California passes housing bills (left); Paterson gets NJEDA grant; NYC may limit council power; Chicago’s downtown solution; Experts discuss high-speed rail (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
CALIFORNIA—Governor Newsom Signs into Law Groundbreaking Reforms to Build More Housing, Boost Affordability
Press Release, State of California | June 30, 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two major housing bills aimed at increasing affordability and accelerating construction. The new laws streamline California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews—exempting many urban infill and affordable housing projects—and freeze new residential building code updates through 2031 to reduce costs.
NJ TOD News
PATERSON—$590k NJEDA Grant Targeted to Jumpstart Long-Delayed Revitalization of Paterson Downtown
Gabriella Dragone, TAPinto Paterson | July 3, 2025
NJEDA has awarded Paterson a $590,000 grant to advance its long-delayed downtown revitalization efforts. The funding will support redevelopment around the downtown business district, focusing on improved lighting, beautification, pedestrian accessibility, and attracting transit-oriented development. The initiative will also prioritize public engagement, inviting community input to help shape Paterson’s future.
NEW BRUNSWICK—SJP Breaks Ground on 370,000 sq. Ft. Research, Office Building for Nokia Bell Labs at New Brunswick’s Helix Campus
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | July 2, 2025
SJP Properties has broken ground on a 370,000 sq. ft. tower in downtown New Brunswick that will become the new global headquarters for Nokia Bell Labs. The project marks Phase 2 of the HELIX life science campus project. Slated for completion in 2027, the tower is part of a transit-oriented effort to establish New Brunswick as a premier East Coast research hub.
JERSEY CITY—670-Unit Project Breaks Ground at 290 Coles Street in Jersey City, New Jersey
Max Gillespie, New York YIMBY | July 1, 2025
Construction is underway on two residential towers at 290 Coles Street in downtown Jersey City. The project continues the area’s trend of infill development, converting a vacant lot into 670 new apartments and 13,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail. The site is within walking distance of Hoboken’s PATH Station and several light rail stops.
NEWARK—MIG Real Estate: New Apartments, Retail Space Coming to Newark’s Iconic Griffith Building
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | June 30, 2025
Park Builders Group is redeveloping Newark’s iconic Griffith Building into a mixed-use project featuring apartments and 20,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail. Located within walking distance of Newark Penn Station and multiple light rail stops, the long-vacant building will add to recent TOD infill in the Broad + Market Transit Village area.
SOUTH AMBOY—BNE Opens 205-Unit South Amboy Rental Project as Waterfront Redevelopment Project Advances
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | June 30, 2025
BNE Real Estate Group has opened The Pearl at Station Bay, a 205-unit apartment building located directly across from South Amboy Station. The project is the second phase of a broader waterfront redevelopment, following BNE’s completion of a nearby apartment complex in 2021. Built on a formerly vacant industrial site, the development helps reconnect the city’s downtown with its waterfront.
METUCHEN—Metuchen Moves Forward With Forum Revitalization Through State Grant Program
Sarah Salvadore, Patch | June 16, 2025
The Borough of Metuchen has applied to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for funding through the Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) program to restore the town’s historic Forum Theater. If approved, the project would establish a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of the downtown business district, just minutes from Metuchen Station.
Transit and Equity News
WISCONSIN—Duplex the Right Thing, City Officials Urge
Liam Beran, Isthmus | July 4, 2025
Madison city officials are weighing a proposal to allow duplexes in all residential zones as part of an effort to increase housing supply and affordability. After decades of single-family zoning, proponents argue that modest density measures—like duplexes—are key to addressing the housing shortage and fostering more inclusive neighborhoods. Some residents remain skeptical of the approach.
NEW YORK—N.Y.C. Ballot Measures Would Curb Council Powers and Reschedule Elections
Mihir Zaveri, The New York Times | July 1, 2025
Mayor Eric Adams’ Charter Revision Commission has introduced five ballot measures to limit the City Council’s power to block new housing. The proposals would give more power to Borough Presidents and the City Planning Commission, enabling them to overrule City Council housing vetoes. Supporters say the measures would reduce barriers to new construction; critics warn they may weaken local protections and fuel gentrification.
COLORADO—Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Opens in Denver Metro Area, Offers Easy Access to RTD Station
Kennedy Cook, CBS News | June 28, 2025
The $28 million South Platte Apartments in Commerce City have opened, delivering 60 permanently affordable units for households earning 30 to 80 percent of area median income. Located near Commerce City/72nd Avenue RTD Station and the Commerce City Community Campus, the project offers residents convenient access to transit and essential services.
Regional and National TOD News
FLORIDA—JTA Board Approves Lease Agreement With Gateway Jax
Ric Anderson, Jacksonville Daily Record | July 1, 2025
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority board has approved a 99-year ground lease with Gateway Jax to build 250 apartments and 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on a vacant parcel near the Rosa L. Parks Transit Station. Fifteen percent of the apartments will be reserved for workforce housing. The project is part of Gateway’s broader $2 billion downtown redevelopment initiative.
UTAH—East Central Apartment Project Seeks Upzone Along 400 South
Luke Garrott, Building Salt Lake | July 1, 2025
The owner of five adjacent lots has submitted a request to upzone to allow construction of a four-story, mixed-use apartment building. The proposed zoning change would enable an additional 12 units, bringing the total to 84 units and 650 sq. ft. of commercial space within walking distance of the 900 East light rail station.
ILLINOIS—Struggling Downtowns Are Looking to Lure New Crowds
Zach Mortice, Bloomberg | June 30, 2025
To address high post-pandemic office vacancies, Chicago is repurposing pre-war downtown buildings for residential use. Plans call for thousands of new housing units, with city planners and developers exploring options like co-living, micro-units, and multi-bedroom apartments to support affordability and attract both young professionals and families.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Stacks Opens on Former Washington, DC, Industrial Site
Mary Salmonsen, Multifamily Dive | June 27, 2025
The first phase of The Stacks has opened in Washington, D.C., adding 1,100 residential units—126 designated as affordable—across three new buildings, along with retail and public space. Located on a former industrial site, the project is part of a broader plan to create a transit-accessible neighborhood with 2,000 homes and 80,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
International TOD News
ITALY—Webuild Signs Contract to Build 4-km Section of Rome’s Metro Line C
Staff, TBM | July 1, 2025
Rome’s long delayed Metro C Line is advancing as Webuild signed a contract to build a key 4-kilometer segment (T2) beneath the Tiber River. The section will include four new stations and is part of the 26-kilometer line designed to link the city’s southeastern and northwestern suburbs while minimizing disruption to archaeological sites. The new line is expected to improve regional connectivity and expand mobility options.
INDIA—Chennai’s New Master Plan to Focus on Inclusive Urban Growth by Factoring in Economic Activity Labour Patterns
C Shivakumar, The New Indian Express | June 30, 2025
Chennai’s new master plan shifts from a land-use-only approach toward a more integrated strategy that considers economic activity and commuting patterns. The plan prioritizes informal employment, mixed-use development, and affordable housing near job centers and transit, aiming to support more inclusive urban growth.
Panel: Doing High-Speed Rail Right
Roger Rudick, Streetsblog SF | June 30, 2025
At a San Francisco panel, high-speed rail experts from Japan, France, and Germany offered insights to inform California’s efforts. Japan stressed reliability and frequent service along with sustained safety investments. France underscored the importance of broad political support, in contrast to the polarized nature of high-speed rail in U.S. politics. Germany focused on multimodal integration to support car-free travel and enhance convenience for riders.