A community visioning process to identify ways to reuse the old Department of Public Works site next to the Ossining Train Station.

Changing city ordinances to allow denser development at key locations along Newark’s successful Springfield Ave bus rapid transit “GoBus” route.

These are two of the eight projects that will receive funding via the One Region Funders Group, The Fund for New Jersey, and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s community assistance grants program announced today. The grants will help towns promote residential and commercial development within a half-mile of bus or rail stations, a concept otherwise known as transit-oriented development. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, and the eight winners were selected from over 40 applicants.

The Westchester, Long Island, and New Jersey grants were announced today, with funds going to Mount Vernon, Ossining, and Peekskill in Westchester; Babylon and Brookhaven in Long Island; and Newark and Trenton in New Jersey. The Connecticut grant will be announced at a public event next week.

The program is supported by The Fund for New Jersey and the One Region Funders’ Group, a partnership of private funders including the Westchester Community Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Fairfield County Community Foundation, Long Island Community Foundation, New York Community Trust, Rauch Foundation, and the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation.

The descriptions of winning projects and quotes from recipient town officials, as well as the many applicants we unfortunately could not fund, show that interest in transit-oriented development is strong throughout the region. (Project descriptions and quotes below:) Peekskill will study methods to improve the streetscape between Main Street and the train station.

“Peekskill’s downtown and waterfront are in the midst of a wonderful renaissance,” said Mayor Mary F. Foster. “Linking these areas with our train station will only accelerate the revitalization of our City. The funds provided by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the One Region Funders’ Group will go a long way to helping Peekskill achieve this goal.”

Mount Vernon will conduct a community visioning process for redevelopment near Mount Vernon West train station.

“Being chosen as a recipient of the Transit Centered Development (TCD) Grant Program will enable Mount Vernon to capitalize on the things that make our city great, like our diversity, our location, our manageable size and our dedicated citizenry,” said Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr.

Ossining will continue community visioning to identify ways to develop the former Department of Public Works site.

“After three and a half years of work the all volunteer citizen Comprehensive Plan Committee and the Village Board of Trustees identified the long-abandoned former DPW site as the key to linking our spectacular Hudson River front and transportation hub to our Downtown Business District, one quarter mile away and approximately 120 feet higher in elevation,” said Mayor William R. Hanauer. “This grant will allow us to continue the public process of determining the highest and best use of this property.”

Babylon will create a tool-kit of low-impact development strategies for the Wyandanch train station area.

“This grant will assist the town with its downtown revitalization efforts for Wyandanch, one of the most economically distressed communities on Long Island,” said Supervisor Steve Bellone. “Transit oriented development will serve as an economic engine for Wyandanch revitalizing and improving local businesses and industry and creating additional job opportunities in the area.”

Brookhaven will conduct an environmental review for its Ronkonkoma train station land-use plan.

“We are excited and encouraged in the support and generosity extended by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and The One Region Funder’s Group,” said Paul Rogalle, planning director for the Town of Brookhaven. “A comprehensive approach to sustainable new development and use of smart growth principles for redevelopment will incorporate land use and design elements that foster neighborhood identity and improved quality of life. The centerpiece of the Ronkonkoma Train Station will create the foundation for sustainable transit oriented development and a quality community.”

Trenton will build community support for mixed-use and mixed-income development around its newly rebuilt train station, which provides service for Amtrak, NJTransit, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and RiverLine stops.

“The Trenton Transit Center already is a powerful driver of our city’s economic strength – and its impact on revitalization will grow significantly as mixed-use development takes shape in the area,” Mayor Douglas H. Palmer said. “With the support that the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the Fund for New Jersey are announcing today, the City will be able to bring together residents, business owners, transit users, public officials, and other stakeholders for informed dialogue. We will be able to fully support our new train station area advisory committee – and ensure that everyone is on the same page concerning the tremendous economic opportunities associated with Trenton’s regional transit hub.”

Newark will conduct work to densify around its new GoBus Springfield Ave bus rapid transit line.

“This grant will help to further the creation of sustainable, vibrant and mixed use commercial and transit corridors throughout our city’s neighborhoods,” said Mayor Cory A. Booker. “I applaud the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the Fund for New Jersey for their continued support and investment in Newark’s future.”

“This award not only recognizes the importance of corridors as vital transit hubs, but also the revitalization work we’ve begun along Newark’s historic Springfield Avenue, including implementing provisions for higher density residential, commercial and retail uses designed to further support the newly installed ‘Go Bus’ rapid transit system, which in just one year has already exceeded ridership expectations,” said Toni L. Griffin, Director of Community Development.