How to lower NJ rent prices (right); Riverside’s Watch Case Building redevelopment; Blueprint San Diego; Busting congestion pricing myths; Learning from Tokyo and Toronto (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
It Really Is Possible to Lower New Jersey’s Rent Prices. Seriously. Here’s How
Danielle Zanzalari, NorthJersey.com, July 15 2024
Seton Hall Economics professor Danielle Zanzalari argues that to lower rent prices in New Jersey, state leaders should focus on increasing the housing supply rather than banning landlords from using algorithmic pricing software. She suggests that encouraging the development of duplexes and apartments through rezoning and reducing regulatory barriers can help achieve this. Evidence from cities like Austin, Texas, demonstrates that rent prices tend to decrease in areas where housing supply exceeds demand.
NJ TOD News
HACKENSACK & JERSEY CITY—Multifamily Milestones: The Jefferson Hits Lease-up, Starling See 75%
Jessica Perry, NJBIZ, July 24 2024
Two transit-friendly projects have reached milestones. The Jefferson, located about a third of a mile from the New Bridge Landing Station on the Pascack Valley Line in Uptown Hackensack, has fully leased its third and final phase, providing 377 rental units. In Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, partners Alpine Residential and Fields Grade report that Starling, a 39-unit boutique development, has been 75 percent leased. Starling is located about a quarter mile from Liberty State Park Station on the Hudson Bergen Light Rail Line.
JERSEY CITY—Jersey City Unveils History-Minded Bergen Square Revamp
Chris Fry, Jersey Digs, July 24 2024
Jersey City’s historic Bergen Square, first used by the Lenni Lenape and dating back to 1660, has been revitalized with modern enhancements. Mayor Fulop and city officials celebrated the transformation of former parking lots into a 5,400 sq. ft. pedestrian plaza featuring green space, community event areas, and safety upgrades. This project, which began in 2018, includes new bus shelters, native landscaping, and historical signage, emphasizing the area’s significance in American history.
RIVERSIDE—A Burlington County Town’s Long-Vacant Landmark Could Become Apartments if Rooftop Antennas Don’t Derail Plans
Kevin Riordan, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 22 2024
The historic Watch Case Building in Riverside, once the world’s largest producer of metal cases for pocket watches, is undergoing redevelopment by Sheharyar Shaikh. Situated near the Riverside light rail station within a designated New Jersey Transit Village, this landmark features a seven-story clock tower and has been vacant for years. The redevelopment project aims to convert the building into residential apartments, with the goal of fostering further revitalization in the downtown area. Note: Access may require a subscription.
FANWOOD—Fanwood Economic Development Update
Staff Writer, TAPinto Scotch Plains, July 19 2024
Several redevelopment projects near the Fanwood Station have reached significant milestones. A mixed-use project at 40 South Ave has received its certificate of occupancy and has leased 8 of 28 units. The SoHo at Fanwood Station at 282 South Avenue anticipates completion in April 2025 and will offer 58 units and first floor retail. Redevelopment of the former Fanwood Animal Hospital at 70 South Ave is slated for spring 2025 and will offer 12 units.
RARITAN—Raritan Council Turns Down Raritan Mall Redevelopment for Second Time
Sam Haut, TAPinto Raritan, July 19 2024
The Raritan Borough Council unanimously declined a redevelopment plan to construct apartments at the defunct Raritan Mall site. The council debated rezoning the area from mixed-use to residential, but concerns over environmental issues, lack of public support, and a preference for a grocery store led to the rejection. The proposed development included 275 units with affordable housing, but opposition highlighted the area’s contamination
history and the developer’s insufficient efforts to improve the property.
Transit and Equity News
CALIFORNIA—More Apartments, Less Segregation, Fewer Cars: San Diego OKs Sweeping Changes to Growth Blueprint
David Garrick, The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 24 2024
San Diego’s new growth blueprint, Blueprint SD, aims to address climate change, expedite neighboring zoning revisions, and reverse racial segregation. The plan focuses on increasing high-density housing in transit-accessible areas, encouraging multi-family housing in predominantly White areas, and reducing the city’s reliance on cars. Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized that Blueprint SD will help meet housing needs, support economic growth, and advance climate goals.
OREGON—A Decades-Long Partnership with PSU Helps Metro Guide Investment and Development in the Portland Region
Lacey Friedly, Portland State University News, July 24 2024
Portland State University researchers are surveying residents of 37 new apartment buildings in the Portland area to understand their travel habits. This data helps Metro refine its transit-oriented development (TOD) funding model to ensure new development meet intended outcomes, such as increased transit ridership and reduced car use. Since its inception in 1998, Metro’s TOD program has invested over $40 million to support the construction of approximately 6,800 housing units near transit, aligning with the region’s goals of preserving natural areas and promoting economic growth.
