Historic preservation vs. affordable housing in Denver (top-left); Hoboken approves TOD projects (bottom-left); Second Avenue Subway project moves into East Harlem (top-right); Moving from TOD to TOC (bottom-right)
Article of the Week
CANADA—Making the Leap from TOD to TOC
Philip Preville, Urban Land, May 4 2023
Developers have begun to focus on creating transit-oriented communities in the Toronto suburbs, leading to a significant transformation spurred in part by increased immigration and population growth. The shift toward walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with residences, office spaces, and various amenities is replacing traditional car-oriented landscapes. Challenges, such as capturing the increase in property values from transit expansion and addressing affordable housing, persist, but the move toward more sustainable communities continues to progress.
NJ TOD News
HOBOKEN—Hoboken Approves Amended Redevelopment Plan for Neumann Leathers
Daniel Israel, TAPinto, Apr 30 2023
The Hoboken City Council has approved several transit-oriented development (TOD) projects, including the amended Neumann Leathers Redevelopment Plan, a five-story residential building near the Hoboken Terminal, and a 15-story residential building on Observer Highway. These projects aim to increase density and provide affordable housing units while preserving historical properties and affordable spaces for artists. Discussions continue regarding the necessity of PILOT agreements for some developments, as they may no longer be needed due to increased financial viability from added units.
RAHWAY—Jersey City-Based Developer, Partner Debut Final Piece of Five-Star Amenities at Rahway Rental Community
Staff Writer, TAPinto, Apr 28 2023
Developers FieldsGrade and Slokker have completed work on The Mint in downtown Rahway, less than a block from the Rahway Station, which offers access to both the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line. This second phase adds 109 studios, one- and two-bedroom units. The first phase was completed in 2020 and comprised 116 units.
Transit and Equity News
COLORADO—Landmark Commission Rejects Church’s Plan to Turn Parking Lot Into Affordable Housing
Benjamin Neufeld, Westword, May 4 2023
Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission denied approval of the First Baptist Church of Denver’s proposal to develop a 12-story apartment building with affordable housing on its parking lot, proximate to numerous bus stops. The church aimed to take advantage of an increased height incentive under the Expanding Affordable Housing policy by making 10 percent of the units affordable and sought to offer 20 percent as affordable units. The church will now submit a revised proposal for an eight-story structure, which will reduce the number of total units as well as the number of affordable units.
UTAH—See Inside The Aster, Downtown Salt Lake City’s Newest Affordable Apartments
Tony Semerad, The Salt Lake City Tribune, May 3 2023
The Aster, a transit-oriented affordable housing project featuring 190 apartments along with ground-level retail spaces, has opened in the city’s downtown. The development, located near a TRAX light rail station, offers 168 rent-subsidized units as well as 22 market-rate apartments. Ninety-five affordable units are dedicated to residents earning between 20 and 50 percent of the area’s median income (AMI), with the rest for those earning from 51 to 80 percent AMI. The Aster’s completion, which relied on public bonds, tax vouchers, and loans from various agencies, marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to expanding affordable housing with walkable access to amenities and mass transit.
Regional and National TOD News
NEW YORK—How to Drag on Your Train: MTA’s Second Avenue Subway Expansion Dependent on Breaking into East Harlem
Tandy Lau, The Amsterdam News, May 4 2023
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has filed an eminent domain claim to acquire nine East Harlem lots along 125th Street and Second Avenue for the planned expansion of the Q Line. The Second Avenue Subway project aims to connect uptown residents to Lower Manhattan and alleviate congestion on existing lines while providing better access to the Metro-North Harlem-125th Street Station and LaGuardia Airport. While the expansion is expected to benefit the community, concerns about displacement and higher rents due to improved infrastructure have been raised.
PENNSYLVANIA—Breakthrough Properties Lands $130M for Philadelphia Project
Scott Baltic, Commercial Property Executive, May 4 2023
Breakthrough Properties has secured $130 million in construction financing for a 223,000 sq. ft. life science building, 2300 Market, in Philadelphia’s Center City district. The location offers easy access to SEPTA bus, trolley, and commuter rail lines, as well as Amtrak routes at the nearby 30th Street Station. Building construction is set to begin, and final interior construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2024.
International TOD News
CHINA—Sybarite-Designed SKP Chengdu Becomes a Landmark for Fashion, Tech, and Art
Sarangi Nair, Parametric Architecture, May 2 2023
SKP Chengdu, a large-scale transit-oriented development (TOD) project in China, combines retail and lifestyle amenities with transportation, located where four subway lines meet. Designed by Torquil McIntosh and the team at Sybarite, the 370,000 sq. m. site offers five underground floors of retail and shopping space, along with 2,400 parking spaces. This approach incorporates the concept of pro-nature design that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces.