Transit-oriented development (TOD) projects often make major impacts on the overall character of a community due to their holistic, mixed-use nature. By triggering fundamental change in the residential, commercial, and civic character of a municipality, TOD projects affect a range of stakeholder groups, including existing residents, business owners, public officials and developers. In this context, it is vital to understand the needs and desires of these groups in order to build consensus among all involved parties.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) projects often make major impacts on the overall character of a community due to their holistic, mixed-use nature. By triggering fundamental change in the residential, commercial, and civic character of a municipality, TOD projects affect a range of stakeholder groups, including existing residents, business owners, public officials and developers. In this context, it is vital to understand the needs and desires of these groups in order to build consensus among all involved parties.

NJ TRANSIT recognized the importance of consensus building early on, implementing the Transit-Friendly Communities for New Jersey Pilot Program in 1999. The team for this program consisted of a consortium of non-profit consultants, including the Regional Plan Association (RPA), Project for Public Spaces (PPS), New Jersey Future, and the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center of Rutgers University. The goal was to help competitively selected municipalities develop community-based visions for transit-friendly development. From 1999–2002, the program aided 11 municipalities in their visioning and consensus-building processes, including two designated Transit Villages: Matawan and Rutherford. The program has been recognized by Downtown New Jersey and the New Jersey Chapter of the APA for its successful efforts.

External Links:

More Information: policy.rutgers.edu/vtc/tod/newsletter/vol2-num1/article_consensus.html