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Regional Assembly 2008: Wrap Up April 22, 2008 - We've begun to release the video and presentation files from last Friday's Regional Assembly. Thanks to everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you again next year. |
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Event: Rebuilding and Renewing America: Toward a 21st Century Infrastructure Investment Plan
On May 9th RPA’s America 2050 project hosted a national forum on infrastructure investment titled “Rebuilding and Renewing America: Toward a 21st Century Infrastructure Investment Plan.” The forum convened members of Congress with leaders in the business, labor, philanthropy and environmental communities to discuss the components of a national infrastructure plan. Read the press release |
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Spotlight on the Region
If you would like to receive Spotlight on the Region regularly, please send an email to rivanova@rpa.org |
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| Congestion Pricing One week after the New York City Council voted to approve sending a congestion pricing plan to the State Legislature for consideration, the New York State Assembly failed to bring the measure to a vote. Read RPA’s statements here and here. |
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RPA President Testifies Before House T&I Committee On April 9, 2008, Robert D. Yaro, President of RPA, testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. The hearing, titled "Transportation Challenges of Metropolitan Areas", featured testimonies on the infrastructure challenges within our metro areas, specifically goods movement, infrastructure maintenance and modernization, mobility and connectivity. See Robert Yaro's written testimony, click here. |
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RPA Recommends Manhattan East Side Rail Access from NJ; Light Rail for Midtown A new study released today recommends extending the Access to the Region’s Core project (ARC), the new trans-Hudson passenger rail tunnel being built by NJ TRANSIT and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in a second phase from its current terminus at 34th Street near Penn Station to the East Side under Madison Avenue, with a possible link to Grand Central. The study also recommends a light rail loop in midtown to increase midtown circulation in anticipation of development on the Far West Side and at Moynihan Station. Read the Release Read the Report |
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Ads Launch for Congestion Pricing Feb. 23, 2008 - Regional Plan Association, in conjunction with the Campaign for New York’s Future and the Empire State Transportation Alliance, has launched new ad campaign to urge commuters to speak up for mass transit improvements and congestion pricing. The print campaign urges New Yorkers to visit www.BetterTransit.org to learn how subways, buses and commuter rail lines will benefit from congestion pricing by reducing traffic and raising new transit funds. |
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RPA Study Issues Recommendations for New Transit Stations along I-287 Rockland Corridor A new RPA study released today examines how four possible sites for new transit stations along the Rockland Corridor of I-287 as part of the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement or rehabilitation can be designed to maximize ridership and benefit the communities they will be built in. The study – the result of a day-long workshop with local stakeholders and professionals – issues recommendations for transit-friendly development around future commuter rail or bus rapid transit station areas in Suffern, Airmont/Montebello, Nanuet and the Palisades Mall. |
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125th Street Rezoning Statement Jan. 31st, 2008 – The City Planning Department is proposing rezoning 125th Street between Second Avenue and Broadway in Harlem. RPA supports the proposed action and suggests enhancements that would help ensure benefits are fully shared by the surrounding community. Read our statement. |
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Debate for National Transportation Funding Kicks Off Jan. 21, 2008 - The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission recently issued their final report calling for major investments in the nation’s surface transportation network and an overhaul in the funding structure. The report kicks off the debate on the nation’s next surface transportation bill, which will come up for authorization in 2009. Read RPA’s statement. |
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Friends of Moynihan Station Announce Principles Nov. 28, 2007 - This morning, the Friends of Moynihan Station announced their Principles for the design and construction of Moynihan Station East and West. On the steps of the Farley building, they symbolically "nailed principles to the door" by nailing them to a freestanding column. Find the full set of principles and more here. |
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Northeast Megaregion 2050: A Common Future |
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Traffic Congestion Mitigation Hearings Read RPA’s testimony: Long Island, Manhattan |
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New Report Highlights Planning Challenges at the Megaregional Scale |
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Moynihan Station Plan Offers Great Benefits for the Region |
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Hunts Point Demonstrates Potential Urban Transit-Oriented Development Aug 3, 2007 - A new RPA report cites Hunts Point as an example of how new transit service can be used to develop housing and jobs in inner city areas throughout the region. A new Metro North station under consideration for Hunts Point could accelerate the community’s revival, better connect the Hunts Point and Longwood neighborhoods, and provide an impetus for recommendations put forth by several active community organizations. Hunts Point was identified as a case study from 30 potential development sites that would be served by three new projects—Metro North’s Penn Station Access, Long Island Rail Road’s East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway—all of which would receive funding from congestion pricing under Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative. |
