Housing advocates in Connecticut are leading walking tours that fight misinformation about transit-oriented development and emphasize the benefits of increased density.
Housing organizations in Connecticut including Darien Talks Housing and Desegregate CT are sponsoring walking tours that “highlight housing solutions near transit that fit the community but also improve housing affordability,” reports Camila Vallejo for Connecticut Public Radio. “Out of 40 ‘transit towns’ with at least a train or CTFastrak station, only 25 allow as-of-right multi-family homes on some percentage of land near transportation, according to a report by DesegregateCT.”
The tours are one way for TOD advocates to fight misinformation about TODs and density that have prevented legislative efforts from moving forward, writes Vallejo. “A bill introduced this year, required towns to allow at least 15 housing units per acre within half a mile of a rail line or CTFastrak station. Opponents highlighted concerns about density, losing local control of zoning decisions, traffic and more. The bill died in committee.”
Christie Stewart, the director of the Fairfield County Center for Housing Opportunity, said “advocates are hosting tours to show residents that transit oriented development is an approach that can help increase housing, but also be in line with what towns want and need.”
FULL STORY: Advocates say transit-oriented development is misunderstood. Their walking tours aim to change minds
How One L.A. Developer Uses the Law to Build Apartments
California’s density bonus law lets developers skirt some zoning regulations to build multifamily housing.
Boise Approves First Zoning Code Update in 60 Years
A comprehensive update of the city’s zoning code aimed at making housing more affordable and promoting sustainable growth received unanimous support from the city council.
Connecticut Zoning Bills in Peril Near End of Legislative Session
Two bills that would change zoning rules to encourage more housing production and denser zoning are still in limbo as the legislature prepares to go on recess.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
California Legislative Package Seeks to Address Homelessness and Mental Health
The state is investing $22 billion in supportive housing, mental health services, shelter beds, and housing units for its most vulnerable residents.
Advancing Shade Equity in LA’s Koreatown
Koreatown is one of Los Angeles's densest and most park-poor communities. A privately funded tree planting initiative will bring some much needed greenery and shade to the area.
Federal Government Announces National Climate Resilience Framework
The document is designed to guide federal investment into community-driven solutions tailored to local conditions and needs.
Alta Planning + Design
Alta Planning + Design
City of Kyle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
City of Helena
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
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.
