
Donald M. Pepe
Partner
732-568-8370 dpepe@sh-law.comPartner
732-568-8370 dpepe@sh-law.comMany Americans live in the suburbs and commute daily to nearby cities. However, with transportation costs and traffic congestion both on the rise, there is a growing demand for housing near transit. In fact, the Center for Transit-Oriented Development estimates that overall demand for housing near transit hubs will grow from 6 million to 15 million households by 2030, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of all renters and buyers.
Because supply has failed to keep pace with demand, cities and towns are increasingly looking to redevelop the areas surrounding transit stations into walkable “villages” that include both housing and amenities, such as shops and restaurants. The commonly-used term for this type of development is transit-oriented development or TOD.
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 together with retail service, shopping and restaurants, all within walkable distance from local transit.
As highlighted by the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, TOD can have a wide range of benefits, including increased transit ridership, reduced transportation costs for residents, less traffic congestion, more walkable neighborhoods, and economic revitalization. Communities including a combination of both affordable and market-rate housing can benefit from reduced income segregation and greater economic opportunities for lower-income residents.
Most TOD projects rely on partnerships between transit agencies, local governments, and private developers. Because of the sheer number of moving parts, TOD projects can face significant obstacles, which can make them time-consuming and expensive. Some of the hurdles that must be overcome include complex land acquisition and financing deals, lengthy permitting processes, affordable housing obligations, potential environmental remediation, and community opposition.
To encourage TOD projects, many states are establishing regulatory, planning and funding frameworks. Examples include land assembly, zoning changes and tax incentives. Many transit agencies have also begun to sell off vacant and underutilized property surrounding their stations so that it can be redeveloped.
Transit-oriented development is gaining momentum in New Jersey. As discussed more fully in a separate article, Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced that the state’s Economic Development Authority will partner with NJ Transit to redevelop land surrounding New Jersey’s train stations. Under the plan, parking lots and other property located in close proximity to rail stations would be converted into mixed-used developments containing housing and retail businesses.
Efforts are already moving forward. On October 3, 2019, NJ Transit issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to identify a private developer or joint venture of developers to implement TOD projects on NJ Transit owned property adjacent to the River LINE Light Rail system.
The land spans the 37-mile River LINE right-of-way and includes 21 station areas across 15 municipalities. According to NJ Transit, its goal is to convert the land into vibrant TOD projects that support local and regional land use planning and economic development goals, along with its own transportation mission.
“This is a great opportunity for developers to get in on the ground floor and help create thriving local communities,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “So many cities and townships in New Jersey have grown and benefited from their proximity to NJ TRANSIT service, and we want to accelerate that growth in partnership with our host communities by promoting and encouraging mixed-use TOD on our River LINE Light Rail system.”
NJ Transit is seeking to obtain information and feedback to assess the viability of making all or a portion of its River LINE station area parcels available for redevelopment, and will review submitted EOI Responses to assess private and/or public interest in the
River LINE properties, including market suitability, recommended land uses, potential opportunities and constraints, conceptual development scenarios and other factors that would inform overall project delivery. According to NJ Transit, if and when the agency elects to proceed with a project, it may issue a formal Request for Qualifications or Proposals for one or more station areas.
For businesses that are interested in transit-oriented development, the ability to anticipate potential obstacles and come up with creative solutions can reduce costs and delays. Accordingly, we encourage you to work with a knowledgeable New Jersey land use attorney who can help you successfully navigate the process.
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Don Pepe, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.
This article is a part of a series covering New Jersey’s new initiative to redevelop areas near public transit centers. Additional installments from the series are listed below:
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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 […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
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 […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
Author: Ronald S. Bienstock
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
Author: Patrick T. Conlon
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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.
Many Americans live in the suburbs and commute daily to nearby cities. However, with transportation costs and traffic congestion both on the rise, there is a growing demand for housing near transit. In fact, the Center for Transit-Oriented Development estimates that overall demand for housing near transit hubs will grow from 6 million to 15 million households by 2030, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of all renters and buyers.
Because supply has failed to keep pace with demand, cities and towns are increasingly looking to redevelop the areas surrounding transit stations into walkable “villages” that include both housing and amenities, such as shops and restaurants. The commonly-used term for this type of development is transit-oriented development or TOD.
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 together with retail service, shopping and restaurants, all within walkable distance from local transit.
As highlighted by the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, TOD can have a wide range of benefits, including increased transit ridership, reduced transportation costs for residents, less traffic congestion, more walkable neighborhoods, and economic revitalization. Communities including a combination of both affordable and market-rate housing can benefit from reduced income segregation and greater economic opportunities for lower-income residents.
Most TOD projects rely on partnerships between transit agencies, local governments, and private developers. Because of the sheer number of moving parts, TOD projects can face significant obstacles, which can make them time-consuming and expensive. Some of the hurdles that must be overcome include complex land acquisition and financing deals, lengthy permitting processes, affordable housing obligations, potential environmental remediation, and community opposition.
To encourage TOD projects, many states are establishing regulatory, planning and funding frameworks. Examples include land assembly, zoning changes and tax incentives. Many transit agencies have also begun to sell off vacant and underutilized property surrounding their stations so that it can be redeveloped.
Transit-oriented development is gaining momentum in New Jersey. As discussed more fully in a separate article, Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced that the state’s Economic Development Authority will partner with NJ Transit to redevelop land surrounding New Jersey’s train stations. Under the plan, parking lots and other property located in close proximity to rail stations would be converted into mixed-used developments containing housing and retail businesses.
Efforts are already moving forward. On October 3, 2019, NJ Transit issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to identify a private developer or joint venture of developers to implement TOD projects on NJ Transit owned property adjacent to the River LINE Light Rail system.
The land spans the 37-mile River LINE right-of-way and includes 21 station areas across 15 municipalities. According to NJ Transit, its goal is to convert the land into vibrant TOD projects that support local and regional land use planning and economic development goals, along with its own transportation mission.
“This is a great opportunity for developers to get in on the ground floor and help create thriving local communities,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “So many cities and townships in New Jersey have grown and benefited from their proximity to NJ TRANSIT service, and we want to accelerate that growth in partnership with our host communities by promoting and encouraging mixed-use TOD on our River LINE Light Rail system.”
NJ Transit is seeking to obtain information and feedback to assess the viability of making all or a portion of its River LINE station area parcels available for redevelopment, and will review submitted EOI Responses to assess private and/or public interest in the
River LINE properties, including market suitability, recommended land uses, potential opportunities and constraints, conceptual development scenarios and other factors that would inform overall project delivery. According to NJ Transit, if and when the agency elects to proceed with a project, it may issue a formal Request for Qualifications or Proposals for one or more station areas.
For businesses that are interested in transit-oriented development, the ability to anticipate potential obstacles and come up with creative solutions can reduce costs and delays. Accordingly, we encourage you to work with a knowledgeable New Jersey land use attorney who can help you successfully navigate the process.
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Don Pepe, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.
This article is a part of a series covering New Jersey’s new initiative to redevelop areas near public transit centers. Additional installments from the series are listed below:
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!