MURPHY ADMINISTRATION, NJ TRANSIT ADVANCE METROPARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Request for Proposals (RFP) Seeks Designs for 12-Acre Site for Mixed-Use Transit Oriented Development
July 15, 2021
WOODBRIDGE, NJ – The Murphy Administration and NJ TRANSIT are continuing to advance a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project at Metropark Station in Woodbridge as part of their ongoing commitment to promote sustainable economic growth. NJ TRANSIT has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the four finalists who successfully submitted responses to the previous request for Statements of Qualifications and Expressions of Interest.
“Transit-oriented developments are key to New Jersey’s economic future,” said Governor Murphy. “NJ TRANSIT’s innovative efforts on this front are welcome as demand for housing continues to be at historic highs in New Jersey. This development will create brand new housing that is connected to New York City and other key economic centers in our area.”
“For NJ TRANSIT, the development of TOD communities not only means new opportunities to generate revenue and optimize the agency’s real estate around our public transportation hubs throughout the state, but also to meet the state’s economic and environmental goals,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “NJ TRANSIT knows how transformational this development will be for the Township of Woodbridge and is proud to facilitate the advancement of this important project.”
“With the Northeast Corridor running through Metropark Station, NJ TRANSIT’s development will be an asset to the local economy, our commuters, and in reaching our environmental goals,” said Speaker of the NJ General Assembly Craig Coughlin. “In supporting greater walkability in and around the area, it’s my hope proposals will strive to seamlessly integrate new sustainability-focused development alongside existing residential areas for a cleaner, healthier, and revitalized community that works to the benefit of every resident.”
“This is a giant step forward in realizing a strategic plan that integrates transportation services with economic development,” said Senator Joe Vitale. “Metropark will continue be a regional hub on one of the most traveled rail lines in the Nation with improved service, greater convenience for commuters, and benefits for the environment and the quality of life of residents. Incorporating transportation planning into economic development is a smart way to achieve sustainable growth.”
“We know that Transit-Oriented Development brings great benefit to the local economic engines across our State and helps to maximize the uptake of the public transportation,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. “I am excited by the economic growth and resilience this development promises to bring, not only for Woodbridge residents but across neighboring communities and the District."
"New Jersey Transit's commitment to advance Phase I of their multi-million dollar Transit Oriented Development project at the Metropark Station in Woodbridge represents an investment in the future viability of the Northeast corridor as well as an investment in the economic future of the development area. The Phased development plan will certainly benefit Woodbridge Township and will vastly improve the safety, security and comfort of new residents, businesses and commuters moving through Woodbridge via the Metropark station," said Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac.
“This is a great example of both public private partnership and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) that NJ TRANSIT is proud to be part of,” said Bill Viqueira, NJ TRANSIT Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “This project will foster better access to employment centers and transportation, with fewer greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate a healthier more environmentally friendly community.”
In 2020, NJ TRANSIT solicited Statements of Qualifications and Expressions of Interest in 12 acres located directly adjacent to the Metropark Station on the Northeast Corridor Line, one of the busiest rail and bus stations in the NJ TRANSIT system. The site is envisioned for transformative mixed-use development that is strategically phased to create a new community of place centered at the transportation facilities.
Facilitating the development of TODs one of the five goals in NJ TRANSIT’s 2030 10-year Strategic Plan, through which the agency is promoting a more sustainable future for our planet through the development of walkable communities, engaging in adaptive reuse of property to maximize its value, and fostering a green economy by reducing emissions related to transportation.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.