Envisioning Neighborhoods with TOD Potential

The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San José State University conducted this study to review the issues and implications involved when seeking to Envision Neighborhoods with Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Potential.

The Envisioning Neighborhoods with Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Potential project seeks to introduce planners, developers, and urban analysts to information design techniques and digital computer tools that can be used to undertake and study TOD. A basic premise is that effective TOD requires thoughtful planning to be successfully integrated into the metropolitan fabric.

The primary focus of this project is intra-regional comparisons, focusing on information pertaining to the relative desirability of places within a region. Context matters, so data is best understood in a comparative context. Small multiple replicate maps, charts, and digital images can be used to understand many aspects of places with TOD potential. Place comparisons can be made across space, time, and scale. The study focus is on understanding the neighborhoods surrounding transit centers and their context in terms of the character of areas within walking distance (< 1/2 mile), bicycling distance (< 2 miles) and five-mile driving or transit distance. These ranges of analysis include the areas where residents of possible TODs might work, shop, or prefer to go for services. This project includes a comprehensive case study application envisioning the Hayward BART Station area. Other case studies cover the Fruitvale BART in Oakland, Redwood City and Mountain View CalTrain, Campbell LRT site, and Sacramento’s 65th St. Station areas.