How gentrification’s killing the bus (left); NJ’s primary candidates on housing; Sacramento as housing reform test case; CA TOD housing bill advances; Madrid’s ghost towns revived (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
CALIFORNIA—How Gentrification is Killing the Bus: California’s Rising Rents Are Pushing Out Commuters
Ben Christopher, CalMatters | May 29, 2025
A UCLA study of census tracts in Los Angeles and Orange counties found that every $230 increase in rent corresponded with a 22 percent drop in transit ridership, as rising costs displaced low-income residents who rely on transit and brought in more affluent drivers. The findings highlight the significance of SB79, which would allow denser housing near major transit hubs to help curb displacement and expand access to transit.
NJ TOD News
BOUND BROOK—Bound Brook Unveils Its Newest Apartment Building
Brad Wadlow, My Central Jersey | June 6, 2025
Developer Denholtz has opened The Rail at Bound Brook, a 143-unit apartment complex situated a block from the Borough’s Main Street and NJ TRANSIT’s Raritan Valley Line station. The project is part of a broader development surge following flood mitigation work by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since those efforts, Bound Brook has attracted millions in investment, resulting in the addition of 700 apartment units and 40,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
Bill to Create Database of Affordable Housing Heads to Governor’s Desk
Josh Harrington, ROI-NJ | June 5, 2025
A bill to establish a publicly accessible database of affordable housing options in New Jersey is now headed to the governor’s desk after receiving State Senate approval. Known as S1277, the legislation calls for a user-friendly platform that consolidates affordable housing listings statewide. The system aims to improve access—particularly for seniors and veterans—by streamlining information into a single, centralized resource. Similar initiatives are under consideration in several other states.
SHORT HILLS—Silverman Group Bringing 62 New Rentals, Medical Office Space to Short Hills Site
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | June 5, 2025
Construction is underway on The Estates at Short Hills, a mixed-use development that will bring 62 rentals and 10,000 sq. ft. of medical office space to Short Hills by 2027. The site borders a commercial corridor and is located less than a quarter mile from the NJ TRANSIT Short Hills Station on the Morris & Essex line.
Recap: Gentle Density: Unlocking the Missing Middle in Housing
Staff, NJTOD | June 3, 2025
On May 29, NJTOD, NJ TRANSIT, and Downtown New Jersey hosted Gentle Density: Unlocking the Missing Middle in Housing, a panel exploring how medium-density housing—such as duplexes and townhomes—can expand housing options and improve affordability across New Jersey. Panelists drew on both professional expertise and personal experience to highlight how thoughtful design, policy reform, and community engagement can support increased density while maintaining neighborhood character.
RED BANK—As Luxury Buildings Rise, Red Bank’s “Missing Middle” Housing Disappears
Brian Donohue, Red Bank Green | June 2, 2025
Red Bank’s shortage of middle housing—driven by restrictive land use policies—has contributed to rising housing costs, limiting options for younger residents and retirees looking to downsize. As the Borough considers plans for the NJ TRANSIT station redevelopment, local debate centers on whether to promote affordability through gentle density or pursue a larger multi-family development.
WESTFIELD—Westfield OKs Changes to Closely Watched Plan for New Office, Residential Buildings Downtown
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | June 2, 2025
The Westfield Planning Board approved plans for One Westfield Place, a transit-oriented redevelopment of a vacant building and parking lot adjacent to the Westfield Station. The project includes 205 housing units, 200,000 sq. ft. of office space, and improved pedestrian infrastructure. Originally unveiled in fall 2022, the development faced delays due to litigation filed by residents.
NJ Primary 2025: Candidates for Governor on Housing Issues
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight News, May 29, 2025
New Jersey’s affordable housing shortage ranks as the second most important issue for voters in this year’s gubernatorial primaries, with candidates split on how to respond. Republican contenders broadly oppose the state’s “fair-share” mandates, arguing they drive suburban overdevelopment and strain infrastructure. Their proposals include repealing the mandates, shifting growth to urban centers, and deporting undocumented migrants to free up housing. Democratic candidates offer varied solutions, such as limiting bulk property purchases by corporations, capping rent increases, raising eviction fees, and promoting transit-oriented development.
Transit and Equity News
CALIFORNIA—Legislators Should Look to Sacramento as a Test Case on Housing Reform
Evan Cragin and Ben Raderstorf, The Sacramento Bee | June 3, 2025
As California legislators weigh the impact of two major housing reform bills, Sacramento offers an early case study. The City streamlined its housing approval process in 2020 and legalized apartments citywide in 2023—reforms that have already shown results. Despite continued population growth, average rent has dropped by an estimated $250 over the past year, with affordability gains seen in both affordable and market-rate units. Still, construction has been slow to respond, hampered by high interest rates and challenging market conditions.
NEW YORK—NYS to Spend $60M on HV Projects
Peter Katz, Westfair Business Journal | June 3, 2025
New York State’s Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund has awarded $60 million to support 10 affordable housing projects across the Hudson Valley. The funding will cover infrastructure improvements, including water treatment facilities, sidewalks, roads, and support for transit-oriented development. Altogether, the projects are expected to deliver 2,000 affordable units along with thousands of market-rate homes.
Regional and National TOD News
CALIFORNIA—Transit Oriented Housing Bill SB79 Advances in California State Senate
Staff, Vanguard | June 4, 2025
The California State Senate has passed SB79, a bill aimed at easing the housing crisis and expanding access to mass transit. The legislation legalizes higher-density housing—up to seven stories—within a half mile of rail stations and major rapid bus stops. It also allows transit agencies to approve even greater density on their properties without requiring local approval. The bill now moves to the Assembly.
UTAH—Layton Leaders OK Development Plan Around FrontRunner Station, Hope for ‘Vibrant Area’
Tim Vandenack, KSL | June 4, 2025
The Layton City Council approved the Layton Station Area Plan, which seeks to create a vibrant urban center by identifying land near the station suitable for transit-oriented development. Although much of the area around Layton Station is already developed, city officials emphasized that future projects would complement—not replace—the existing neighborhood. Construction is underway on a 253-unit apartment building and two commercial buildings.
ILLINOIS—Chicago Area Public Transit Faces Up to 40% Service Cuts
Dan Zukowski, Smart Cities Dive | June 2, 2025
The RTA faces a $770 million budget deficit after the General Assembly adjourned its spring session without providing funding. In response, the agency has proposed cutting public transit services by 40 percent, including up to 25 percent frequency reductions on all routes, suspending four rail lines entirely, and eliminating 74 of 127 CTA bus routes.
MINNESOTA—Rochester Finally Looks to Land $150M Apartment Building Next to Mayo Clinic Expansion
Trey Mewes, The Minnesota Star Tribune | May 30, 2025
After four years of planning and deliberation, a 340-unit apartment building is moving forward in downtown Rochester. The project will be located across from the future Mayo Clinic expansion and adjacent to one of seven new stations planned for the upcoming bus rapid transit line, which is set to begin construction next year.
International TOD News
SPAIN—Madrid’s Ghost Towns Revived as Spain’s Housing Crisis Escalates
Corina Pons and Charlie Devereux, Reuters | June 4, 2025 Spain’s “ghost towns,” largely abandoned after declines following the 2008 financial crisis, are experiencing renewed interest as soaring housing prices in Madrid push residents toward surrounding communities. With housing construction in the capital falling short by 15,000 homes annually, many are turning to more affordable options in peripheral towns. However, this shift comes with a trade-off: longer commutes compounded by unreliable transit and weak regional connectivity.
VIETNAM—Hanoi Pilots Special Mechanisms to Develop Urban Railway Network
Staff, Vietnam Net Global | June 4, 2025
The Hanoi People’s Committee has adopted a transit-oriented development plan that integrates TOD areas into the city’s transportation and electricity master plans to ensure adequate infrastructure. Construction on Metro Lines 2 and 5 will start later this year, with Line 3 expected to be fully operational by 2027.
CANADA—Winnipeg Councillors Begin Hearing on Fourplexes, Four-Storeys Zoning Changes
Cameron MacLean, CBC | June 2, 2025
Winnipeg City Councilors have begun hearings on a proposed rezoning to allow four residential units per lot and four-story buildings within a half-mile of transit routes. If the city misses its upzoning and housing targets next year, it risks losing over $329 million in federal grants.