Among the topics discussed at the Solutions for Working Families: 2009 Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy were those related to ways to promote transit-oriented development.
A recent San Jose Mercury News article details the steps forward Pittsburgh, CA is taking to implement these initiatives through a new planned eBART station. Earlier this month, decision makers in the city approved environmental documents for the Railroad Avenue Specific Plan, which would make more efficient use of the area around Railroad Avenue and Highway 4 by incorporating high-density housing, shops, parks and public space near transit. The area would also have better links between the eBART station and other modes of transportation.
As part of this plan, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission requires 2,200 housing units be built within a half-mile of the eBART station. Currently, there are about 1,600 units built, and the eBART project is expected to be complete by 2015.
For more information about the plans in Pittsburg, CA, please Read the Full Article. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about ways to incorporate transit-oriented development in your community, please check out the resources from the Solutions for Working Families sessions on “The Intersection of Housing, Land-Use and Transportation Policy” and “Using Transit-Oriented Development to Expand Housing Opportunities.”