The Murphy Administration and New Jersey Transit said July 15 they are continuing to advance a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project at Metropark Station in Woodbridge, with Request for Proposals (RFP) released to four finalists seeking to win the project.

“Transit-oriented developments are key to New Jersey’s economic future,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a prepared statement. “NJ Transit‘s innovative efforts on this front are welcome as demand for housing continues to be at historic highs in New Jersey. This development will create brand new housing that is connected to New York City and other key economic centers in our area.”

In 2020, NJ Transit solicited Statements of Qualifications and Expressions of Interest in 12 acres located directly adjacent to the Metropark Station on the Northeast Corridor Line–one of the busiest rail and bus stations in the NJ Transit system. The site is envisioned as a transformative mixed-use development that is strategically phased to create a new community of place centered at the transportation facilities.

Facilitating the development of TODs is one of the five goals in NJ Transit’s 2030 10-year Strategic Plan, through which the agency is promoting a more sustainable future through the development of walkable communities, engaging in adaptive reuse of property to maximize its value, and fostering a green economy by reducing emissions related to transportation.

“For NJ Transit, the development of TOD communities not only means new opportunities to generate revenue and optimize the agency’s real estate around our public transportation hubs throughout the state, but also to meet the state’s economic and environmental goals,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “NJ Transit knows how transformational this development will be for the Township of Woodbridge and is proud to facilitate the advancement of this important project.”

“New Jersey Transit’s commitment to advance Phase I of their multi-million dollar Transit-Oriented Development project at the Metropark Station in Woodbridge represents an investment in the future viability of the Northeast corridor as well as an investment in the economic future of the development area. The Phased development plan will certainly benefit Woodbridge Township and will vastly improve the safety, security and comfort of new residents, businesses and commuters moving through Woodbridge via the Metropark station,” said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac.