Buffalo Comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development Planning
Buffalo, New York

Working with NFTA and its partners to develop a Amherst-Buffalo Corridor wide comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development plan that will identify, measure, and communicate economic and community development opportunities along the existing Metro Rail line in the City of Buffalo and along potential transit enhancement corridors in the Town of Amherst and Tonawanda. This plan complements, and is in response to, NFTA’s Metro Rail extension that will enhance mobility and connectivity between key activity centers in Buffalo and those located in the Northtowns with the goal of promoting mobility, economic development, housing, and sustainability.

WSP is leading the development of the Comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development Plan along the corridor that will ensure the Metro Rail expansion not only enhances regional mobility, but is part of a larger regional investment strategy to leverage economic and community development opportunities associated with transit investment. The design team undertook a TOD desirability and readiness assessment to gauge the capacity and level of preparedness for TOD at each station area. Taking into consideration existing conditions, market conditions, physical suitability, and stakeholder engagement, he team developed indepth station area TOD plans for six key station areas that include financial, regulatory, and physical interventions to encourage and enhance TOD. 

I also helped to develop key universal policy and infrastructure strategies that can be tailored and applied in a context-sensitive manner to station areas throughout the region. Throughout the process, I participate in the extensive outreach engagements to ensure local feedback and knowledge were incorporated into the analysis and plans. The Comprehensive Plan demonstrates how TOD will aligns and supports investment in transit with the region’s vision for growth and economic development.