, citing environmental concerns and calling for an independent study by the U.S. Coast Guard. They argue the current environmental review is flawed and fear increased traffic and pollution, advocating for rail infrastructure improvements instead. This has sparked debate among state leaders and potential gubernatorial candidates over community safety and taxpayer funds.
MADISON—Madison Council Approves Grant Application to Build Six Units of Affordable Housing
Alesia Bani, TAPinto Madison, July 9 2024
The Madison Council unanimously approved a $400,000 grant application by HQM Properties to construct six units of affordable housing at 30 Central Ave. This development, recently zoned for approval, is located less than a quarter mile from the train station, ensuring easy access for commuters. Its proximity to public transportation aims to offer convenient housing options for residents reliant on transit, thereby bolstering community accessibility.
Transit and Equity News
WASHINGTON—Amazon Housing Equity Fund to Create and Preserve 14,000 Affordable Housing Units with $1.4 Billion Investment
Staff Writer, Multifamily, July 12 2024
Amazon will increase its commitment to the Amazon Housing Equity Fund by $1.4 billion, aiming to create 14,000 affordable housing units. This brings the total fund to $3.6 billion, supporting more than 35,000 homes across the Puget Sound region, the Arlington, Virginia/National Capital region, and Nashville, Tennessee. The initiative prioritizes housing for essential workers, with 92 percent of the homes located near transit hubs like bus and rail stations in Seattle, Bellevue, Arlington, and Nashville. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the company’s dedication to maintaining affordable housing for the next century, ensuring stability for thousands of families.
The Best Plan for Housing Is to Plan Less
Bryan Caplan, The New York Times, July 11 2024
Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University, advocates for housing deregulation as a comprehensive solution to multiple social and economic issues. Caplan argues that reducing housing regulations can lower home prices, decrease wealth inequality, boost productivity, and support environmental goals. He emphasizes the wide-ranging benefits of such reforms, calling for bipartisan support to achieve these objectives.
NEW YORK—City of Yes Housing Proposal Picks Up New Support Ahead of Crucial Hearing
Greg David, The City, July 10 2024
The City of Yes zoning proposal aims to address NYC’s housing crisis by encouraging new developments citywide, targeting 58,000 to 109,000 homes over 15 years as part of a larger goal to add half a million units in a decade. Changes include removing parking requirements, offering bonuses for affordable housing, and easing rules for smaller buildings and accessory dwelling units. Despite backing from borough presidents and officials, it meets resistance from low-density area residents, facing critical review at next Wednesday’s City Planning Commission meeting.
To Make Housing More Affordable and Accessible, Start with Better Bus Systems
Heather Thompson, EL PAÍS, July 9 2024
Heather Thompson, CEO of the ITDP, critiques U.S. urban planning for exacerbating housing costs and inequality, advocating instead for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). BRT systems offer comparable passenger capacity to metro rail but at lower costs, efficiently moving tens of thousands of riders per hour while occupying minimal road space. With features like dedicated lanes and off-board fare collection, BRT enhances speed, accessibility, and gains traction in cities like Pittsburgh and San Francisco for its ability to improve air quality, stimulate job growth, and provide affordable transit options.
The White House Just Took Steps to Combat Housing Discrimination. States and Local Governments Should Follow
Jasmine Rangel, SmartCities Dive, July 9 2024
Jasmine Rangel, senior housing associate at PolicyLink, argues that the recent actions by the Biden administration to combat housing discrimination are crucial amid a growing eviction crisis. She urges states and local governments to follow suit by enacting policies that facilitate equitable housing access, such as regulating tenant screening practices to ensure fair treatment for renters with low credit scores or eviction records. Rangel offers that measures such as Philadelphia’s Renters’ Access Act provide a blueprint for addressing housing insecurity and promoting fair housing practices nationwide.
Regional and National TOD News
CALIFORNIA—Better Bike Paths, Safer Sidewalks, More Green Space Coming to El Sereno — Starting With Eastern Ave. Makeover This Fall
Fiona Ng, LAist, July 10 2024
Starting this fall, El Sereno will see improvements such as better bike paths, safer sidewalks, and additional trees, funded by unused money from the defunct 710 freeway extension project. Led by the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Kevin de Leon, this initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance infrastructure on three major roads, Eastern Ave, Valley Blvd, and Huntington Dr. Improvements will include pedestrian, biking, and transit-friendly upgrades, such as a peak hour bus lane on Valley Blvd.
PENNSYLVANIA—SEPTA Is Moving Forward With Plans to Reimagine Ambler’s Regional Rail Station
Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, WHYY, July 8 2024
SEPTA has advanced plans to redevelop a large surface parking lot near its Regional Rail station in Ambler. SEPTA has received approval to solicit proposals from developers for the transit-oriented development project, which aims to replace the underutilized parking with mixed-use residential and retail spaces. Ambler Borough and Montgomery County are also adjusting zoning codes to accommodate this redevelopment, highlighting community support for revitalizing the area around the station.
MINNESOTA—An Open Letter on the Future of Lyndale Avenue
Philip Schartz, Streets.mn, July 5 2024
In an open letter to the community, resident Philip Schwartz, a volunteer with Move Minnesota, advocates for transit-friendly planning for Minneapolis’s Lyndale Avenue. The reconstruction project, now in the planning stage, will focus on a corridor that has prioritized car traffic but is home to shops, restaurants, and community spaces. Schwartz argues for safety upgrades like pedestrian medians, bump outs, and raised crossings, plus a dedicated two-way biking lane to 31st Street. These changes aim to make the corridor more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly, reducing car dependence and improving safety while supporting local businesses, increasing accessibility, and fostering a vibrant community.
International TOD News
AUSTRALIA—Rezoning for Sydney’s First TOD Precincts Unveiled
Renee McKeown, Urbanity, July 11 2024
The NSW Government has unveiled rezoning proposals for three transit-oriented development (TOD) precincts in Sydney, potentially adding 30,000 (AUD) apartments to address the housing crisis. The precincts at Hornsby, Kellyville, and Bella Vista are prioritized for high growth and include affordable housing targets. The state government has allocated $520 million (AUD) for community infrastructure to support these developments. These TOD zones aim to create vibrant, interconnected hubs around new metro stations, enhancing accessibility and reducing urban sprawl.
MALAYSIA—Klang Valley’s Low MRT Ridership and How to Fix It
Boo Jia Cher, Free Malaysia Today, July 8 2024
In this letter to the editor, Boo Jua Cher discusses challenges faced by the Klang Valley MRT system in Klang Valley and how they might be addressed. He cites unsupportive land uses near stations, such as highways, parking lots, and low-density areas. This situation, combined with a deeply ingrained car culture and a weak bus system, reduces the efficiency and attractiveness of the MRT. Proposed solutions include transit-oriented development (TOD), improved bus networks, prioritized pedestrian infrastructure, and congestion pricing.
INDIA—Ghaziabad Masterplan 2031: After RRTIS Influence Zones, UP Government Initiates Transit-Oriented Development Along Metro Corridors
Staff Writer, Swarajya, July 8 2024
The Utter Pradesh government has instructed the Ghaziabad Development Authority to designate 500 meters of land along metro corridors as transit-oriented development (TOD) zones, as part of the draft Master Plan 2031. This move aims to promote efficient land use and sustainable development, reduce sprawl, and enhance public transit networks. Ghaziabad currently has two metro corridors, with additional TOD zones already designated along the eight stations of the regional rapid transit system (RRTS). The draft Plan is expected to receive
final approval in the coming months.