NJ TRANSIT AWARDED FTA GRANT TO STUDY TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ALONG PROPOSED HBLR EXTENSION
$592,000 Grant Will Examine Equitable TOD On Nine-Mile Route Through Bergen County
December 12, 2022
NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT has been awarded a $592,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to study equitable transit oriented development (TOD) along the proposed nine-mile extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) into Bergen County. The comprehensive plan will build on efforts to establish neighborhoods and employment centers along the corridor and provide a framework for coordinated actions, creating a blueprint for success for all stakeholders. The extension of the HBLR into Bergen County, known as the Northern Branch, will further NJ TRANSIT’s 10-Year Strategic Plan goals of powering a stronger and fairer economy and promoting a more sustainable future.
“Transit oriented development helps to unlock the full range of benefits that new mass transit corridors can provide,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Thank you to the FTA and our Congressional delegation for securing this funding to explore how these developments can work in coordination with the proposed HBLR extension, providing a sustainable future for the region.”
“The extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail would be an essential asset to decrease congestion and traffic, allowing residents who live in the area to have a better quality of life,” said Senator Gordon Johnson. “As we continue to develop new and innovative modes of transportation, it is important that we also consider how we can make our pre-existing infrastructure more equitable and accessible for everyone. I am looking forward to seeing how this grant will help enrich and improve the lives of Bergen County residents.”
“This federal grant to study equitable transit-oriented development along the proposed nine-mile extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) extension into Bergen County will allow for engagement by local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure a well-planned project that meets the needs of the communities,” said Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese. “The extension will give commuters in southeast Bergen County critically needed additional mass transportation options, which will help reduce traffic, increase home values, and enhance and revitalize downtown business districts. Hudson County has enjoyed these benefits from the HBLR for over twenty years and we look forward to the extension of the line bringing these same benefits to southeast Bergen County.”
"Bergen County could not be more excited to see the construction of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail," said Assemblywoman Shama Haider, member of the State Assembly's Transportation Committee. "A reliable, efficient train will improve the lives of thousands of daily commuters in our district and in doing so, it will spur economic development at every stop. I look forward to reviewing this study and helping to ensure not only the completion of the HBLR, but that we have equitable and thoughtful development along the way."
"There is no transportation project more important in the State of New Jersey than the construction of the Northern Branch of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail," said Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park. "I am glad to see all aspects of the light rail's impact are being studied in a way that will guarantee the greatest possible benefit to both the passengers and our surrounding communities."
“Bringing the light-rail to the eastern corridor of Bergen County, one of the most densely populated areas in the nation, will be a guaranteed model for successful transit-oriented development,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This critical mass transit project will greatly enhance the quality of life for local residents and businesses by alleviating congestion, meeting mass transit demands, and improving the environment. Since taking office, I have been a vocal advocate for this project and I thank Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti and the New Jersey congressional delegation for their continued commitment to make the light-rail a reality in Bergen County.”
"This grant serves as a critical step forward in expanding access to public transit in eastern Bergen County," said Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Tracy Zur. "Reigniting the completion of this critical transportation project will facilitate utilization of mass transit in our region, benefit the environment, and ease life of commuters."
“This generous FTA grant will support a vital TOD study, enabling NJ TRANSIT to maximize mobility, ridership, and economic growth along all nine miles of our proposed Northern Branch project, conservatively estimated to serve more than 5,600 additional HBLR customers each weekday,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “We thank the FTA and the NJ Congressional delegation for their continued support of our commitment to sustainability through TOD projects anchored by our transit system.”
The TOD study will assemble analysis and opportunities in a comprehensive manner that will provide holistic solutions for the entire corridor located through portions of North Bergen, Fairview, Ridgefield, Englewood, Leonia and Palisades Park, and pinpoint more customized solutions tailored to the unique character, constraints and needs of specific communities. The plan will engage local communities, governments and regional and state agencies in the many facets of transit oriented development in crafting a collective vision for the corridor. The study will also contain robust community engagement through outreach to members of the public and other stakeholders.
The Northern Branch extension is a proposed nine-mile route through eastern Bergen County from the current terminus of Tonnelle Ave. up to Englewood hospital and Medical Center with seven proposed station stops. The project, currently in the design phase, will decrease roadway congestion and improve overall mobility in the region.
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.