Together with a variety of partners, MassINC hosted the North Shore Transformative Transit-Oriented Development Forum on Wednesday, June 19th. The event drew dozens of citizens and leaders interested in exploring the linkages between transit and development in the region.

Our day began with a walking tour of the area surrounding Lynn’s commuter rail station. Guided by MassDevelopment TDI Fellow Joe Mulligan, we learned about the city’s transit connections, historical landmarks, local businesses, and economic development opportunities.

Jim Cowdell, executive director of Lynn EDIC, opened the speaking program at the Lynn Museum with welcoming remarks outlining a vision for the future of transit-oriented development in Lynn. Then Dr. Tracy Corley presented MassINC research on the virtuous cycle of TTOD, highlighting how Gateway Cities have vast promise for infill development in the areas surrounding their commuter rail stations (click here for Tracy’s presentation). The opening segment of the program concluded with Alexandra Markiewicz, a transit planner for MassDOT, who presented on the agency’s newly launched Lynn Transit Action Plan as well as the Rail Vision Project, describing the evaluation process and how it will unfold over the coming months  (click here for Alexandra’s presentation).

Next, Carolina Trujillo, Community Relations Director for Essex Media Group, moderated a conversation featuring Lynn Mayor Tom McGee, Gloucester State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Salem’s Director of Planning and Development Tom Daniel, and Michael Procopio of Procopio Companies.

The panelists led a wide-ranging conversation with those in attendance, highlighting the value of multi-modal hubs, particularly as we work to respond aggressively to the threat posed by climate change. Equity and inclusive development were also front and center throughout the discussion. Many expressed fear that TTOD will fuel displacement, especially with the strong Boston housing market already putting upward pressure or rents and home values in Lynn.

After the panel concluded, attendees moved next door to LynnArts to network over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

MassINC would like to thank Mayor Tom McGee, Gloucester State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, our partners from the City of Lynn, the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, EDIC, the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development, MassDevelopment, the Lynn Museum, LynnArts, Eastern Bank, the Barr Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts, and everyone who participated in our Transformative Transit-Oriented Development (TTOD) Regional Forum.

Click here to read the Daily Item’s coverage of the event, view pictures from the day, and watch the panel discussion.

About the Transformative Transit-Oriented Development (TTOD) Regional Forum Series

MassINC is working with our Gateway Cities to improve rail and transit service, while also spurring economic and real estate development near rail stations.

The report is available at https://massinc.org/research/the-promise-and-potential-of-transformative-transit-oriented-development-in-gateway-cities/.