Transit-Oriented Walking Tours Highlight the Value of 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.”