Advancing TOD in Red Bank (right); NJDOT launches Municipal Aid Grant Application process; States act to address housing shortages; Increasing job access with dedicated bus lanes; Learning from Latin America (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
RED BANK—Apartments on the Red Bank NJ Transit Train Station Parking Lots? Borough Clears a Path
Olivia Liu, Asbury Park Press, April 26 2024
The Red Bank Borough Council voted to designate NJ TRANSIT parking lots and surrounding properties, a total of 19 lots, as an area in need of redevelopment. The decision supports efforts to develop around the Red Bank Station and aligns with the Borough’s master plan. In 2019, the Borough considered applying for New Jersey Transit Village designation but lacked a zoning ordinance or redevelopment plan supporting that effort.
NJ TOD News
TRENTON—Municipal Aid Applications Being Accepted for $150 Million in FY25 Grants
Press Release, NJDOT Local Resource Center, April 29 2024
The Murphy Administration has announced the opening of NJDOT’s grant solicitation for FY2025 State Aid programs, accepting applications until July 1, 2024. These programs, which include Municipal Aid, Transit Village, Bikeway, and Safe Streets to Transit, support local infrastructure improvements and enhance transportation safety and accessibility. The funds back projects that promote safety, accessibility, and connectivity within
local communities and to transit facilities. Grant awards are set to be
announced in November.
HACKENSACK—Hackensack Site Trades for $10.5M Ahead of New Development
Staff Writer, Bldup, April 26 2024
Developer Hornrock Properties has purchased a 120,182 sq. ft. development site at 123 Anderson Street for $10.5 million. The site is across from the NJ TRANSIT Anderson Street Station and currently houses three commercial buildings and a parking lot. Plans call for multifamily development comprising 350 residential units and at least 7,500 sq. ft. of retail space.
LONG BRANCH—Long Branch Building Growing Taller as Developer Plans 154 Assisted-Living Apartments
Dan Radel, MSN, April 26 2024
A former medical building located within the Long Branch Transit Village will be transformed into a 154-unit assisted living facility. Plans call for adding two stories to the six-story building. When completed, the project will comprise 119 studios and 35 one-bedroom residences (16 designated for low- to moderate-income renters) and 11,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail. The project is part of a larger development boom in Long Branch, where local officials have endorsed several projects, including the repurposing of the
Monmouth Medical Center that will feature a two-acre park.
HOBOKEN—Following a Fire, Prominent Hoboken Warehouse Redevelopment Gets a Boost With $97 Million Loan
Chris Fry, Jersey Digs, April 25 2024
Madison Realty Capital has provided a $97 million construction loan to The Taurasi Group for the redevelopment of the historic My-T-Fine Pudding manufacturing building in Hoboken’s Southwest Market project. Despite a major fire in December 2022 that led to extensive demolition work, construction is progressing on the restoration and expansion of the property. The project will feature 123 residential units, retail spaces including a potential
supermarket, office space, a parking structure, and amenities like
rooftop facilities, with an expected completion by the third quarter of 2025.
Transit and Equity News
CALIFORNIA—MTS, Community Leaders Announce Grand Opening of Affordable Housing Project ShoreLINE
Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, May 1 2024
San Diego officials celebrated the opening of the ShoreLINE affordable housing project at the Grantville Transit Center. Designed for families earning 30 to 60 percent of the area’s median income, this development features 126 units, as well as bicycle and vehicle storage, public gathering spaces, and a play area for children. This initiative is part of a broader push to repurpose park-and-ride lots for equitable transit-oriented development.
NEW YORK—City of Yes for Housing Opportunity Overview: City Celebrates Start of Public Review Process
Staff Writer, City Land NYC, May 1 2024
New York City has officially launched the public review process for the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” amendment. This initiative is designed to encourage more inclusive development across all neighborhoods. The amendment includes zoning changes that support construction of mixed-use buildings in less dense areas and allow easier conversion of non-residential buildings into housing. The plan also seeks to remove parking mandates and introduce flexibility in housing designs to accommodate a wider range of residents. The City Council will review the proposal after input from community boards and a public hearing by the City Planning Commission.
