Metro fails to attract TOD in some areas

The Metro system in greater Washington, DC, has failed to work effectively on attracting transit-oriented development (TOD) to many of the properties the system owns near its commuter rail stations, according to a recent report by a panel of experts appointed by Metro itself. The report is part of an effort by Metro to invigorate its “joint development” program, which involves teaming up with private developers to place real estate projects on Metro-owned land.

Metro officials “agree with the panel’s conclusions and are changing how they do business,” The Washington Post quoted General Manager John B. Catoe Jr. as saying. Catoe took the helm of Metro in January, and Nat Bottigheimer has been given responsibility for turning around the land-use program.

Maryland state transportation officials have criticized the lack of development at stations in Prince George’s County, south and east of Washington. However, some blame the scarcity of transit-oriented development in Prince George’s — and in Fairfax County, Virginia, as well — on the governments of those two counties. Development has been more impressive in Arlington County, Virginia; Montgomery County, Maryland; and the District itself (see July-August 2007 New Urban News). Bottigheimer said Metro is shifting to doing more planning upfront rather than putting the burden on developers to figure out locations for parking, buses, and drop-off areas.