PA flex funding for SEPTA (right); NJEDA awards Aspire tax credits; Seattle’s co-housing law; Air quality & TOD; Toronto’s 1,500-unit TOD (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
PENNSYLVANIA—Pennsylvania Shifted Cash from Highways to Transit – But Other States Can Go Even Further
Kea Wilson, Streetsblog USA | November 27, 2024
Governor Josh Shapiro redirected $153 million in federal highway funds to SEPTA, helping prevent fare hikes that would have hurt vulnerable communities. This move, made possible through “flex funding,” is part of a national campaign to redirect funds for sustainable transportation projects like public transit and pedestrian infrastructure. Advocates argue that more governors should follow Pennsylvania’s lead and use flex funding to create long-term investments in mass transit, especially to support low-income and marginalized communities.
NJ TOD News
SUMMIT—NJ TRANSIT Unveils Transit Art Project at the Summit Rail Station
Press Release, NJ TRANSIT | November 27, 2024
NJ TRANSIT and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts have launched the latest installment of The TRANSITional Art Project at Summit Rail Station, featuring a solo exhibition by New Jersey artist Fiona Clark titled SuperBloom. The installation includes a 15’ x 70’ suspended fabric banner and vinyl appliques on display until December 2026. This partnership aims to bring public art to transit spaces, enriching the commuter experience while supporting local artists.
JERSEY CITY—Phase One of Jersey City’s Artwalk Towers Nabs $175 Million in Financing
Chris Fry, Jersey Digs | November 26, 2024
Jersey City’s Journal Square will receive another residential skyscraper, with Artwalk Towers, a mixed-use project developed by Kushner and Silverstein Properties, now financed. The first phase of the development will comprise over 1,000 housing units, coworking space, and a new museum. Located across from the Journal Square Transportation Center, the development will have access to both PATH and NJ TRANSIT facilities.
Affordable Senior Housing Developments Approved for Aspire Awards by NJEDA Board
Press Release, NJEDA | November 21, 2024
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved two Aspire tax credit awards for affordable housing projects in New Brunswick and West Deptford, providing 150 units for seniors, veterans, and unhoused individuals. The Hildebrand Commons development in New Brunswick will offer 66 senior housing units, while the Gordon H. Mansfield Village in West Deptford will provide 84 units for seniors and veterans. These projects aim to expand affordable
Transit and Equity News
WASHINGTON—Seattle Encourages Co-Living Housing With New Law
Ysabelle Kempe, Smart Cities Dive | November 27, 2024
Seattle passed a new law that aims to increase affordable housing options by lifting land-use restrictions on co-housing and eliminating parking requirements near major transit stops. Co-housing units, which typically rent for around $900, will now be allowed in areas zoned for multifamily housing within urban growth areas. Supporters argue the changes will help diverse groups, including young people and retirees, access affordable housing in neighborhoods with amenities such as access to transit and jobs.
ILLINOIS—Financial Crisis Facing CTA, Metra and Pace Casts Doubt on Future of Transit-Oriented Development
Pawan Naidu and Jocelyn Allison, Crain’s Chicago Business | November 25, 2024
Living near public transit is a top priority for many Chicagoans. However, a $730 million budget shortfall for Chicago transit agencies jeopardizes future development and service, with advocates warning of potential disruptions to equitable TOD initiatives. To ensure eTOD success, experts recommend policy changes such as increased funding for transit agencies, reduced parking requirements, and better use of underutilized transit station lots.
NEW YORK—City of Yes Housing Opportunity Update
Eva Schneider and Jodi Stein, National Law Review | November 25, 2024
The New York City Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee and Land Use Committee recently approved the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity amendment (COYHO) after making several modifications to the original proposal. The Council narrowed TOD eligibility by excluding single-family districts and reducing the TOD radius from 0.5 miles to 0.25 miles around public transit. The updated proposal also revised residential parking mandates by establishing three zones with varying requirements. Additional changes include stricter regulations for ADUs, introducing affordable housing incentives, and a $5 billion commitment to public funding.
MARYLAND—North Bethesda Affordable Housing Development Breaks Ground
Elia Griffin, MoCo360 | November 22, 2024
Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) began construction on The Chimes, a planned 163-unit affordable housing project near the North Bethesda Metro station. Using funding from multiple sources, including Montgomery County and the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, the project will develop a formerly vacant property and provide housing for households earning 30 to 80 percent AMI. MHP aims to complete the project by mid-2026.
Regional and National TOD News
CALIFORNIA—CA: LA Metro Ridership Increases for the 23rd Consecutive Month in October
Steve Scauzillo, Mass Transit | November 26, 2024
LA Metro reported ridership growth for the 23rd consecutive month, surpassing 1 million riders in October for the second month in a row. Weekday ridership reached its highest level since the pandemic, with Saturday and Sunday numbers nearing pre-COVID levels, particularly for rail services. To accommodate the increase, Metro will add extra trips on key bus lines and continue enhancing security.
Transit-Oriented Housing Development Is Great for Density and Walkability. What About Air Quality?
Michael Austin, Next City | November 25, 2024
When planners discuss the public health aspects of TOD, a commonly overlooked issue is how to minimize air quality problems. TOD projects developed along freeways and arterial roads face elevated rates of air and noise pollution, among other challenges. Michael Austin, an experienced urban planner, argues for building TODs farther from highways, incorporating health equity planning in municipal design guidelines, and avoiding the placement of housing in industrial areas.
TEXAS—Jaime Resendez Champions Palladium USA’s Southeast Dallas Transit-Oriented Development
April Towery, Candy’s Dirt | November 25, 2024
The Dallas City Council approved a 274-unit mixed-use development on an underused Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) parking lot. Located adjacent to DART’s Buckner Station, the project will give residents direct access to the Green Line light rail. Council member Jaime Resendez noted that the project will benefit the environment, improve job access, and add much-needed multifamily housing.
International TOD News
CANADA—Toronto Breaks Ground on 1,500-Unit Major Transit-Oriented Housing Project
Robin MacLennan, Ontario Construction News| November 28, 2024
Toronto has broken ground on a mixed-use, transit-oriented housing development at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd., replacing a former commuter parking lot. Located adjacent to the TTC’s Wilson Station, the project will deliver 1,484 new homes, including 520 affordable rental units, as part of the Housing Now initiative to create 41,000 affordable rental units by 2030. Additionally, it will feature a childcare center, public park, community spaces, and sustainable design elements to support climate goals.
The Role of Climate Shelters in Supportive Active Transport Networks
Jack Lavery and Katrin Luger, UN ESCAP | November 26, 2024
As extreme heat becomes more common, cities originally designed for stable climatic conditions must adapt by incorporating solutions like climate shelters into their urban infrastructure. These shelters help reduce the urban heat island effect and, when strategically located near public transport nodes, improve usability, safety, and comfort. A notable example is Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration project, which converted an overpass into an urban park.
ITALY—In Italy’s Motor City, Car-Free Options Are Growing
David Zipper, Bloomberg | November 26, 2024
Turin, often referred to as Italy’s Motor City, has significantly expanded its public transit options as it transitions from its car-centric past. Beginning in the 1980s, deindustrialization left Turin with vast areas of unused land and an identity rooted in its manufacturing history. The 2006 Winter Olympics marked a turning point, prompting the city to redevelop those areas and prioritize public transportation. Today, Turin boasts 80 bus routes, eight tram lines, and 22 subway stations, with less than half of local trips now made by car.