From Chicago Sun-Times · · 3m
Chicago's New Transit Authority Gains Land Development Power
Chicago's new transit authority can now buy and develop land near transit stations to boost neighborhoods.
In brief
Chicago's new transit authority can now buy and develop land near transit stations to boost neighborhoods. Chicago's Northern Illinois Transit Authority gains power to develop land near transit stations, potentially building 8,500 homes and increasing housing access. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
New transit authority powers
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority gains unprecedented power to buy and develop land near transit stations for projects like housing and retail.
Transit-oriented development
Transit-oriented development boosts ridership by making areas near transit more desirable for walking, living, working and shopping.
Chicago's transit authority law
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act gives NITA power to buy and develop land for reasons unrelated to transit, unlike other cities.
NITA's development powers
NITA can partner with developers, take on debt, offer incentives, and condemn land for projects near transit stations.
NITA's land inventory
NITA has identified 3,000 underused parcels owned by transit agencies, with 91 ripe for development, enough land for 8,500 homes.
NITA's development timeline
NITA plans to start taking development proposals in 2028, with construction beginning in 2029 and four to five projects per year.
NITA's funding
NITA plans to allocate $10 million toward affordable housing projects near transit stations.
People over parking rule
The People Over Parking rule eliminates parking spot requirements within half a mile of rail stations and one city block of bus corridors.
Benefits of TOD
TOD projects can save households up to $10,000 annually in transportation costs and increase access to jobs for low-income families.
Chicago's TOD progress
Chicago has made progress with over 100 TOD projects underway since 2013, including an equitable transit-oriented development policy in 2021.
NITA's role in TOD
NITA can now partner with developers to build on transit-owned land, something the agency has wanted to do for years.
NITA's development challenges
NITA faces challenges including staffing a new development office and high loan and construction costs for projects.
NITA's development goals
NITA aims to increase housing access in Chicago, which ranks last among big cities for issuing new housing permits.
NITA's development projects
NITA has identified 91 underused parcels ripe for development, with projects including affordable housing and retail spaces.
NITA's timeline for projects
NITA plans to start taking proposals in 2028, with construction beginning in 2029 and four to five projects per year.
NITA's impact on neighborhoods
NITA's projects can create walkable communities, boost ridership, and increase housing access for low-income families.
What to remember
Chicago's Northern Illinois Transit Authority gains power to develop land near transit stations, potentially building 8,500 homes and increasing housing access.
