Citi funds outreach effort to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Rutgers’ Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) has launched an electronic publication to inform civic leaders in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut about the benefits and successes of transit-oriented development (TOD), as well as obstacles to its implementation.Funded by a charitable donation from Citi, the Metro New York Transit-Oriented Development Newsletter highlights how focusing development around transit stations can use existing infrastructure to reinvigorate older communities and promote sustainability.
“There has been growing recognition among local leaders across America, and particularly in the New York metropolitan area, that transit – and the coordination of development around transit – can play a vital role in creating and maintaining livable and sustainable communities,” said Terri Hasson, regional director for the North Atlantic at Citi. “Through feature articles, news updates and suggested readings, the Metro New York TOD Newsletter will spread the word in our region’s diverse communities about best practices, model programs, legislation and key issues that affect transit-oriented development’s acceptance at the local level.”
Interest in transit-oriented development in New Jersey led the Voorhees Center at Rutgers’ Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy to team in 2004 with NJ TRANSIT to create an electronic newsletter that engaged a wide audience in such issues. Now VTC has embarked on this new effort with the support of Citito expand its outreach to the tri-state region.
A national leader in the research and development of innovative transportation policy, VTC was one of the original partners with NJ TRANSIT in creating New Jersey’s Transit-Friendly Communities Program and with the New Jersey Department of Transportation in developing its Transit Village program.
“The New York metropolitan area has long been recognized as one of the nation’s premier examples of successful transit,” said VTC Director Robert Noland. “For the tri-state area to continue to thrive, it will have to develop a unified vision about the look of its future communities. Transit-oriented development is one possible solution for providing affordable housing, especially rental units, defining a community’s sense of character and drawing back attractive employment opportunities.”
About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 140 countries. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
Media Contact: Steve Manas
732-932-7084, ext. 612
E-mail: smanas@ur.rutgers.edu