Authors

Koyel Das, Irene Huang, Emanuel Simmons

Research Question

How can NYC identify and optimize Transit-Oriented Densification opportunities by analyzing housing capacity, transit accessibility, and service availability?

Background

NYC faces a growing demand for housing, making Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) a key strategy for sustainable urban growth. This project identifies underutilized housing capacity in areas with strong transit accessibility to support densification efforts.

Methodology

First, a housing opportunity analysis was conducted using GIS to identify parcels with underutilized Floor Area Ratio (FAR) by selecting buildings where the Built FAR is below the maximum allowable FAR. Next, a service area analysis was performed using a network dataset in GIS to map walkable zones (1,000 ft, ¼ mile, ½ mile) around subway, SBS, LIRR, and Metro-North Railroad stations, assessing transit accessibility. A GTFS transit analysis was performed by processing MTA GTFS data to evaluate transit frequency, headways, service gaps, and crowding levels during both peak and off-peak hours. Finally, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) scoring was developed using a weighted scoring model in Python that integrates factors such as transit service, housing opportunities, and subway accessibility.

Deliverables

• Interactive Dashboard with a multi-layered map, charts with customizable filters, and pop-up overlays providing insights into zoning and accessibility
• Technical Report

Datasets