Why a Newsletter about Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?

The purpose of this newsletter, simply put, is to get the word out efficiently to as many civic leaders as possible about the benefits, successes and obstacles for TOD. There has been growing recognition in recent years among local leaders across America, and particularly in the New York metropolitan area, that transit—and the coordination of development around transit — can play a vital role in creating and maintaining livable and sustainable communities, and to revitalize or reinforce them. State agencies, transit providers, policy makers and the development community across our region have begun to promote TOD as a way to use existing infrastructure to reinvigorate older communities, rather than to acquiesce to developing fringe areas that require new infrastructure while consuming farmland and open space.

The New York metropolitan area has long been recognized as one of the nation’s premier examples of successful transit. For the tri-state area to continue to thrive, it will have to develop a unified vision of what its future communities will look like. TOD is one possible solution for providing affordable housing (especially rental), defining a community’s sense of character, and drawing back attractive employment opportunities. These are the conclusions of the Long Island Index Report, reviewed in this issue of the newsletter (see Recommended Reading). Ultimately, TOD represents an opportunity for transit agencies, state departments of transportation, and local governments to work together to make the most of one of our most valuable assets—our transit system, in support of the region’s future sustainability. 

Fortunately for TOD advocates, transit in the tri-state region is moving forward with aggressive new capital investments and service expansions underway by Metro-North, the Long Island Rail Road and NJ TRANSIT. Each of these in turn will nurture promising opportunities for TOD. In addition, Metro-North has already taken important initiatives at Beacon, Yonkers, Harrison, and Poughkeepsie stations. (Also see Big Changes Planned for the Yonkers Waterfront.)

It is hoped that through feature articles, news updates, and suggested readings, the Metro New York TOD Newsletter will lead and inform the TOD conversation in the region’s diverse communities—spreading the word about best practices, model programs, legislation, and the key issues that affect TOD's acceptance at the local level. More broadly, the Metro New York TOD Newsletter will provide a medium where state and county leaders, municipal decision-makers, and the public at-large can learn how to create livable, sustainable, and thriving places—and discover why such places are vitally important to the New York region as it moves ahead into the 21st century.

We hope you enjoy this inaugural issue.

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