With our urban populations growing increasingly dense, and more expected of public transit infrastructure, it's clear that transit-oriented development (TOD) isn't just a planning buzzword. It's here to stay, and as suggested by a new white paper released by Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) for the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, such development is "critical to the neighborhood's success and quality of life."

Lakeview is currently serviced by eight CTA stations. Data from CNT's report shows that of these eight stations, five now have fewer housing units within a half-mile distance (10+/- minute walk) than they had in 2000. Meanwhile, the neighborhood's population has increased by 11%, with 46% of the total neighborhood population utilizing transit for commuting—a 7% increase since 2000. In this same time, car ownership in the area has dropped by 6%, with 31% of the area households without a car. Car ownership for renters in the neighborhood has dropped by 16%, with 43% of renting households without a car.

The report calls for a reassessment of neighborhood zoning policies and parking requirements, and cites the positive benefit new development projects have shown by leveraging Chicago's new TOD ordinance. TOD allows for additional households and correspondent economic growth in neighborhoods adjacent to public transit avenues. With people driving less, and using public transit more, rezoning for TOD just makes sense.

— Benjamin van Loon

·Lakeview Transit-Oriented Development Housing & Transportation Trends [Lakeview Chamber of Commerce]

·Previous Transit-oriented development coverage [Curbed Chicago]

·Fun with Urban Planning archives [Curbed Chicago]