Massachusetts Policy Spurs Transit Oriented Development

With the help of the Romney administration, transit oriented development is taking off in eastern Massachusetts.

1 minute read

June 18, 2006, 11:00 AM PDT

By Mike Lydon


"It's no accident that a map outlining new and planned development in eastern Massachusetts resembles the layout of the public transit system. With the prodding of the Romney administration and urban planners, and accommodations by local zoning officials, real estate developers are making a beeline to locations that are just a short walk to train, ferry, and bus stops. The activity amounts to about 25,000 housing units and 15 million square feet of retail and commercial space. This map -- based on data compiled by the state Office for Commonwealth Development -- shows projects recently built, under construction or under review, or recently proposed. It includes only developments within a quarter-mile or so of a transit stop, and omits most projects that have fewer than 50 housing units."

Thanks to Laurence Aurbach

Sunday, June 18, 2006 in The Boston Globe

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

the New Mexico State capital building, made of orange clay

‘Hoodwinked:’ New Mexico bill aimed at microgrids paves way for data center development

In an interview with High Country News, Padilla said the legislation “ignited” New Mexico's economy.

15 minutes ago - High Country News

Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a Gun Safety Legislation Press Conference.

California’s ‘unrecognizable’ water plan may go down the drain

After four years of regulatory processes, water agencies say the plan to overhaul how cities and farms take water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has changed dramatically.

1 hour ago - Cal Matters

The Chicago Avenue Bridge when it was open, a dark red bridge in front of downtown.

Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders

The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.

November 1 - Block Club Chicago