Central Florida's SunRail commuter train is spurring dozens of transit-oriented housing projects near its stations.
Florida's explosive growth—in 2021, "2.44 people moved to the Orlando area for every one person moving out"—is prompting local and state officials to support more public transit and transit-oriented development in the state, reports Steven Ryzewski for the Orlando Business Journal.
"Transit-oriented development has been a topic of discussion since before Central Florida's commuter train SunRail began service in 2014, but was slow to take root in some places." But the tide is turning as more developments are planned around SunRail stops. "To date, SunRail has attracted 72 total transit-oriented development projects with a construction value of more than $1.8 billion, including completed, under construction and future projects, according to research done by the Florida Department of Transportation."
Mauricio Bello of Waterstone Capital, who is planning to build a 448-unit complex near one SunRail station, "called being near the station a 'competitive advantage' over other multifamily projects in the area, adding that the possibility of SunRail’s future connections to Miami-based intercity passenger train Brightline and Orlando International Airport also are game changers." The success of current projects is driving more proposals as developers seek to take advantage of infill development opportunities in areas adjacent to SunRail stops.
FULL STORY: SunRail attracts $1.8B+ in transit-oriented projects
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
San Diego High-Speed Rail Plan Counts on Future Density
Despite slowing population growth statewide, officials believe the region will "grow into" the new rail system if cities promote dense development around transit stations.
Despite 47% growth in ridership, Caltrain could close a third of its stations
Riders can currently travel up to 79 miles between San Francisco and Gilroy, California.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association