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MDOT outlines Penn Line '0.25' TOD strategy, projects hundreds of millions in tax revenue and thousands of new trips
Summary
Maryland DOT presented a high-level Penn Line transit‑oriented development strategy focused on state land near Penn Line stations, forecasting about $800 million in state/local tax revenue, nearly 5,000 jobs and roughly 550,000 additional MARC trips from phase‑1 sites.
Maryland Department of Transportation official Zidane told the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee that TOD is defined in state statute as dense, mixed‑use development within a half‑mile of transit stations and is a stated 2024 administration priority. He said the state will pursue a combined joint‑development program on state land and supportive programs to partner with localities and WMATA.
"TOD is defined in state statute as, dense mixed use deliberately planned development within 0.5 mile transit stations, with the expressed goal of increasing transit ridership," Zidane said, framing the strategy as both a housing and economic development tool. He told the committee the state owns roughly 300 acres of undeveloped land near transit, which presents opportunities for coordinated projects.
Zidane described the Penn Line as a core focus because it connects Washington, D.C., and Baltimore and overlaps significant state‑owned parcels. He said MDOT's phase‑1 analysis estimates development could generate about $800,000,000 in state and local tax revenue, almost 5,000 jobs, roughly 550,000 additional MARC trips and about 2,600 housing units across targeted station areas.
The presentation emphasized partnering with local jurisdictions, WMATA and private developers while recognizing technical constraints — from complicated rail‑adjacent construction to the cost of structured parking. Zidane described the Penn Line study as strategic guidance rather than a master plan and said MDOT will pursue community engagement and coordinated solicitations to move specific sites toward development.
