Summit Earns Transit Village Designation

The City of Summit has been accepted into the New Jersey Department of Transportation-administered Transit Village program which promotes mixed-use development and Complete Streets accommodations near transit facilities, the Christie Administration announced Friday.

Summit is currently the 27th municipality to be accepted into the Transit Village program statewide.

“We are extremely excited about the Transit Village designation,” said Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson. “It will identify the city as a well-planned transit- and pedestrian-friendly community where smart development is encouraged, creating a livelier downtown and bringing many new residents into the surrounding area.”

The program provides participating towns with planning expertise and grant opportunities to redevelop land near train or other transit facilities in order to promote economic activity and encourage the use of public transportation. All Transit Village proposals must include residential components, according to the NJDOT.

“The Transit Village initiative creates safe, walkable and enjoyable communities by accentuating and improving on existing transportation assets,” said NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson. “I commend the City of Summit for applying the ideals of smart growth and Complete Streets to their future development.”

The City of Summit is moving forward with a detailed planning process with the goal of revitalizing its central retail business district through a master plan promoting mixed-use development and full access to their public transportation facilities. 

Summit's proposal includes plans that are consistent with Complete Streets principles which encourage the safe accommodation of all users of streets and roads, including cyclists and pedestrians.

Among its plans, the City will add bicycle racks in the transit village area and bike lockers at the train station. Renovations to the Village Green are aimed at improving access for pedestrians and will redirect paths and enhance lighting. Additionally, Summit is planning bump-outs, signage, on-street parking, and striping to calm traffic.

To read a press release from the Christie administration regarding the Transit Village designation, click here.