Calling for Statewide TOD in New Jersey

This editorial calls on the state of New Jersey to take advantage of the fact that it has one of the country's largest mass transit network and to better site homes and development near transit.

1 minute read

March 30, 2008, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"According to a recent publication by NJ Future, a local think tank, New Jersey is already a leader in the nation when it comes to mass transit. Our state has the third largest national mass transit network and saw a laudable 4.1 percent increase in NJ Transit passengers last year. That's al most double the national average. Also, New Jersey had the fourth slowest growth rate in the number of vehicle miles traveled since 1980 and reported a decline in per-capita fuel consumption since 1989, according to NJ Future. Still, to meet the ambitious energy saving and greenhouse gas emission targets set by the governor, more people need to abandon their cars for trains, buses and ferries."

"One way to make that happen is to create more housing within walking distance of mass transit hubs, such as the Princeton Junction and Hamil ton train stations. If you think you've heard of that concept before, it's because you have. Ambitious housing and commercial centers around the busy local train stops, known as transit villages, were proposed years ago, only to be shot down by neighbors and local officials, fearing increased traffic and an influx of school children."

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 in The Times (New Jersey)

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 20, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A yellow, two-story building named Ferns with two American flags.

This MA town is drowning in its own sewage — and residents like it that way

Susan Murcott, a waste water expert, said if Carlisle didn't address their leaking sewage, the problem could turn “deadly.”

October 22, 2026 - Boston Globe

A square Tesla home battery on the side of a home.

Home batteries are ushering in an energy revolution

Batteries capable of storing solar energy can stabilize the grid during peaks and keep homes running on cloudy days.

October 26 - Grist

A large green space outside a tall, silver terminal.

A sneak peek at NYC’s Midtown Bus Terminal rebuild

The city will turn a deck used for storage during the construction process into a park once construction is complete.

October 26 - Gothamist

One of Archer Aviations air taxis. it has four small propellers and a sleek black build.

Air taxis to connect Texas airports to business hubs

Archer Aviation says its taxis will turn 90 minute drives into 20 minute flights.

October 26 - Fort Worth Report