MassINC Gateway Cities Study: Transit-Oriented Development
Fitchburg, Lynn, Springfield, and Worcester, MA
MassINC, a statewide research and policy organization in Massachusetts, embarked upon a six month study of four post-industrial Gateway Cities to determine the market demand for transit-oriented development. The study looked at how transit access could be maximized through the use of development and regulatory incentive programs to catalyze housing and job growth in TOD areas. The end goal was to produce a series of policy recommendations based on market realities in locations where financing new development is often a challenge.
RKG evaluated each of the four Gateway Cities to determine the market demand for office, retail, industrial, and residential uses, and then translated the city-wide demand down to the smaller, half-mile TOD areas. RKG also completed an analysis of specific, potentially catalytic development sites in each TOD area, and created a financial model to test development feasibility at a variety of scales and use mixes. A build-out analysis was also completed for each TOD area to determine the maximum development capacity of each area and compare that with existing conditions. The team then used this information to help MassINC craft regulatory and financial policy proposals that would help spur new investment around transit stations in Gateway Cities.
MassINC released its comprehensive report at an event with state officials and policy advocates. It utilized RKG data and research and aims to help inform statewide policy changes. The report will be used to inform legislators and executive branch members of the benefits to investing in Gateway City TOD areas.
The full report can be found here: