Below is information on special projects and plans by the Borough of Collingswood.

Transit Oriented Development Info l LumberYard Condos

Scroll down for downloadable transit oriented development documents and information.

Click here to see the South Jersey Magazine article on Collingswood's TOD! Originally printed in South Jersey Magazine Volume 4, Issue 5. Reprinted here with the permission of South Jersey Magazine.

Collingswood/DRPA enter next phase of Transit Village

Collingswood is seeking requests for qualifications (RFQs) from developers to start planning the next phases of the transit village centered around the PATCO Speedline station in the Borough.

In April 2007, the Collingswood, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) announced a partnership to examine the possibilities of transit oriented development (TOD) adjacent to the downtown Collingswood PATCO station. The Borough and DRPA/PATCO are inviting development firms to submit a Statement of Qualifications to potentially be designated as the Master Developer for the transit oriented development project.

The Borough will hold a meeting on April 10 at 11 a.m. with Collingswood, DRPA and PATCO staff and local officials to discuss this development opportunity. Interested developers are encouraged to attend the informational briefing session at the Collingswood Community Center (30 W. Collings Avenue) to ask questions about the scope of the project. The official RFQ packet and other details on Collingswood’s Transit Village project can be found below within the next week.

In 2005 and 2006 Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC developed a master plan for DRPA/PATCO by to examine the viability of maximizing the agency’s real estate at its six suburban PATCO stations and the Ferry Avenue station in Camden. Research showed Collingswood as an excellent candidate for TOD.

Development will focus on areas along North Atlantic Ave, directly around PATCO’s Collingswood station. The Borough is considering more residential and commercial buildings and structured parking. New Jersey Smart Growth initiatives encourage growth on already developed land rather than clearing new areas so work will take place over much of the current PATCO station parking area. Additionally, the project hopes to provide amenities for regular PATCO commuters and residents such as dry cleaning, prepared meals, pharmacies, newsstands, etc.

In researching the viability and potential effectiveness of TOD’s at PATCO stations, DRPA/PATCO sought input from the host community’s elected leadership and stakeholders. The objective was to gauge each community’s interest in developing its PATCO parking lots and to ensure that any development that may occur is consistent with the host community’s development plans. DRPA/PATCO and Collingswood have gathered public feedback with two community forums and will continue to seek local input as the project advances.

The first phase of Collingswood’s TOD plan, The Lumber Yard condominium project, is a mixed-use redevelopment initiative on Haddon Avenue that includes 119 residential units and 19 commercial units within blocks of the Collingswood PATCO station. The first phase of the project, containing 41 residential and 10 commercial units is completed and all units have been sold with all residential and most retail units occupied. The second phase of the development is under construction and will be ready for occupancy in early 2008. The Wallace Roberts & Todd study shows that residents of a well-designed, new development at transit stations ride transit up to five or six times more often than residents of comparable development located away from transit.

The Transit Village Initiative helps to redevelop and revitalize communities around transit facilities to make them an appealing choice for people to live, work and play, increasing walkability, reducing reliance on the automobile, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Ten Principles for Successful Development Around Transit
High-Density Development: Myth and Fact
Smart Growth: Myth and Fact
Ten Principles for Successful Public / Private Partnerships

New!!! The Little Engine that Could - In many cities, the hottest development is taking place along the train lines. Article from the Wall Street Journal.�

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The Lumberyard Condos

Situated on the site of the former Peter Lumber on Haddon Avenue, The LumberYard is a major step forward in the history of Collingswood. The transformation of this four acre-parcel into a modern new center of residential and commercial activity represents Collingswood Borough's continuing commitment to lead by example when in comes to energizing and revitalizing America's older cities and towns.

for more information on the LumberYard initial presentation, click here.

For information on the condos, please visit www.lumberyardcondos.com

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