Transit-oriented development and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail : shaping urban design patterns in northern New Jersey

Abstract

This thesis investigates the influence of a new transit system on mature urban environments. The confluence of evolving socio-economic trends, cultural travel behaviors, and existing urban contexts, is changing how cities develop. The added value of convenient transit access provides unique urban design opportunities. Transit-oriented development (TOD) addresses these opportunities through attention to the pedestrian environment, coordinated land uses, and an emphasis on the holistic urban experience. The new Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) provides a much needed North-South transit line along the New Jersey's congested Hudson River waterfront. Since NJ Transit announced their commitment to increase regional mobility in the mid-1990s, parcels adjacent to the HBLR stations have experienced unprecedented growth The various urban design and planning strategies address many contemporary issues, such as the role of the automobile in the city, the impact of increased densities, and the marketable pedestrian networks. By looking at the different urban development experiences of three different cities along the light rail, the thesis will illustrate transit-oriented opportunities for urban design and development.