New AARP Report Highlights Benefits of Affordable Housing Near Transit

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Tax Credit Advisor, December 2009: Living near public transit is something most Americans once tried to avoid.

Today, things are different. Living near transit, such as on or by major bus lines or subway or light rail stops, is not only desirable but fashionable. So-called transit-oriented development – building housing units close to mass transit – is a key element of the popular planning and design philosophy called New Urbanism.

A new ARRP report highlights the benefits of transit-oriented development (TOD), stresses the importance of building and preserving affordable housing units near public transit, and points out that such units are especially valuable for older and lower-income Americans.

Co-authored by the National Housing Trust and Reconnecting America, the report presents findings and policy recommendations based on an analysis of the location of affordable housing units in 20 U.S. metropolitan areas. Of these 20, five (Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul) were chosen as case studies to develop detailed information on the challenges and benefits at specific affordable housing developments both near and far from public transit. This research involved site visits to the properties and interviews with residents 50 and older.

According to the report, transit-oriented developments are “compact, walkable, mixed-used communities that are developed around high-quality public transportation. Residents often prize these places for the advantages created by the proximity to transportation and other amenities. One consequence of this desirability is that it can increase land and property values, exacerbating housing affordability challenges.”

The report describes the various particular benefits to older persons of affordable housing near transit. A 2005 study by AARP found that 12% of adults aged 50 and older and 20% of people aged 65 and older do not drive.

The study, however, points out that proximity to public transit alone isn’t enough. For proximity to be beneficial, the transit must also be of quality (i.e. high frequency), accessible, safe for residents to use, and near or convenient to other key amenities (e.g., shopping, services).

The report says challenges to the development of new affordable housing near transit include limited land, restrictive zoning, policy barriers, and lack of policies, appropriate financing, or policy tools.

Currently, more than 250,000 privately-owned federally subsidized affordable apartments within the selected 20 metropolitan areas are located within walking distance of quality transit. Of these units, more than two-thirds are covered by subsidy contracts that are scheduled to expire by year-end 2014.

The report recommends specific policies and actions to:

  • Preserve existing subsidized affordable housing, particularly units in areas near transit.
  • Integrate housing, transportation, and land use planning more effectively.
  • Improve and invest in public transportation, including increased federal funding for alternative transportation.

“Preserving Affordability and Access in Livable Communities: Subsidized Housing Opportunities Near Transit and the 50+ Population,” is posted online, at http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com/housing/articles/2009-15.html