Bill > A1868

This bill, titled the "New Jersey Transit Villages Act," aims to formalize and expand upon the existing "Transit Village Initiative" by encouraging municipalities to promote intensive, mixed-use development within a half-mile radius of mass transit hubs. The act defines a "transit village" as a compact, walkable community centered around a transit station that is designed to increase transit ridership and reduce reliance on cars. It outlines the process for municipalities to create a "transit village plan element" as part of their master plan, which includes provisions for capital improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and mixed-use development. The bill also establishes a review process by the Office of Smart Growth and the Commissioner of Transportation for these plans, and allows for the designation of "transit village zones" through zoning ordinances. To further incentivize this development, the bill introduces a grant funding program, allows for road maintenance contracts within transit villages, prioritizes transit villages for various state funding applications, offers tax credits for development within these zones, and enables municipalities to use specific financing mechanisms for improvements. Additionally, it makes home buyers in designated transit villages eligible for homeownership programs and allows the Department of Environmental Protection to expedite permit reviews for such areas. The bill also makes minor amendments to existing laws regarding municipal master plans and zoning ordinances to incorporate these new provisions.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1868