New Jersey municipalities are increasingly looking to redevelop the areas surrounding transit stations into walkable “villages” that include both housing and amenities, such as shops and restaurants...
Municipalities throughout New Jersey are increasingly looking to redevelop the areas surrounding transit stations into walkable “villages” that include housing and amenities like shops and restaurants.Many transit agencies, including NJ Transit, have also begun to sell off vacant and underutilized property surrounding their stations for redevelopment, creating new and potentially lucrative opportunities for developers.
Transit-oriented Development
Transit-oriented development is traditionally defined as high-density, mixed-use development within walking distance (typically 0.5 miles) of a transit station. Common features include a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, retail shopping/restaurants, and walkable access to mass transit.
New Jersey TOD Projects
New Jersey has made TOD a priority in recent years. In fact, facilitating the development of TODs is one of the five goals in NJ TRANSIT’s 10-Year Strategic Plan. By partnering with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), NJ Transit is actively seeking opportunities to redevelop land surrounding New Jersey’s 266 train stations across 12 transit lies. Under the plan, parking lots and other property located in close proximity to rail stations will be converted into mixed-used developments containing housing and retail businesses.
NJ Transit is also partnering with municipalities to further its redevelopment goal. The agency, in partnership with Old Bridge Township, recently announced a $470,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to study the feasibility of locating Transit-Oriented Developments across Middlesex and Monmouth counties. According to NJ Transit, the TOD study will explore potential developments along the 21-mile Route 9 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from the Old Bridge Park and Ride to the Aldrich Park and Ride in Howell Township. Planning will include parking lots, underutilized and surplus properties around several bus stops and stations included in the study area and provide a “cohesive vision for redeveloping aging strip malls into vibrant, equitable transit-friendly communities,” according to NJ Transit.
To help facilitate redevelopment, NJ Transit maintains a website listing potential TOD opportunities, along with related procurement documents. Parties interested in acquiring land owned by NJ Transit can also submit inquiries to NJ Transit’s Real Estate and Economic Development Department to initiate an excessing review, the process used by NJ Transit to determine whether a property can and under what conditions, be deemed excess to NJ Transit’s operations and made available for another use. Following a review of the request, a written determination is sent to the requestor indicating whether and under what terms and considerations a real property interest can be conveyed. If a property is deemed available, NJ Transit will determine the most appropriate transfer mechanism (i.e., Request for Proposal/Qualifications/Bids (RFP/Q/B) or through a direct lease or license).
How We Can Help
Most TOD projects rely on partnerships between transit agencies, local governments, and private developers. Due to the complexities and the sheer number of moving parts, TOD projects can face significant obstacles which bring with them unwanted risk, delay and expense. However, managed properly, this relatively new statewide initiative presents a unique opportunity for any developer that can successfully navigate the obstacles.
For businesses that are interested in transit-oriented development, the key to success is the ability to mitigate the inherent risks, control costs and eliminate delays. To do this, you will need to leverage the cumulative experience of an experienced development team beginning with a knowledgeable New Jersey land use attorney with a track record of successfully navigating the process.
If you have questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact Don Pepe, Ashley Brinn, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-896-4100.
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business
The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D
In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda
On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]
If you purchase real property from a foreign person or entity, you may be required to withhold taxes from your payment to the seller under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). The federal tax law is designed to ensure that foreign sellers pay any applicable capital gains tax on profits realized from […]
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