PENNSYLVANIA—Frankford CDC Is Planning a Mixed-Income Apartment Building Next to the El
Jake Blumgart, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 23 2024
The Frankford Community Development Corporation (CDC) is set to develop a mixed-income apartment building adjacent to the Market-Frankford El. This project will feature both subsidized and market-rate apartments, along with a grocery store and a long-awaited public health center. The development aims to provide diverse housing options and essential services to the Frankford neighborhood.
WASHINGTON—Five Flaws That Would Destine WA’s TOD Bills to Backfire
Dan Bertolet, Sightline Institute, July 19 2024
Washington’s transit-oriented development (TOD) bills aimed to address housing shortages but faces criticism due to unfunded inclusionary zoning (IZ), which could hinder homebuilding and push development away from transit areas. Dan Bertolet, senior director of Sightline Institute’s Housing and Cities program sees this approach as counterproductive in that it could restrict the housing supply. He proposes community-funded IZ to better support mixed-income housing near transit without the negative impacts of unfunded mandates.
Regional and National TOD News
NEW YORK—Op-Ed | Busting 6 Congestion Pricing Myths
Renae Reynolds and Arturo Garcia-Costas, amNewYork, July 23 2024
Despite public opposition fueled by misinformation, congestion pricing in New York is essential for improving mass transit, reducing pollution, and generating $15 billion for infrastructure upgrades, according to Renae Reynolds of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Arturo Garcia-Costas of The New York Community Trust. They cite successful examples from cities like London, Singapore, and Stockholm to debunk myths about congestion pricing harming low-income commuters and businesses, showing significant traffic reduction and enhanced public transport funding. Congestion pricing will benefit all New Yorkers by enhancing public transportation across the city and improving regional connectivity, not just in Manhattan.
TEXAS—Meet the People Choosing to Live Car-Free in Dallas
Uma Bhat and Lilly Kersh, The Dallas Morning News | Mass Transit, July 23 2024
Living car-free presents both challenges and benefits. Despite its car-dependent infrastructure, many Dallas residents are embracing other modes such Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), biking, and walking, finding them more economical and environmentally friendly, and less stressful than owning a car. The trend reflects a growing shift towards public transit and other non-car options, driven by rising costs and a desire for more sustainable lifestyles.
NEW YORK—Parts of NYC’s Housing Proposal Can Work on Staten Island, Say Real Estate Experts
Tracey Propora, SILive.com, July 22 2024
Staten Island real estate experts support aspects of NYC’s “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, particularly transit-oriented and town center zoning, which could boost housing near transit hubs and commercial centers, improving transit use and community development. However, they oppose accessory dwellings, backyard cottages, and “tiny houses” as a rule due to concerns about parking and infrastructure compatibility in the car-centric borough. Residents and officials also express significant opposition, fearing these changes would disrupt the borough’s quiet character.
WASHINGTON—Kirkland Advances Catalyst Project for ‘10-Minute Neighborhood’ Near Houghton
Ryan Packer, The Urbanist, July 22 2024
Kirkland plans to transform the underutilized 2.2-acre Houghton Village shopping center into a walkable urban neighborhood with community space, affordable housing, and cultural amenities, leveraging its proximity to transit and the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail. Purchased by the City in 2022 for $14 million, the project aims to reconcile tensions between residents seeking to preserve the status quo and those advocating for increased density and public benefits. The Kirkland City Council is expected to finalize a development plan by the end of the year, aiming to balance community needs with broader city priorities.
International TOD News
What Cities Can Learn From How Tokyo and Toronto Approach Transit-Oriented Development
Shonda Wang, Next City, July 24 2024
Shonda Wan, a principal at SvN, draws on personal and professional experiences to promote the adoption of a more integrated approach to transit-oriented development in North American cities. She argues that successful TOD often relies on a unified public organization with expertise in both infrastructure and commercial development, a streamlined approach to policy, and early planning to maximize the value and community benefits of transit infrastructure investments. By viewing transit stations as multi-use hubs rather than single-use entities, cities can address housing crises, reduce carbon footprints, and foster community resilience.
PERU—Urban Planning in Lima, Peru
Marcelo Remond, Planetizen, July 23 2024
Lima, Peru, offers a unique perspective on urban planning, showcasing both challenges and innovations. The city’s history, from the Incan Empire to Spanish colonization, has shaped its development, leading to a centralization of resources and population. Modern Lima faces issues such as informal housing and chaotic public transportation, exacerbated by unregulated “Combi” microbuses operated by private companies. However, the city demonstrates promise through projects like the Metropolitano BRT and the expanding metro system, which aim to provide efficient, high-quality transit options for its residents.