The goal of the Northwest Indiana Transit Development District (TDD) project was to enhance regional economic development by improving transit connectivity along two commuter rail lines that link Northwest Indiana communities to Chicago.

Metric provided Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) transaction screenings. The screenings were conducted for the Residual Designation Authority (RDA) as part of the Transit Oriented District (TOD) planning for transit districts around stations impacted through the West Lake Corridor and South Shore Double Track commuter rail projects. Our team evaluated multiple Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) stations.

The scope included a records review of state and federal governmental database listings within ASTM-approximate minimum search distances, as well as a review of reasonably ascertainable standard historical sources to identify the historical use of each property and its surrounding area. Standard sources included aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, and city directories.

Due to many properties, the timely collection of data was crucial. Project scientists grouped documentation into neighborhoods using GIS mapping tools and prioritized them based on the highest potential risk to the population area. Recommendations were made regarding the need for further property environmental assessments which helped ensure the environmental conditions for the existing project were considered with respect to each station’s location. This also assisted the Land Use Planning consultant in identifying 5-8 priority sites in conjunction with each municipality’s development goals and with the RDA’s goals.

Metric’s ability to provide assessment expertise, timely collection and relevant recommendations made this project move with accuracy and timeliness. The transit connectivity that was gained because of Metric’s work is beneficial for commuters today and many years to come.

The consulting services performed by Metric were completed on time, without any safety incidents, and within budget. Metric consulted with the client at the start of the project to identify objectives and successfully met all these planned objectives as well as requirements for NICTD Transit Oriented Development Planning Project.