TOD News Briefs

The Week in TOD News September 28-October 4, 2024

Port Authority Bus Terminal marks major milestone (right); ~1M homes in NY, NJ, & CT face high flood risk; Lowering housing costs through MBTA Communities; TOD in North Hollywood; Tackling congestion in Cape Town (left top-to-bottom) 

Article of the Week

Current interior of Port Authority Bus Terminal. Courtesy of PANYNJ

Port Authority Marks Major Milestone in Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Project with Signing of Final Environmental Impact Statement by the Federal Transit Administration
Press Release, Port Authority of NY & NJ, September 27 2024
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) signed the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project, a major step toward improving bus service for New Jersey commuters. The $10 billion project will replace the aging terminal with a modern 2.1 million square-foot facility, designed to meet future commuter needs while enhancing the surrounding community. The project aims to create approximately 6,000 union jobs and incorporate sustainable design features.


NJ TOD News

The lobby of Penn Station in NYC, ca. 2009
Kevin Harber | flickr

New Report Paves the Way for Expansion of Penn Station to Increase Train Service
Stephen Nessen, Gothamist, October 2 2024
A new report commissioned by Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, and the MTA concludes that expanding train capacity at Penn Station necessitates a physical expansion of the station’s footprint, supporting Amtrak’s proposal to demolish a block south of 31st Street to add new tracks. The report found that alternative options, like constructing new tracks beneath existing ones or implementing “through-running” to consolidate NJ TRANSIT and Long Island Rail Road services, would not meet capacity goals. The proposed “Penn South” station has faced opposition from local residents, but officials emphasize that any expansion plans must be carefully considered given the extensive
construction disruptions they could cause.

Webcam footage of active construction at the Gateway Tunnel site
Gateway Tunnel webcam, October 4, 2024

NYC Rail Tunnel Project Gets $3.8 Billion in Federal Funds
Sri Taylor, Bloomberg, September 30 2024
The Gateway Development Commission’s $16 billion Hudson Tunnel project has secured its final federal funding of $3.8 billion from the Federal Railroad Administration, completing a $12 billion federal contribution. This initiative will alleviate congestion by adding a new rail tunnel and upgrading the century-old existing one, with the new tunnel set to open by 2035 and full rehabilitation by 2038. With $2.7 billion available for immediate construction, the project is poised to advance
rapidly after overcoming past political hurdles.

Table with wooden houses, calculator, coins, magnifying glass with the word Rent.
Andrii Yalanskyi | Adobe Stock

Housing Prices Remain High In NJ As Lawmakers Seek Solutions
Michell Rotuno-Johnson, Patch NJ, September 27 2024
A recent New Jersey Assembly Housing Committee hearing highlighted a housing supply shortage driving rent prices to a median of $2,500—19 percent above the national average—leaving over half of renters “cost burdened.” Advocates urge lawmakers to boost rental assistance funding and revise zoning laws to enable the construction of 150,000 to 200,000 additional affordable units needed to meet demand.

Hoboken 4/16/07: The flood and the fire. Barricades are placed in front of streets like this one, where the water level begins to rise.
Flooding in Hoboken, 2007. David Pfeffer | flickr

Report Finds That Nearly 1 Million Houses and Multifamily Buildings in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are at High Flood Risk
Press Release, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, October 2 2024
A recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York report reveals that nearly one million houses and multifamily buildings in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut face high flood risk, with over 400,000 in low- to moderate-income census tracts, affecting more than 1.2 million New Jersey residents. These vulnerable households may struggle with the financial burdens of flooding, including property damage and rising insurance costs. The report highlights that flood threats extend beyond coastal areas, impacting cities like Newark, and features case studies from Keansburg and Hoboken, NJ, on community responses to flood risk.


Transit and Equity News

An automated car parking system on September 28, 2013 in Manhattan, New York City, USA.
Frank Gärtner | Adobe Stock

NEW YORK—Op-Ed: Eliminating Parking Mandate is the Central Piece of ‘City of Yes’ Plan
Sara Lind, StreetsBlog NYC, October 2 2024
At a recent meeting, City Planning Commission Chairman Dan Garodnick downplayed the role of parking mandates in housing reform, but critics like Sara Lind from Open Plans argue that eliminating these mandates is crucial. Lind emphasizes that parking requirements hinder the success of the City of Yes initiative by inflating costs and stifling the development of affordable, transit-oriented housing. Removing parking mandates citywide, she argues, is essential to creating vibrant, accessible neighborhoods and unlocking the full potential of the City’s housing reform.

A front view of a podium with a sign saying “MBTA COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD”
Courtesy of the Office of Governor Maura Healey

MASSACHUSETTS—Governor Healey, AG Campbell Celebrate MBTA Communities Momentum to Lower Housing Costs
Press Release, Office of Governor Maura Healey, October 1 2024
Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll celebrated the progress of the MBTA Communities Law, which mandates zoning changes to promote multifamily housing near transit. With 75 municipalities on board, 33 are now eligible for $15 million in Catalyst Funding to support housing and infrastructure projects. This initiative is part of a broader effort to lower housing costs, ease the affordability
crisis, and create transit-oriented, walkable neighborhoods,
which aligns with the state’s goal of increasing housing access
and improving livability across Massachusetts.

