Mixed-Income Housing Near Transit, CTOD, University of Maryland, September 2009

This report is one of a "(o)ne in a series of best practices guidebooks from The Center for Transit-Oriented Development," the University of Maryland center of excellence on TOD matters.




From the introduction:

 . . . (W)hile providing for a mix of incomes in communities in general is good, providing for a mix of incomes in walkable neighborhoods near transit is even better – for all of the reasons shown in the illustration to the right: Most importantly, in addition to the savings realized because housing is affordably priced, families living near transit can also own fewer cars – or no cars – and drive them less, which means significant savings on transportation costs. . . (It also) has the potential to reduce . . . greenhouse gas emissions, and to address the growing gap between rich and poor.

However, we must act now to ensure that the housing built in these locations provides for a mix of incomes or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be lost. Changing demographics and concern about traffic has boosted demand for housing near transit and the supply is not keeping up with the increased demand. Because of this, and because developing in these locations is more time-consuming, difficult and expensive, most new housing is being built for the high end of the market, and many of the low-income residents who already live in these locations are being forced out.

All of this advances the Reston Master Plan planning principle objectives for Transportation, Environment, and Diversity.  

Mixed Income Housing Near Transit--CTOD--09/2009