NJDOT announces “Transit Village” status for Somerville
Participation in program boosts local redevelopment efforts near transit
facilities
By Rod Hirsch
SBPA Executive Director
(Trenton)
- The New Jersey Department of Transportation has designated Somerville
as the 22nd Transit Village community in the state in recognition of its
ongoing efforts to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods near public
transportation centers.
Somerville will be invited to apply for $100,000 grants through the New
Jersey Department of Transportation in support of their Transit Village
planning efforts.
“The
Transit Village program encourages local officials to
surround nearby transit facilities 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.