Transit Oriented Development and Infill Development Challenges: Insights from the Front-Lines February 8, 2005

General Infill Challenges Reluctance of cities to rezone land Sites often contaminated Land assemblage often required Vocal and organized neighborhood groups –“Smart people or dumb cows” Prevailing wages undermine agencies’ resources Insurance for attached housing expensive Continued fear of density Construction in established neighborhoods

TOD Residential Challenges Transit uses create noise, vibration, traffic –Very complex site planning –Very expensive to mitigate

TOD Challenges from Transit Agencies Generally own all land around stations Often unwilling to sell land Care first and foremost about parking No funds for parking structures Unmotivated to facilitate development Uncertainty about effect on ridership

TOD Challenges from Railroads and Cities Railroads –Often share tracks Cities –Not aligned with transit agency –Push for too much or too little density

What Would Help? Limiting condo liability More funding for parking structures Fund studies of TOD and ridership impacts Required prioritization of infill / TOD projects by cities Reducing fees on infill / TOD projects Reducing prevailing wage requirements on infill / TOD redevelopment projects

Questions? Mitch Solomon Director of Acquisitions The Olson Company San Ramon, CA