Communities that concentrate housing, jobs and services near transit stations tend to be more livable. Such neighborhoods tend to be located within a quarter mile of a train or bus stop and boast high-quality walking environments.
TOD should be pursued via an inclusive process that is both transparent and participatory, such as by including local residents and community-based organizations in its implementation. View examples of TOD goals, policies and subarea plans found within Anacortes Comprehensive Plan as well as additional TOD resources here.
High-Density Residential Development
High-density residential developments feature clusters of homes built close together and near public transit stations. Residents can walk easily to shops, services and offices nearby reducing their need for cars in activity centers while strengthening economic vitality in these regions.
High-density housing includes townhouses, villas and retirement communities as well as group residences such as apartment buildings or flats. Its primary target market segments are single adults, students and young families who desire living within walking distance to activities.
Public transportation systems are of paramount importance in high density development. Cities, towns and counties should assess their neighborhoods to see if they can support higher density without overburdening roads, sewer systems and schools; additionally they should ensure that public transit infrastructure is well designed, making use of it easy for residents. This will minimize private vehicle usage as well as congestion and air pollution levels.
Mixed-Use Commercial Development
Successful mixed-use projects typically rely on commercial components that help activate and “plug into” pedestrian experiences, whether that means ground floor retail being a primary tenant or supporting local businesses and hosting community events within the development.
These kinds of projects often necessitate an environmental review, and sometimes an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), under the California Environmental Quality Act. This involves evaluating their potential effects on areas like traffic flow, air and water quality, infrastructure needs, noise levels and more.
Complicating matters further, zoning regulations and permitting requirements often become another roadblock to developing mixed-use projects. Residents in nearby neighborhoods may oppose projects due to changes to neighborhood character or concerns of gentrification, thus hampering progress on such endeavors.
Public Spaces and Amenities
With so many amenities within walking distance, residents may rely less on cars for transportation needs like commuting, shopping and running errands as well as recreation and meeting daily needs. Transit-oriented development (TOD), walkable neighborhoods centered on transit stations designed for optimal living with vibrant mixes of residential, commercial and public spaces is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition.
These areas typically feature a central station with high-density TOD development near it and lower density areas further out, known as transit villages. TODs may either be new construction or redevelopment.
TODs can also incorporate more green space and public spaces that enable people to connect with nature as well as each other and the local community. Such parks and open spaces also help mitigate urban heat islands, stormwater runoff, and air pollution by acting as natural barriers between homes and businesses – Military Park in Newark is located between two rail stations and multiple bus lines – providing convenient places for people to stroll or meet up with friends for social gatherings.
Bicycle Facilities
Bicycle facilities are an integral part of TOD. From paths and roadways, to other venues such as schools or parks, bicycle facilities provide safe and comfortable modes of travel for people of all ages and abilities – including those unable to ride motor vehicles – as well as helping improve environmental sustainability by decreasing air pollution and congestion in communities.
Bikeways or cycle tracks (also referred to as protected and buffered bike lanes) are dedicated, segregated lanes exclusively designed for bicycle use that are protected from traffic by barriers, curbs, pave shoulders or stripes, typically built across Europe but increasingly being installed across North American cities as well.
Roadway treatments that encourage bicycle travel can lower crash numbers while improving mobility and safety for all roadway users. Such measures may be included as part of new construction projects or retrofitted onto existing roadways using road diets.