Montco Focusing On 'Transit Oriented Development'

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County planning commission officials hold a special presentation this week on development projects oriented around public transportation.

Transit Oriented Development, also known by the moniker TOD, focuses on transforming underutilized spaces into walkable and sustainable communities centered around the connectivity afforded by transit.

“We want to encourage sensitive infill development within walking distance of transit amenities," MCPC Executive Director Scott France said in a statement. "We plan to highlight five key design elements for successful TOD projects and related best practices, using case study developments.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, August 2, from noon to 1 p.m., online. More information on how to register and attend the event is available online here.

The future of the region's public transit took a hit when the long anticipated King of Prussia rail project was effectively nixed due to funding issues. The $3 billion project, a celebrated though controversial proposed extension of the Norristown High Speed Line, was "paused" after the Federal Transit Administration declined to recommend the project. Their concern lied with SEPTA's limited capital budget. SEPTA said that with that decision, they were given little choice.

See also: $3 Billion King Of Prussia Rail Project 'Paused' Amid Funding Concerns

Beyond creating closer, more vibrant communities, advocates say an expansion of transit infrastructure brings a wide array of benefits, ranging from reducing traffic and making the region more enviromentally friendly to improving real estate values.