Bill introduced in Delco to aid transit development

DELAWARE COUNTY

Bill introduced to revise act aiding transit-oriented development

UPPER DARBY A decade after Pennsylvania passed legislation to promote development near public transit stations, municipalities are struggling to take advantage of the program.

Lawmakers gathered in Upper Darby on Tuesday to discuss a bill introduced by State Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R, Delaware) that would revise the Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act.

The TRID Act allows communities to partner with public transit agencies and private developers by using added tax revenue from development projects on improvements to transportation infrastructure.

Marcus Hook Borough in Delaware County is among the 14 municipalities that have completed planning studies for the TRID but have been unable to implement it. Pittsburgh is the only community in the state to use the program.

Marcus Hook Borough Manager Bruce Dorbian said additional state aid and flexibility in the program requirements would make it more feasible to encourage mixed-use development.

- Laura McCrystal