Last week we launched our new weekly newsletter all about the best practices in TOD.
In this week’s edition we take a look at upzoning—a strategy that allows for higher density near transit stations. We’re highlighting this because Seattle, WA moved forward with plans to upzone its University District this week. The changes would allow for the development of taller buildings—up to 320 feet on some blocks—near a light-rail station that is scheduled to open in 2021. The changes would also potentially trigger new requirements for developers to create affordable housing.
How might this upzoning impact Seattle’s return on its transit investment? A policy brief by the University of California Transit Center, included in our TODresources.org library, explores this issue.
“Mass Transit & Mass: Densities Needed To Make Transit Investments Pay Off” examined 59 transit projects—ranging from light rail, heavy rail, and bus rapid transit systems—and the density of their development across 19 US metropolitan areas.
The researchers found that as density rises, so do both ridership and construction costs. But ridership rose more, making higher densities more cost-effective despite their higher construction costs. View the full brief, or explore more resources about zoning near transit stations:
Recent news about TOD:
- A Model to Keep Homes Near Transit Affordable — Streetblog Denver
- Surrounding real estate shows increase in value if near transit station — Phys.org
- MARTA calls off major Brookhaven development — Atlanta Journal Constitution
- Oakland Planning Commission Approves ‘Mammoth’ Tower Next to MacArthur BART — East Bay Express
Have a suggestion for a project or policy to highlight? Email us at [email protected].