Transit-led housing (right); 115 units in East Orange; Affordable project in New Haven CT; TxDOT’s first multimodal plan; Cape Town’s growing housing market (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
No Car? No Problem. Building Apartments Near Public Transit Could Help Address the Housing Crisis
Michael Casey, Associated Press | November 13, 2025
Major transit agencies and states nationwide are accelerating transit-oriented development to address housing shortages, reduce car dependence, and increase ridership. Los Angeles’ plans for 10,000 homes on Metro-owned land and Massachusetts’ statewide zoning mandate are both enabling thousands of multifamily units near bus, rail, and subway lines.
NJ TOD News
BERNARDSVILLE—More Apartments Will Be Coming to Downtown Bernardsville. Here’s What We Know
Mike Deak, My Central Jersey | November 14, 2025
Mine Brook Urban Renewal Associates is advancing three fully affordable housing projects that will add 60 units across downtown Bernardsville. These projects will help the Borough meet its state-mandated affordable housing obligations and are all within walking distance of Bernardsville Station. Note: access to this article requires a paid subscription.
Pennsauken and NJ TRANSIT Shift from Park-and-Ride to Live-and-Ride
Staff, NJTOD | November 14, 2025
Pennsauken and NJ TRANSIT are advancing a transit-oriented development effort to boost ridership, expand housing options, and activate the area around the Pennsauken Transit Center. A new study from NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Friendly Planning program identifies improved pedestrian connections and redevelopment of underused public land as key opportunities.
EAST ORANGE—East Orange Approves 115-Unit Development on William Street
Chris Fry, Jersey Digs | November 12, 2025
East Orange’s Planning Board approved a 115-unit development within walking distance of the Brick Church Station in the city’s Transit Village District. Taylor Architecture and Design, which designed the project notes that it will reduce automobile reliance and enhance the pedestrian experience.
NEW BRUNSWICK—EDA Approves $359 Million Aspire Award for New Residential, Commercial Tower at New Brunswick’s HELIX Campus
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | November 12, 2025
NJEDA approved a $359 million Aspire tax credit for H-3, a 42-story mixed-use tower at the New Brunswick HELIX campus that will include 265 apartments, offices, labs, and student housing near New Brunswick Station. The $485 million project, led by DEVCO and Pennrose, is scheduled to break ground in April with completion expected in 2028.
Transit and Equity News
COLORADO—Denver Transit Agency Explores Park-N-Ride Lots as Affordable Housing Sites
Shallima Maharaj, 9 News | November 12, 2025
The Denver-area Regional Transportation District (RTD) is studying whether eight underused Park-N-Ride lots could be redeveloped for affordable housing. The study, set to conclude in 2026, will assess each site’s potential as RTD looks to convert declining parking demand into new housing amid the state’s 106,000-unit housing shortage.
CONNECTICUT—New Haven Breaks Ground on 149 New Affordable Units in The Hill
Jennifer Cuevas, NBC CT | November 10, 2025
The City of New Haven has broken ground on a project creating 149 affordable housing units within walking distance of Union Station. Led by Cortell Development Group and WBP Development LLC, the development will revitalize a former brownfield site and support a more walkable neighborhood.
Regional and National TOD News
ARIZONA—Valley Metro Sees $20 Billion Return on Light Rail Investment
Ashlie Rodriguez, Fox 10 Phoenix | November 12, 2025
Phoenix’s light rail ridership has returned to pre-pandemic levels, exceeding 45,000 weekday riders. The system is credited with revitalizing downtown, enhancing accessibility, and spurring nearly $20 billion in development along the corridor.
MARYLAND—MDOT Selects Development Partners for Odenton MARC Transit-Oriented Development
Staff, Mass Transit | November 12, 2025
MDOT has selected Homes for America and Questar Properties to redevelop a 10-acre lot at Odenton MARC Station into a mixed-use development with 585 units, 30,000 sq. ft. of retail, and enhanced pedestrian and bike access. Part of MDOT’s MARC Penn Line Strategy, the project is expected to generate $270 million in tax revenue and support up to 117,000 annual MARC trips. Groundbreaking is planned for 2026.
CALIFORNIA—Will the YIMBY ‘Holy Grail’ Deliver an LA Building Boom?
Patrick Sisson, Bloomberg | November 11, 2025
California’s SB 79, celebrated by housing advocates, allows multistory apartments near transit, but faces challenges in implementation. Developers and planners must navigate high construction costs, complex codes, and community opposition. Advocates are pushing for streamlined permitting and alternative financing to make new housing more feasible and affordable.
NEW YORK—Transit Stops Can Be Vital Places in New York City’s Social Life
David Burney and Marium Naveed, Common Edge | November 10, 2025
Zohran Mamdani’s proposal for fare-free, faster buses has renewed focus on how NYC should redesign its bus stops to serve as public spaces. Advocates suggest that these high-traffic areas should support neighborhood life—with seating, shade, vendors, and traffic calming—rather than function solely as through-points. The City’s new Chief Public Realm Officer is uniquely positioned to lead the redesign of these everyday spaces.
TEXAS—Car-Dominant Texas Needs More Public Transit to Meet Mobility Demands, TxDOT Report Says
Joshua Fechter, The Texas Tribune | November 10, 2025
The Texas Department of Transportation released its first statewide multimodal transit plan, noting the state needs more options beyond cars to accommodate rapid population growth. The plan calls for expanding public transit in urban and rural areas and exploring intercity rail to reduce highway congestion. Funding and political resistance remain major hurdles in a state that allocates nearly all transportation dollars to highways.
International TOD News
SOUTH AFRICA—R7.8 Billion in Plans Approved as Cape Town’s Development Momentum Grows
Stacy Chandler, Sierra Express | November 14, 2025
Cape Town approved $454 million in building plans in the first quarter, supporting the City’s long-term goals to accelerate housing construction and transit-oriented development. Officials credit streamlined digital approvals, rising investor confidence, and growing demand for driving the surge.
NEW ZEALAND—Congestion Charge Bill Passes: What Does It Mean for You?
Staff, 1 News | November 12, 2025
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed legislation allowing congestion pricing, enabling cities like Auckland to set toll zones. Local councils will design zones and fees to reduce gridlock, improve travel times, and fund public transit upgrades. The measure has broad political support but faces some equity and design concerns.