NJ may redistribute housing obligations (right); Project in Bayonne progresses; Cambridge MA zoning overhaul; SEPTA plans TOD; Dubai’s new TOD plan (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
NJ Considers Redistributing Affordable Housing Requirements to Other Towns
Mike Hayes, Gothamist | March 4, 2025
The Fair Share Housing Center is challenging 68 NJ municipalities’ affordable housing resolutions and pushing for a redistribution of requirements. The group argues that reductions ignore regional housing needs. A decision on revised mandates is expected by the end of March.
NJ TOD News
JERSEY CITY—Two-Tower Residential Complex Announced for 290 Coles Street in Jersey City, New Jersey
Max Gillespie, New York Yimby | March 7, 2025
BXP plans a 670-unit mixed-use development at 290 Coles Street in Jersey City. The project includes 14- and 22-story towers, 70,000 sq. ft. of amenities, and 13,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail. Nearby transit options include the Hoboken Terminal and 2nd Street Station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.
BAYONNE—Developer Seeking Joint Venture for 286-Unit Rental Project at ‘Silk Lofts’ Site in Bayonne
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | March 6, 2025
The owner of a mixed-use development site in Bayonne is seeking a joint venture partner for Silk Lofts II, a fully approved project with a 25-year PILOT agreement. Located off Route 440 and a block from the 22nd Street Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station, the project includes 286 units and 5,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
NEWARK—930 McCarter Highway in Newark NJ Reaches Full Height: A New Landmark Reshaping Urban Landscape
Staff, ConstructionDive | March 4, 2025
The 25-story mixed-use development at 930 McCarter Highway in Newark reached full height in late February. Steps from the NJPAC/Center Street light rail station and Newark Penn Station, the project features 333 apartments, including 68 affordable units, and ground-floor retail. Boraie Development plans to start leasing in early 2026.
Transit and Equity News
WASHINGTON—Housing Diversity Corporation, STS Construction Break Ground on West Seattle Transit-Oriented Development
Press Release, EIN Presswire | March 6, 2025
Housing Diversity Corporation broke ground on an eight-story mixed-use development, near the future California Ave SW Light Rail Station in West Seattle. The development will offer 88 apartments, including 18 rent-restricted units, and 3,177 sq. ft. of ground floor retail.
MASSACHUSETTS—How Upzoning in Cambridge Broke the YIMBY Mold
Kriston Capps, Bloomberg | March 3, 2025
The Cambridge City Council approved a zoning reform in February allowing buildings up to six stories citywide, potentially unlocking 5,000 new units. Unlike typical single-family zoning reforms, it permits nearly 48 units per parcel. Years of grassroots advocacy drove the change, though some residents worry about displacement.
NEW YORK—Congestion Pricing Is Good for Low-Income Residents
Abdallah Fayyad, Vox | March 2, 2025
Despite congestion pricing opponents claiming it burdens poor residents, investing in affordable transit is the best solution for helping low-income commuters. Better transit reduces traffic and challenges motonormativity, which disproportionately burdens those with fewer transportation options.
Regional and National TOD News
FLORIDA—Baron Breaks Ground on Miami-Area Transit-Oriented Tower
Mary Salmonsen, Multifamily Dive | March 4, 2025
Baron Property Group has started construction on Metro Parc North, a 661-unit residential tower next to Hialeah’s Tri-Rail station. Leasing is expected to begin in late 2027. The project sits beside Metro Parc, a 433-unit mixed-use development completed in 2023.
HAWAII—City Launches Search for Developer to Transform Iwilei Center
Scott Humber, City of Honolulu | March 4, 2025
Honolulu has issued a Request for Qualifications to redevelop the Iwilei Center into a mixed-use, transit-oriented community with affordable housing. Served by a planned Skyline station, the project aims to create a walkable neighborhood and boost local economic development.
PENNSYLVANIA—SEPTA Plans Mixed-Use Development for Germantown Station
Tommy Tucker, Chestnut Hill Local | March 4, 2025
SEPTA plans to transform a 1.5-acre vacant lot next to Germantown Station into a mixed-use, transit-oriented development. Part of its Transit-Oriented Communities program, the project will focus on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. SEPTA intends to lease the site to generate long-term revenue.
TEXAS—Texas Two-Step: Amtrak Seeks Additional Partner to Lead High-Speed Rail Development
Eric E. Garcia, Fort Worth Report | February 28, 2025
Amtrak has issued a Request for Qualifications for a partner to help develop its proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston. The partner will oversee program, design, and construction management. Legal challenges, including eminent domain disputes and environmental reviews, have slowed progress.
International TOD News
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES—Dubai: Supreme Committee Approves Transit-Oriented Development Plan to Make the Emirate 20-Min City
Anupriya Mishra, Curly Tales | March 5, 2025
Dubai has approved a transit-oriented development plan to drive growth around Dubai Metro stations and support its 20-minute city vision. The plan includes over $15 billion in real estate projects and 450 million sq. ft. of housing. It aligns with the Dubai Walk initiative, which will add 4,000 miles of pedestrian pathways across the Emirate.
MOROCCO—Government Officials Announce $10 Billion High-Speed Rail Project – Here’s How It Could Revolutionize Transportation for Millions
Andrew Haffner, The Cool Down | March 3, 2025
Morocco plans to extend its high-speed rail network with a $9.6 billion line from Kenitra to Marrakech, linking with the existing Tangier-Casablanca route. The expansion aims to double rail-connected cities and increase train coverage from 51 to 87 percent of the population by 2040.
UNITED KINGDOM—From Backwater to Hotspot: How HS2 Could Bring £10bn Economic Boost to Old Oak Common
Gwyn Topham, The Guardian | March 2, 2025
The planned High Speed 2 (HS2) hub at Old Oak Common is fueling redevelopment in west London. A report from Arcadis projects a £10 billion ($13 billion) economic boost, 19,000 jobs, and 22,000 new homes. The newly completed 54-story Icon Tower, above the future station, signals the area’s transformation.