From Empty Asphalt to Economic Engines: A New Chapter for Transit-Oriented Development in New Jersey
NJ Transit is hitting the fast track on an ambitious new plan—one that could reshape neighborhoods, supercharge local economies, and redefine how New Jerseyans live and commute. With over 8,000 acres of real estate under its belt, NJ Transit is now eyeing underused parking lots and land parcels across the state for redevelopment, leasing, and sale.
This bold initiative, led by NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri, is aimed at unlocking the hidden potential of state-owned land. Instead of simply acting as parking hubs, many of these properties could evolve into vibrant mixed-use communities—complete with residential buildings, retail shops, office spaces, and public gathering areas—all anchored around mass transit stations.
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🔄 From Park-and-Ride to Live-and-Ride
“Not every property can be monetized,” Kolluri stated. “But where it makes sense, we need to transition from park-and-ride lots to live-and-ride communities that bring long-term value.”
It’s a powerful concept: transit hubs reimagined as the beating heart of neighborhood development. These new communities would be walkable, sustainable, and economically diverse—designed for modern lifestyles where residents can live just steps from rail lines, bus terminals, and retail conveniences.
📍 Key Properties Under Consideration
NJ Transit has already approved the $14.4 million sale of a parking lot in Lyndhurst, but that’s just the beginning. Seven additional properties are being evaluated for sale or lease, in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA):
- Linden (Union County) – 2.07-acre parking lot near Linden Station
- Old Bridge (Middlesex County) – 5.7-acre site along Route 9
- Hamilton (Mercer County) – A sprawling 14-acre parcel near major train and bus routes
- Cherry Hill (Camden County) – 3.3 acres near the Atlantic City Rail Line
- Edison (Middlesex County) – Two parcels totaling 4.1 acres
- Long Branch (Monmouth County) – 4.85 acres in a rapidly growing shore town
- Matawan (Monmouth County) – 6.65 acres near the busy Aberdeen-Matawan Station
These sites offer prime real estate opportunities with easy access to transit infrastructure—making them ideal candidates for transit-oriented development (TOD).
🏙️ What Is Transit-Oriented Development?
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a forward-thinking approach to urban planning. The goal is to create compact, walkable, and livable communities centered around high-quality public transit systems.
These areas typically include:
- Mixed-use buildings with apartments, offices, and ground-floor retail
- Pedestrian-friendly streets and open public spaces
- Sustainable design that encourages lower car dependency
- Increased housing options near job centers and commuter lines
TOD isn’t just good for real estate investors—it’s good for commuters, the environment, and local businesses. It also aligns with New Jersey’s long-term vision for smart growth and reduced traffic congestion.
💼 The Economic Upside
NJ Transit’s real estate strategy isn’t just about cleaning up empty lots. It’s a revenue-generating plan that could provide a long-term financial boost to the agency—reducing its dependence on fare increases and state subsidies.
Repurposing these properties could:
- Increase transit ridership by attracting residents who live near stations
- Generate consistent leasing revenue from commercial tenants
- Spur job creation through construction and business growth
- Drive up surrounding property values, boosting local tax revenues
And with the right support from municipalities—particularly around zoning changes—the sky’s the limit for what these spaces can become.
🌐 National Inspiration
New Jersey isn’t the first state to tap into the value of transit real estate. Cities like San Jose, California, have already turned transit-adjacent parking lots into thriving districts filled with thousands of homes, restaurants, and retail destinations.
If NJ Transit follows a similar blueprint, the Garden State could see a new era of development emerge—one that makes commuting easier while creating more livable, interconnected communities.
🚀 What’s Next?
As NJ Transit moves forward, communities across the state will be watching closely. The process of selecting which properties to develop, how to market them, and who to partner with will be critical in ensuring that these projects bring real value—not just to the transit agency, but to New Jersey residents and commuters alike.
One thing’s clear: this isn’t just about parking lots. It’s about reimagining the future of New Jersey’s cities and towns, and laying the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable growth.
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The vision for NJ Transit’s real estate is bold—but it’s also practical, sustainable, and aligned with where modern development is heading. By shifting from outdated parking models to mixed-use, transit-friendly spaces, New Jersey has a chance to lead the way in urban planning for the 21st century.
These upcoming projects represent more than just construction—they’re the building blocks of a more connected, livable, and economically resilient New Jersey.
