The New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ TRANSIT) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) have released a pair of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to develop transit-oriented, affordable housing options. Responses to NJ TRANSIT’s RFP are due by Sept. 23, whereas applicants have until Sept. 28 to apply to NJEDA’s request.
Trasit-oriented development (TOD) projects have grown in popularity over the past decade, serving as cornerstones for creating affordable, mobile and resilient communities. These projects are designed to create walkable, mixed-use areas anchored by transit stations. Implementation of TOD initiatives results in increased affordable housing options, expanded access to critical amenities and resources, increased transit ridership, improved sustainability and enhanced transportation resiliency.
NJ TRANSIT is focusing its attention on transforming a 4.3-acre area next to the Bayonne-34th Street Station along the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR). These parcels include two surface parking lots south of the station. As part of development, the agency will create an inclusive neighborhood that integrates apartments, retail, public space and transit accessibility into its layout.
All apartment housing must be constructed for a range of incomes and contain a minimum of 20% that are affordable for low-and-moderate-income residents. As part of the transit-oriented vision, NJ TRANSIT requires the following to be incorporated into the plan’s holistic project:
- Pedestrian-friendly, ground floor commercial and/or retail space.
- Inclusive public areas.
- Commuter parking.
- Bus connections.
- Micromobility enhancements.
- Bicycle infrastructure.
- Streetscape improvements.
- Community amenities.
- Wayfinding and signage.
- Accessibility features.
NJEDA’s request follows in a similar vein as the authority seeks a partner to buy or lease and redevelop a commuter parking lot at the NJ TRANSIT rail station in Linden. Redevelopment will transform the site into a transit-oriented housing community, further expanding affordability and mobility options alongside two other mixed-use developments in the area.
The request’s top priority will be for the development of affordable housing options on the parcel. In addition, the project should feature resident and commuter parking, pedestrian connectivity and an energy-efficient design to be considered for selection. Other key pieces of information that must be included in applications include:
- A detailed development concept and narrative.
- Market data supporting proposed rents or sales.
- Funding sources and a 10-year operating Pro forma.
- A project schedule featuring key milestones.
Photo by victoraf from Pixabay
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