New Jersey’s transit agency is looking to development leases on agency-owned properties to boost revenue and support new housing.
According to an article by Colleen Wilson on NorthJersey.com, “The NJ Transit board unanimously approved a lease Wednesday with the developers looking to build a mix of housing, retail and office space on agency property next to Metropark Station in Woodbridge Township — the largest-scale landlord arrangement in NJ Transit’s portfolio of properties.”
The move could help the agency gain sustainable revenue to bolster its operating budget through a recurring revenue stream while creating new housing opportunities. “The deal is significant because NJ Transit, like many public transportation agencies around the country, has generated real estate value at properties near transit stations, but rarely reaps those fiscal benefits despite facing systemic funding shortfalls.”
Zoe Baldwin, New Jersey director for the Regional Plan Association, said “Putting attractive destinations and housing next to train stations will help boost ridership, reduce car congestion on our roads, and the state will benefit from reduced traffic and environmental pollutants.” NJ Transit hopes the deal will be a model for other agency-owned properties.
FULL STORY: NJ Transit to gain revenue from new housing at Metropark station. A recipe for elsewhere?
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