Study: New York Suburbs Need to Zone for Higher Density Transit Oriented Development

The Regional Plan Association released a new study that recommends steps toward higher density transit oriented development in transit adjacent communities around the New York region. The study also teases a big release coming later this month.

1 minute read

November 14, 2017, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


State Street Station

State Street Station in New Haven, Connecticut. | PimmyTan / Shutterstock

The Regional Plan Association (RPA) released a new study today that recommends developing areas near transit stations in the suburban communities in the New York region to help alleviate the region's challenges with affordable housing and congestion.

The "Untapped Potential" study offers a blueprint "for improving zoning regulations to allow for multi-family housing around regional rail stations, leveraging this existing infrastructure to develop units at a range of price points without causing more sprawl or strain on existing neighborhoods," according to a press release announcing the new study.

According to the press release, any growth strategy that would target new development near transit stations faces obstacles in the form of low-density zoning in many of the communities located around transit station in the region. "Over 60 percent of municipalities close to regional rail stations have zoning codes which greatly limit as-of-right multi-family housing, and over one-quarter only allow for low-density, single-family development that keeps communities exclusively wealthy and white," states the press release. The report includes several concrete recommendations for local municipalities and suburban communities to pursue.

The new study will inform the forthcoming release of the RPA's Fourth Regional Pan, which is scheduled for release on November 30, 2017.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 in Regional Plan Association

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.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

An Airo train driving towards the camera on a track. There is a forest behind it.

Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet

Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.

September 22, 2026 - Washington State Standard

Four cars of the LAX SkyLink. They are white, and there is no clear front or back. They have black windows.

LAX SkyLink opening delayed again, contractor won’t commit to new deadline

The project was supposed to open its doors to the public in 2023.

September 27 - LA Times

A Caltrain train picks up a large crowd of people at a station.

Caltrain may slash over one-third of its stations

If Bay Area voters reject two transit tax measures, Caltrain, BART and AC Transit will see steep service cuts.

September 27 - Mercury News

An aerial view of Interstate 77 crossing a body of water.

A 'dangerous' precedent: North Carolina successfully pressures communities into voting for toll roads

Two mayors resigned from the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization after it voted in favor of the toll roads.

September 27 - Spectrum Local News

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.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design