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with a
vibrant mix of residential, retail and commercial uses,” said Governor
Chris Christie. “This type of development spurs sustainable economic
growth, maximizes the value of our transit investments and benefits the
environment.”
“We are
delighted to welcome Somerville into the family of Transit Village
communities, and we commend them for embracing the Smart Growth
principles that are designed to ease roadway congestion,” said NJDOT
Commissioner James Simpson. “The Transit Village concept creates
enjoyable, walkable communities that benefit – and benefit from – one of
the best transit systems in the nation.”
“Transit Villages make it easier for residents and workers to choose NJ
TRANSIT, benefitting the environment and reducing road congestion”, said
NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jim Weinstein.
The
Transit Village program involves numerous state agencies spearheaded by
NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT. Participant communities are eligible to compete
for grants to advance their plans.
Somerville’s redevelopment efforts surround Somerville Station which is
now undergoing a $20 improvement and facelift and is served by NJ
TRANSIT’s Raritan Valley Line.
“This
designation is important for the borough of Somerville and our
redevelopment objectives,” said Somerville Mayor Brian G. Gallagher. “It
will identify the Borough as a well planned Transit and pedestrian
friendly, Smart Growth community. The Transit Village designation gives
the Borough greater opportunities to obtain funding for and to complete
transportation related projects which are central to the success of our
redevelopment efforts. The Borough’s success in its redevelopment
efforts is critical to the economic vitality of not only Somerville, but
the entire region.”
Being
designated a Transit Village provides a municipality with the following
benefits:
• State of New Jersey commitment to the municipality's vision for
redevelopment.
• Coordination among the State agencies that make up the Transit Village
task force.
• Priority funding from some State agencies.
• Technical assistance from some State agencies.
• Eligibility for grants from NJDOT's dedicated Transit Village funding.
The
Transit Village initiative began designating municipalities in 1999.
Pleasantville, Morristown, Rutherford, South Amboy, South Orange,
Riverside, Rahway, Metuchen, Belmar, Collingswood, Bloomfield, Bound
Brook, Cranford, Matawan, New Brunswick, Journal Square/Jersey City,
Netcong, Elizabeth City, Burlington City and the City of Orange have
been designated in previous years.
The
initiative designates municipalities with a bus, train or light rail
station or a ferry terminal that have embraced a Smart Growth vision.
That vision encompasses opportunities for growth and economic
revitalization; a commitment to compact, mixed-use development; a strong
residential component including affordable housing; and jobs,
restaurants, arts, entertainment and the preservation of architectural
character within walking distance of a passenger transportation
facility. |