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Alternatives to Congestion Pricing Fail to Meet Goals for Traffic Relief, Air Pollution and Transit Funding July 9, 2007 – Since Mayor Bloomberg proposed a congestion pricing pilot program in April, a number of alternative ways of addressing traffic congestion have been suggested. RPA, with the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management and the University Transportation Research Center at CUNY, have evaluated these ideas, including rationing based on license plate numbers, truck reduction strategies and a variety of incremental traffic management proposals. While some of these proposals are worthwhile as part of a comprehensive congestion reduction program, none are as effective in reducing traffic or pollution as congestion pricing, and none identify any funding sources for transit improvements. |
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RPA and Diverse Coalition Push for PlaNYC and Congestion Pricing Jun. 12, 2007 - From congestion pricing to investment in regional projects, like East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway, Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC initiative incorporates key elements of RPA's Third Regional Plan. Through research, education and testimony, RPA is working to advance this ambitious agenda. As one of the conveners of the campaign for New York Future, a coalition of over 100 environmental, labor business and civic organizations, RPA is helping to reach opinion-makers and citizens throughout the region. |
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Balancing Public and Private Responsibilities on the Waterfront
June 14, 2007 - New York City’s tremendous success in revitalizing its waterfront will require about $ 100 million a year to meet new management and operating needs, according a new report by Regional Plan Association. Close to 700 acres and 58 miles of new waterfront parks, greenways and other public spaces are being created in all five boroughs. To ensure that this legacy is well maintained and managed in the public interest, the Association has recommended more than a dozen specific policy recommendations to ensure that responsible public agencies have the resources and authority to take a primary stewardship role. |
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17th Regional Assembly Wrap-up MEDIA |
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Managing Growth in Southeast Orange County A new RPA report summarizes work commissioned by the County of Orange, NY and its Planning Department to conduct an inter-municipal land use planning process covering nine municipalities. The report outlines the business as usual, sprawling development pattern that can be anticipated over the next twenty-five years and identifies a smart growth alternative that would limit congestion and maximize affordability and quality of life. The concepts represented in this report outline a new vision for development in Southeast Orange County and potential implementation tools to achieve this vision. While several place-specific recommendations are made, they serve to illustrate ways in which this vision may play out at the local level rather than parcel-by-parcel development objectives. Download the report (PDF 2.3mb) |
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RPA to NJ: Proceed with Caution on Public-Private Partnerships January 8, 2007 - A new RPA report calls for caution as state officials begin to examine opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs) on the New Jersey Turnpike or other key transportation assets. The report, entitled "Ground Rules for a Public-Private Partnership in New Jersey," identifies a number of risks associated with PPPs and sets two ground |
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RPA Participates in Mayor's Planning Efforts New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently kicked off a comprehensive planning effort for the City, entitled PlaNYC. The effort is focused on accommodating 1 million new residents in the city by 2030 while still achieving a series of sustainability goals. RPA President Bob Yaro sat on the Advisory Panel that helped frame the effort, and he weighs in on the process in the latest edition of Spotlight on the Region. To provide your own input on the City's plans, visit nyc.gov/2030. |
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A Vision for Newark October 18 - RPA today released a Draft Vision for the City of Newark that plans for rapid growth and improved quality of life for all city residents. The report, which was completed in conjunction with Mayor Booker's 100 Day initiative, builds on the many existing plans for the city and provides the foundation for a revised Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance. RPA and the City of Newark welcome public input on the Draft Vision report through our downaladable feedback form, which can be sent to both RPA and the City of Newark via email at NewarkVision@rpa.org and visioncomment@ci.newark.nj.us, or via fax using the Newark Community Response Form to (212) 253-5666 or (973) 733.4855. |
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October 18 - A report released today revealed that a well-designed program to allow developers to pay for the rights to build at greater densities than ordinarily allowed could help pay to save tens of thousands of acres of open space in the New Jersey Highlands region. According to the report, a transfer of development rights (TDR) market-based program could generate from $250 million to well more than $1 billion over a multi-year period to invest in open space with little or no public investment. |
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RPA Weighs in on Atlantic Yards Development On the eve of Wednesday's public hearing, Regional Plan Association (RPA) today released its position on the Atlantic Yards development proposed by Forest City Ratner Companies. The statement expressed the organization's support for the signature arena block but called for changes to the eastern portion of the site plan to make the open space unambiguously public and ensure design excellence over the full build-out. The statement also warned that the City and State must make additional traffic and transit improvements to support this and other major developments in downtown Brooklyn. |
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New Report Proposes Regional Solutions To Housing Crisis August 9, 2006 – RPA and the Citizens Housing and Planning Council released a new report that characterizes the area's housing crisis as a regional problem and proposes innovative regional solutions. The report, Balanced Housing for a Smart Region, is the culmination of two years of research and dialogue among CHPC and RPA staff and housing, planning, and community development experts throughout the metropolitan region.
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Report Proposes NJ Property Tax Reform Action Plan Recommends use of new sales tax revenue to catalyze reform by supporting consolidation, smart growth policies.
