Transit Oriented Development plans at BART stations get state boost
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced new support for plans to develop climate-friendly homes near two East Bay BART stations. The Catalytic Infill Infrastructure Grant investments target plans at West Oakland and El Cerrito Plaza. The funding will go to affordable-housing developers as well as the cities of Oakland and El Cerrito. BART’s TOD program leverages outside housing and infrastructure funding to advance development at and around BART stations in support of the District’s ridership, affordability, and climate goals.
A $20 million grant to the City of El Cerrito will support transit-oriented development (TOD) by funding preparation for the affordable housing structured parking, bringing in site utilities, and enhancing an existing bike and pedestrian trail. Funding will also support landscaping and green space, a bike station, and bus shelters. BART hopes to bring as many as 800 housing units, a new public open space, and potentially a public library to El Cerrito Plaza.
The City of Oakland is getting $40 million to support site preparation work including clearing, grubbing, and erosion control. Money will also go towards utility improvements, resurfacing of roads, and various capital improvements. The TOD plan for West Oakland calls for 762 residential units including 240 that qualify as affordable housing. There will also be 382,000 square feet of office space and 75,000 square feet of retail on approximately five acres.
The funding comes out of $239 million announced by Governor Newsom to help launch housing projects across the state. The funding is meant to help underserved neighborhoods build greener, more walkable communities and allow Californians to live closer to work and other key amenities such as public transit.
BART has 13 completed TOD projects at its stations. Another four are under construction and seven approved projects are in the pipeline. Completed TOD projects at BART have created more than 3,200 housing units including 900 that are affordable.