Though Connecticut is well served by commuter rail, a new report indicates that only half of the communities with Metro-North station have land use regulations in place to maximize development around them.
"Despite the seemingly obvious advantages of TOD, only about half the Connecticut communities along the Metro-North New Haven Division rail line have adopted plans to foster development around their railroad stations," says a recent study released by the Regional Plan Association.
"Only 50 percent of station areas allow the kind of construction densities appropriate to transit-served neighborhoods, those with a mix of homes, stores and services within walking distance of transit. Finally, only 19 percent of stations have parking regulations that 'acknowledge the ability of TOD to reduce the need for parking ... through improved transit and walkability,' the study says."
"A train station surrounded by a vast sea of asphalt is not what we are looking for here," adds the editors of The Hartford Courant. "Connecticut has a choice. The state can keep building low-density suburban sprawl, until we (shortly) run out of open land, or we can build denser urban communities around transit — to create vibrancy, save energy, reduce pollution, improve the housing mix and take pressure off the dwindling green space. It is a moment for TOD."
FULL STORY: Towns Should Build On Their Transit Stops
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.
New York MTA Looks to Suburban TODs as Funding Source
The agency is selling land outside of the city on a commuter rail line in a move that could become more common as a revenue-generating strategy.
Op-Ed: Toll Revenues Could Fix Aging New York-Connecticut Rail Connection
Rather than bonds, an op-ed makes the case for electronic tolls to pay for improvements to commuter rail lines between New York City and Connecticut.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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