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Two New Reports Span the Region The Governors Island Alliance has created a set of illustrated guidelines for the parks and public spaces on the 172 acre Island. Highlighted within the guidelines are three illustrated alternative visions for the Island's future and four layouts of public space considered "unsuitable" by the Alliance members. The Alliance is working with the National Park Service and the Governors Island Preservation And Education Corporation to see these guidelines adopted in the public plans now being developed for the island.
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In Eatontown, New Jersey, RPA worked with a wide group of stakeholders to create a new viision for the downtown area.
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RPA Weighs in on Issues of the Day July 7, 2006 – Sale of MTA's Rail Yards: RPA released a statement applauding Mayor Bloomberg and Council Speaker Quinn for making an initial offer for the west side property, but called on the City to raise its asking price closer to the property's appraised value. Read the NJ Budget Deal: RPA cheered the resolution to the budget impasse but cautioned that the sales tax increase would not solve the state's property tax issue. Read the Full Statement Image: In 2005, RPA proposed the above alternative for the MTA's rail yards, which were again the topic of debate this week. |
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Spitzer, Suozzi, Weiner, Kiley Highlight Regional Assembly More than 500 of the region’s business, civic and government leaders learned about the region’s preparedness for disaster at RPA’s 16th Annual Regional Assembly. Entitled “Come What May: Planning in an Age of Disaster,” the event was highlighted by a keynote address from Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who detailed his transportation agenda for New York State. Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, Congressman Anthony Weiner and Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia were among the featured speakers who described measures being taken to prepare the region for terrorism, hurricanes, sea rise and other potential disasters. Former Transport for London Chair Robert Kiley gave an eye-opening luncheon address about the London bombings and the lessons they provide for New York.
"Taking a Longer View," a mapping project detailing the hazards facing the Gulf Coast was released in conjunction with RPA's 2006 Regional Assembly "Come What May: Planning in the Age of Disaster". Through GIS mapping, the project observes where the vulnerability and risk can be seen throughout the Gulf region. This project was completed with the help of the University of Texas, Austin and EDAW. Read the Report (PDF 3Mb). |
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Report Evaluates Property Tax Proposals RPA, in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, today released a report analyzing five proposals for fundamental property tax reform in New Jersey. The report, “Fundamental Property Tax Reform II: A Guide for Evaluating Proposals,” rates each proposal on how it would affect land use, social equity, efficiency and fiscal health, based on seven specific criteria.
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How to Save NJ's Transportation System Nov. 14, 2005 – A new RPA report identifies an action plan to avert an impending transportation catastrophe in New Jersey, including specific revenue sources that should be utilized to raise the billions of dollars needed to support the transportation network each year. The study, entitled “Reform, Revenue, Results: How to Save New Jersey’s Transportation System,” notes that the $2.7 billion annual funding gap cannot be closed simply by cutting waste; significant new revenue sources are needed and quick fixes will only make the long-term problem worse. The report prescribes a specific set of revenues to fund transportation operating budgets and lays out a menu of choices for replenishing the Transportation Trust Fund that supports capital spending. The report follows a July study that warned the Fund will run dry on July 1, 2006.
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RPA Brings Land Use Into NJ Property Tax Debate Oct. 17, 2005 – Regional Plan Association (RPA) today released a report calling for the current property tax debate in New Jersey to acknowledge its massive impacts on land use policy, and identifying ideas for reform. The report, “Fundamental Property Tax Reform: Land Use Implications of New Jersey’s Tax Debate,” challenges the Gubernatorial and legislative candidates to address the implications of tax reform on land use and its related issues – congestion, open space protection, housing production and economic development.
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New RPA Report Reveals Impending Transportation Crisis in NJ Jul 11, 2005 – A report released by RPA Monday warns of an impending transportation catastrophe and calls for reforming the way that transportation is funded in New Jersey. The study, entitled "Putting the Trust Back in the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund," notes the severity of the transportation funding shortage for both capital and operating expenses, and warns that without reform the Fund could easily empty to $0 again even after tax increases. |
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Study Shows Mixed-Use Development Outperforms Stadium on Far West Side Feb. 3, 2005 – A new RPA report, “Urban Development Alternatives for the Hudson Rail Yards,” identifies, analyzes and illustrates several mixed-use alternatives for the proposed stadium site on Manhattan’s Far West Side. The report makes three principal conclusions:• The market will support significant residential development on the Western Yards as soon as a platform is constructed. • Mixed-use development on the site would do more to catalyze development throughout the district than a stadium, with improved waterfront access and connections to the neighborhood. • The alternatives provide a greater return on public investment than the stadium proposal. Read the paper in PDF form. Read the first paper in PDF form, Read the summary of the Environmental Impact Statement |
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