After Decades of Inaction, States Are Finally Stepping Up on Housing
Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, April 30 2024
Efforts to address the housing crisis are intensifying across the U.S. at both federal and state levels. The housing shortage, estimated at between 3.8 to 6.8 million homes, has sparked increased legislative action, with states like Oregon, Florida, California, and New Jersey pioneering changes to zoning codes, promoting multifamily housing, and incentivizing development near transit. However, success is not guaranteed with one-time legislation; sustained efforts and enforcement are crucial to achieving meaningful reform and increasing housing production.
OHIO—The City Owns 74 Acres of Land Along Transit Routes. Could Some Become Housing?
Nick Swartsell, WVXU, April 29 2024
Cincinnati is exploring how to convert city-owned land along bus rapid transit (BRT) routes into new housing as part of its aim to decrease car use and address living costs. A recent report by the city’s Department of Economic and Community Development identified 22 sites, a total of 74 acres, with high development potential, mostly vacant land or surface parking. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Green Cincinnati Plan and would leverage federal funding to realize the Plan’s vision.
Regional and National TOD News
To Increase Job Access, Try Dedicated Bus Lanes, This Study Says
Dan Zukowski, Smart Cities Dive, April 25 2024
A recent study by the Urban Institute and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) found that bus lanes significantly increase job accessibility. Despite the benefits, some local governments have raised concerns about the social impacts of enforcement measures, in the event of obstacles within the bus lanes. The study recommends effective enforcement and increased bus frequency to enhance employment opportunities and transit accessibility.
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PENNSYLVANIA—Reading City Council Hears Recommendations for Passenger Rail Station and Downtown Development
Michelle Lynch, Reading Eagle, April 25 2024
Consultants working with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance are advising the City of Reading to focus on transit-friendly development in the downtown, eyeing the potential return of rail service. The plan involves repurposing existing buildings through adaptive reuse and creating a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces within a half-mile radius of Franklin Street Station. Suggestions include streamlining city ordinances to expedite development while still prioritizing community interests and improving active transportation infrastructure like sidewalks and bicycle facilities.
MASSACHUSETTS—Marshfield Reportedly Rejects Rezoning for MBTA Housing Law; AG Reacts
Chris Lisinki, NBC10 Boston, April 24 2024
The Town of Marshfield faced potential legal consequences after its Town Meeting rejected a zoning change required by the MBTA Communities Act, prompting concerns about lawsuits from the state. Attorney General Andrea Campbell emphasized that Marshfield, categorized as a commuter rail town, has until the end of 2024 to implement the necessary zoning changes. In contrast, Milton, designated as a “rapid transit’ community, failed to comply before its December 31, 2023 deadline and is now being sued by the attorney general’s office for non-compliance.
International TOD News
Also Migrating from Latin America: A Wave of Urban Innovation
Linda Baker, Mayor Migration Council, April 30 2024
Latin American cities are well-positioned to offer tangible solutions for US policymakers struggling to deliver affordable housing and public transit. Cities like Bogotá and Mexico City have developed grassroots strategies in response to various geo-political challenges, emphasizing community involvement and sustainability. Examples of such practices significantly differ from traditional European models and are particularly relevant as US cities face similar socio-economic challenges.
INDIA—Bhubaneswar Metro: Will It Be an Effective Transport Solution or Become the State’s White Elephant?
Sayan Roy, Down to Earth, April 29 2024
Sayan Roy from the Centre for Science and Environment examines Bhubaneswar’s metro corridor project challenges and emphasizes strategic planning for enhanced ridership and integration with existing transport networks. He underscores the importance of transit-oriented development and affordability measures to optimize the metro’s impact on urban mobility in Bhubaneswar.
INDONESIA & JAPAN—Investing IDR11 Trillion, MRT Jakarta Collaborates with Japan Build TOD Project Redaksi, Asiatoday, April 28 2024
Jakarta and Tokyo have partnered to sign seven agreements committed to developing projects around Jakarta’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations. This initiative includes partnerships for land development, feasibility studies, and memorandums of understanding. The projects will focus on integrating residential and commercial spaces, such as the Duhuk Atas Pedestrian Deck and the Blok M Mixed Use project.