Middle River Awarded State Transit Oriented Development Designation
TOWSON, MD – Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced that the area surrounding the Aviation Station project in Middle River has been approved by the Maryland Department of Transportation as a designated Transit Oriented Development (TOD).
The designation, requested by the County Executive in 2019, has the potential to bring the project and the surrounding communities an array of benefits, from technical assistance and discretionary funding to new businesses and jobs in the area.
“A stronger future for Baltimore County means smart, thoughtful growth that brings new opportunities to our communities that maximize access to transit while minimizing the impact on the environment,” Olszewski said. “We are very excited about this official TOD designation, which is a clear recognition of the incredible assets that exist in Middle River and throughout Eastern Baltimore County.”
The Aviation Station project at the 1.9 million-square-foot former Martin Aircraft manufacturing plant adjacent to the Middle River MARC Train Station will be a major mixed-use development at the intersection of MD Route 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) and MD Route 150 (Eastern Boulevard). The site is currently designated as a State Opportunity Zone as well as a Baltimore County Enterprise Zone. Both of these designations aim to spur development, reinvestment, job creation, and encourage new businesses to invest in the area.
“This is a game-changer for Middle River and all of eastern Baltimore County,” said Baltimore County Council Chairwoman Cathy Bevins. “Employment opportunities, housing opportunities, recreational opportunities, and finally taking advantage of the rail system and the airport. It’s been 10 years in the making, and it is now going to put Middle River back on the map. I am proud to have worked closely with all those involved, most importantly our communities. Special thanks to the Essex-Middle River Civic Council for supporting this endeavor.”
TODs are dense, mixed-use developments located near multi-modal transit opportunities and designed to encourage walking and biking. They aim to:
· Support the use of transportation alternatives and promote transit accessibility for bicycles and pedestrians,
· Increase transit ridership and reduce car congestion,
· Promote community safety, convenience and economic development objectives,
· Minimize air and water quality impacts, and
· Enhance accessibility to jobs, housing and other destinations for all residents.
An official TOD designation has the potential to provide access to a number of tools and technical assistance. According to MDOT, potential benefits of official TOD designation include:
· Technical Assistance - Feasibility, Planning, and Market Studies may be supported. Also – it may be possible for MDOT to assist in addressing accessibility concerns (transit and roadway access or bike/pedestrian connections) or with conducting pre-development activities.
· Discretionary Program Funding - Where discretionary programs are identified as appropriate to site development needs, MDOT may be able to assist with developing applications, conducting cost-benefit analyses, or providing letters of support. Some projects may also be allocated additional points by virtue of their designation (or proximity to transit) in competitions for state funding programs.
· Financing Tools - TOD designation is one way for local jurisdictions to gain access to more flexible terms in deploying Tax Increment Finance (TIF) to support TOD project outcomes. Special provisions associated with the Designation make it possible for local jurisdictions to draw on a broader range of resources, including special revenues and support of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation to help finance TOD infrastructure.
· Location of State Office Facilities - A Governor’s Executive Order regarding state offices and TOD was issued in 2009 and remains in effect. The order states that sites that are part of a designated TOD – or are otherwise strongly supported by transit – should be given preferential consideration in the decision-making process for siting state office facilities.
The site will be Baltimore County’s second officially designated TOD site, following the Owings Mills Town Centre.