African American couple sharing hug and enjoying property relocation, having romantic moment after moving in new house together. Hugging and celebrating life event in rented flat.
DC Studio | Adobe Stock

Can Increasing Housing Supply Advance Racial Equity in Homeownership?
Michael Neal, Marokey Sawo, Chitra Balakrishnan, and Aashna Lal, Urban Institute, September 30 2024
A recent report by researchers at the Urban Institute finds that increasing for-sale housing supply in the U.S. from 1994 to early 2024 correlated with higher homeownership rates, including for Black and Hispanic households, though racial gaps persisted. They emphasize the need for more affordable housing, financial resources, and systemic changes to address racial inequities in homeownership. The study highlights the importance of both expanding housing supply and using comprehensive strategies to close racial homeownership gaps.

Artist’s rendering of proposed senior development
Courtesy of the City of Hoboken, NJ

NEW JERSEY— 55-and-Over Housing Building Will Replace Hoboken Parking Lot
Caren Lissner, Patch Hoboken, September 26 2024
Hoboken plans to construct a 36-unit affordable housing building for seniors at 259 11th St., currently a parking lot, to address rising rents and long waitlists for affordable units. Approved by the Zoning Board, the development—set to begin in 2025—will be the first 100 percent senior affordable housing project in over 30 years. Funding comes from the New Jersey DCA Affordable Housing Production Fund, Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency (HMFA) mortgage, Hudson County HOME Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and Hoboken’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.


Regional and National TOD News

A train passing above ground, as seen from the sidewalk
Courtesy of LA Metro

CALIFORNIA—L.A. Metro Authorizes Joint Development Agreement to Build TOD at Metro North Hollywood Station, Approves $39.6 Million Expenditure to Support Public Transit
Brandon Lewis, Mass Transit, October 4 2024
L.A. Metro has approved a Joint Development Agreement with NOHO Development Associates to create “District NoHo,” the largest transit-oriented development in its history, featuring over 1,400 mixed-income apartments, retail, office space, and open areas at the North Hollywood station. Additionally, the Metro board authorized $39.6 million to support transportation and mobility projects in the South Bay subregion, improving safety, access to transit, and system operations.
These efforts align with Metro’s goals of increasing affordable housing near transit and boosting ridership.

Aerial view of San Francisco DMV site
Courtesy of the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

CALIFORNIA—An Outdated San Francisco DMV Will Soon Become a Site for Over 370 New Homes
Press Release, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, October 3 2024
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the redevelopment of San Francisco’s DMV Field Office into a multi-use, transit-friendly complex featuring approximately 372 affordable homes and a new DMV office. Located in a central, highly walkable area near public transit, this project will serve as a model for converting underutilized state properties into housing. The initiative is part of California’s broader efforts to address the housing crisis and maximize the use of public land for community benefit.

Listing of 5 agenda items to address the housing shortage
Courtesy of whwestchester

NEW YORK—The Welcome Home Westchester Campaign Unveils “5 in 25” Agenda, Urges City, Town, and Villages to Take Housing Action This Year
Yonkers Times, October 1 2024
On September 23, 2024, the Welcome Home Westchester campaign launched an initiative to address the housing shortage in Westchester County ahead of the 2025 legislative session. During a press conference in Yonkers, campaign leaders urged local officials and residents to take immediate action, unveiling a “5 in 2025” agenda that includes promoting transit-oriented development (TOD) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) among its key actions.

Artist’s rendering of proposed development
Mount Vernon Rendering. Courtesy of the Washington Department of Transportation

WASHINGTON—Library Commons: America’s Largest Public EV Charging Hub and Model for Green Infrastructure
Staff Writer, E+ELeader, September 30 2024
The Mount Vernon Library Commons is a $53 million transit-oriented development adhering to Passive House standards for energy efficiency. Situated downtown near the Skagit Transit Station and Interstate 5, it will include 76 EV charging stations, a public library, a STEM center, and various community services. Funded by local, state, and federal sources, including a $26.8 million TIFIA loan and a $12.5 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the project aims to set a standard for future urban development.


International TOD News

Ribbon cutting ceremony at new development
Courtesy of the City of Toronto, ON

CANADA—Canada’s First Social Medicine Supportive Housing Development Launched in Toronto
ReNew Canada, October 4 2024
The City of Toronto has opened Dunn House, Canada’s first social medicine supportive housing initiative, in partnership with University Health Network (UHN), United Way Greater Toronto, and Fred Victor. Located in Parkdale, about 650m (0.4 miles) from two streetcar lines, the four-story building offers 51 rent-geared-to-income homes, including 15 accessible units, for homeless individuals with high healthcare needs. Supported by federal and provincial funding, the project integrates housing and health services to reduce hospital admissions and improve residents’ well-being by addressing both social and medical needs.

St James station, Western Cape, South Africa. 2023. A new blue train the People's Train departs St James station on the coastal route to Fish Hoek Cape Town.
petert2 | Adobe Stock

SOUTH AFRICA—Transport Month Panel Tackles Congestion Conundrum in Cape Town
Murray Swart, CapeTownETC, October 2 2024
Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate kicked off Transport Month with a panel discussion on the city’s congestion problem, highlighting the need for an integrated public transport system supported by an efficient passenger train service. With 89 percent of commuter trips made by road, officials are advocating for enhanced public transport infrastructure, like the MyCiTi bus service, to shift commuters away from private vehicles. They emphasized that road expansion offers only temporary relief, making investments in transit-oriented development (TOD) crucial for improving access to jobs and services in low-income areas.