BFJ Planning worked with the Town of Branford to develop a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan for the area around the expanded Branford Shoreline East Train Station. The Branford TOD Plan provides the Town with direction and tools to promote the long term transformation of the outdated industrial and commercial legacy uses in the study area, particularly near the AMTRAK rail line, to more productive uses better suited to the current local and regional economy. Promoting growth and redevelopment that is more transit oriented will increase the Town’s tax base and fit into the overall state and regional planning vision of promoting future growth in areas with available transit and appropriate utility services. 

The Branford TOD Plan lays the groundwork for physical improvements and regulation changes to allow development that is financially feasible and is appropriately scaled to fit into the existing historic Branford Town Center and its surrounding residential neighborhoods. The Plan examines constraints, specifically flooding issues that present a partial obstacle to development in this area. A significant portion of the study area is located within the 100-year floodplain. The plan also focuses on improvements to the streetscape including pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle access. The final report includes a comprehensive set of recommendations for action including, zoning changes, architectural and streetscape design guidelines, as well as preliminary designs for specific infrastructure improvement projects.