The Regional Plan Association released a new study that recommends steps toward higher density transit oriented development in transit adjacent communities around the New York region. The study also teases a big release coming later this month.
The Regional Plan Association (RPA) released a new study today that recommends developing areas near transit stations in the suburban communities in the New York region to help alleviate the region's challenges with affordable housing and congestion.
The "Untapped Potential" study offers a blueprint "for improving zoning regulations to allow for multi-family housing around regional rail stations, leveraging this existing infrastructure to develop units at a range of price points without causing more sprawl or strain on existing neighborhoods," according to a press release announcing the new study.
According to the press release, any growth strategy that would target new development near transit stations faces obstacles in the form of low-density zoning in many of the communities located around transit station in the region. "Over 60 percent of municipalities close to regional rail stations have zoning codes which greatly limit as-of-right multi-family housing, and over one-quarter only allow for low-density, single-family development that keeps communities exclusively wealthy and white," states the press release. The report includes several concrete recommendations for local municipalities and suburban communities to pursue.
The new study will inform the forthcoming release of the RPA's Fourth Regional Pan, which is scheduled for release on November 30, 2017.
FULL STORY: RPA: Development Near Commuter Rail Stations in Suburban Areas Key to Regional Affordability
The Fourth Regional Plan Plots a Course for the New York Region
The Regional Plan Association released its eagerly anticipated Fourth Regional Plan on Thursday.
How Fictional Characters Can Give Real Perspective to Planners
Eric Jaffe reports on a simulation method used by the Regional Plan Association to bridge gaps in community engagement while developing the Fourth Regional Plan.
Design Competition Yields a New Look for the Proposed Triboro Transit Line
The design proposal for the Triboro Corridor is speculative, but meant to inspire the conversation on one of the "4c" ideas at the heart of the Regional Plan Association's Fourth Regional Plan.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
The Unseen Aftermath: Wildfires’ Lasting Health and Emotional Burden
Wildfires in Los Angeles not only pose immediate physical health risks but also lead to long-term respiratory problems and mental health struggles, underscoring the need for a coordinated public health response to mitigate their lasting effects.
Public Parks as Climate Resilience Tools
Designed with green infrastructure, parks can mitigate flooding, reduce urban heat, and enhance climate resilience, offering cost-effective solutions to environmental challenges while benefiting communities.
What the Proposed Federal Budget Means for Transit, Rail
The proposed FY 2025 budget keeps spending for public transit and passenger rail essentially the same as in 2024.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research