Here’s how building near bus and train stations might curb the nation’s housing shortage

Some homes could use land owned by transit agencies, planning pros say

Most of the U.S. housing shortage could be addressed by building affordable residential property near train and bus stations, some transportation professionals say. But to pull it off, they add, developers need to overcome local opposition and get control of more land.

As much as three-quarters of an estimated 5 million shortfall of residences across the country could be met by building around transit stops, if developers are permitted to pack enough houses, condos or apartments nearby, said Harriet Tregoning, an adviser to the federal Department of Transportation and Maryland’s former secretary of planning.

She made the comment in a panel discussion this week at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that included several government, nonprofit and private-sector leaders focused on the promise of development built close to bus and train hubs.